These guidelines outline the Bermuda Foundation’s approach to discretionary grantmaking, including our funding priorities, eligibility considerations, and the types of programmes we do and do not support.

In addition to Bermuda Foundation-led programmes, we also administer a range of charitable funds on behalf of donors. Eligibility criteria and priorities for these funds may differ and are outlined within each specific grant opportunity. 

Our Approach to Grantmaking

“Our grants strategy puts the emphasis on what difference each grant will make.”

The Bermuda Foundation applies a transparent and strategic approach to assessing and awarding grants. We balance community priorities, social impact, and available resources, with a commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s third sector.

Our grantmaking is informed by research, including Bermuda’s Vital Signs®, and an outcomes-based approach. This ensures funding is directed towards areas of greatest need and opportunity within the community.

For further detail, please refer to the BF Central Grants Strategy and Procedures document.

Application & Eligibility Guidelines

To ensure your application is eligible and complete, please review the following:

Eligibility & Compliance

• • Review the list of documents you may need to prepare on the Templates & Downloads page

  • Be registered on GiveBermuda.org

  • Complete the Eligibility Questionnaire via the Apply Page (where applicable)

Application Process

• • Apply via the online application system by the published deadline

  • Incomplete or duplicate applications will not be considered

  • Applications must be submitted by a representative of the applicant organisation

  • Submit well in advance of your planned programme start date to allow for processing time

Assessment Process

• • You may be contacted for clarification via phone or email

  • Applications over $5,000 may require invite an on-site assessment

  • Recommendations are reviewed by the Board of Directors or a designated Advisory Committee

  • Board decisions are final

Grant Award & Reporting

• • Successful applicants will be notified via email and prompted to sign a grant agreement online

  • Grants will be disbursed upon receipt of the signed agreement

  • Subsequent applications will only be considered once all required monitoring and reporting obligations are met

Assessment Criteria

All grant applications are assessed using the following guiding principles:

• • Bermuda Vital Signs®: We align applications with the Vital Signs framework and prioritise projects that demonstrate potential for measurable social impact.

  • Clarity and Purpose: Applications should clearly articulate goals, intended outcomes, and how success will be measured.

  • Budget Considerations: We assess the funding request against the overall programme budget and funding context — recognising that funding cycles and fiscal years vary across organisations.

  • Strategic Allocation: With limited funds available, we aim to make the strongest possible grants while ensuring sector-wide distribution across Vital Signs issue areas.

What We Do Not Typically Fund

The following reflects the Foundation’s discretionary funding approach and may not apply to all donor-advised or designated funds.

While we aim to support a wide range of initiatives, some requests fall outside our funding scope. The Bermuda Foundation generally does not fund:

• • Grantseekers not based in Bermuda, international charities or appeals (excluding donor-advised recommendations to international charities)

  • Activities that duplicate existing services or act as a substitute for statutory funding

  • Retrospective funding (i.e., costs incurred before a grant is awarded)

  • Capital build projects and large equipment purchases

  • Promotion of religion or political activity. (Faith-based organisations may be considered where programmes are open to all and aligned with funding priorities)

  • Trips outside Bermuda, holidays, or residential costs

  • Fundraising events, dinners, ticketed events or promotional activities

  • Shopping trips, parties, or food – except where food is a small but essential part of a project

  • Individuals, unless applying through a designated fund that expressly supports individuals (e.g., scholarships)

  • Organisations that have not complied with previous reporting requirements

Next Steps

View current funding opportunities → Grant Opportunities

Learn how to apply → How to Apply

Have a new idea outside open cycles? → New Programme Enquiries

Grantmaking in Action

Our grantmaking reflects our commitment to addressing Bermuda’s most pressing needs, informed by research and community priorities.