What is the Bridges Incentive Grant Program?
What is the Bridges Incentive Grant Program?The program was established to recognize and support local and district incentives that would build a bridge between the Daughters of Penelope and the communities we live in, while promoting the ideals of the Daughters of Penelope through community service, civic responsibility and family excellence.
The Foundation will recognize a select number of exemplary programs/projects that benefit a local qualified 501(c) 3 organization within your chapter or district area. Your chapter or district may submit only one (1) program/project proposal with an application and the completed proposal must be implemented and submitted by the May 3rd deadline. The chapters and districts selected as grant recipients will have a matching grant donation up to $500 donated by the Foundation in their name to a single (1), qualified 501(c)3 organization. All applicants not selected are encouraged to reapply for the awards in the next call for proposals.
Funding for the incentive grant comes from the Foundation directly. As the program expands, it is possible that there may be contributors who would like to fund the program. If so, the benefactor’s name would then be recognized in all printed materials associated with the Bridges Incentive Grant Program.
What are the Program’s Goals?
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- To strengthen our bonds in our local communities bridging the gap between the Daughters of Penelope and the communities we live in
- To reward and encourage creativity and innovation in the Daughters of Penelope
- To perpetuate the works of our Order at the grassroots level
- To promote volunteering, charitable giving and family excellence
- To motivate and inspire membership participation
- To stimulate the development of new ideas
What Kind of Projects will the Foundation Support?
The Foundation will support unique civic, cultural, educational or charitable programs that benefit a qualified 501(c)3 organization within the local chapter or district area. The projects selected must be implemented and completed by the deadline of each year and have the potential to radiate excellence. By this, we mean that the project should lend itself to serving as a model for other chapters or districts to adapt, modify, or replicate, thereby strengthening the entire organization. The selected 501(c)3 organization should be in existence for a minimum of 5 years.
Grants Awarded:
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Ashley Lauren Foundation | 2015 Grant Winner The goal of The Ashley Lauren Foundation is to ease the journey when pediatric cancer is diagnosed by providing direct financial, material and emotional assistance, along with our many programs developed to bring smiles to the children.> Learn more |
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Saint Sophia School | 2015 Grant Winner Saint Sophia School focuses on early childhood education, offering a quality program at affordable tuition rates. Their mission is to provide our young children with a foundation for continuous intellectual, social, spiritual, and physical growth.> Learn more |
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Cypress Elementary School | 2016 Grant Winner Eros chapter supported the Pack-A-Sack Program which feeds 16 elementary children during the weekends. They did this during the entire school year.> Learn more |
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YWCA Circle of Women | 2018 Grant Winner Iris Chapter supported the Circle of Women Luncheon supporting domestic violence and sexual assault. > Learn more |
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Caritas – Red Tent for Homeless Women | 2018 Grant Winner Antiklea Chapter collected feminine hygiene supplies within the community and supplied publicity for the cause with signs flyers and brochures.> Learn more |
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Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | 2018 Grant Winner Altes Chapter supported the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through a gift auction, auction, raffle and food sales.> Learn more |
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Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence | 2018 Grant Winner Daphne Chapter supported the Winter Open House and members volunteered to assist NDS with this annual program to hold a one-day holiday social event for their clients. They hosted an ornament craft table.> Learn more |
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Parnassus Chapter #115, |
Anna Ogden Hall, a program of the Union Gospel Mission | 2023 Grant Winner The Union Gospel Mission Women’s Recovery Program at Anna Ogden Hall, established in 1971, provides a secure, Christ-centered environment for women and children. This warm shelter offers a long-term recovery program with counselling, Bible studies, life-skill and parenting classes, and education/vocational support to help women become God-dependent, contributing community members. |
2024 Bridges Incentive Grant Program Application
(Deadline May 3, 2024)