Grants

blue moon fund makes grants to nonprofit organizations that have developed innovative, holistic approaches to improving human quality of life in harmony with the natural world. We strongly encourage you to reread the descriptions of our three major initiatives before proceeding.

blue moon fund generally follows a multiple stage application process. You will first be asked to complete a brief eligibility quiz. If your project meets our general requirements, you will immediately have the opportunity to submit a letter of inquiry (LOI). Following review by staff, a full proposal may be requested. Applicants will not be able to submit full proposals unless invited to do so.

Beginning May 15, 2006, blue moon fund changed grants management software. If you are a previous grantee, you will see some changes to our online grant application and project reporting process. You will need to set up a new account the first time you access any of the online forms. If you need to reference previously submitted applications or reports, click here. Online access will only be available until June 30, 2006.

General Information

Information about nonprofit status, application deadlines, geographic focus, general funding exclusions, and what to expect after you apply.

Eligibility Quiz/Letter of Inquiry

Links to use to fill out a brief eligibility quiz and send a letter of inquiry (LOI) to introduce your project and organization to our staff.

Full Proposal

Instructions and links to fill out a full proposal.  Please note that these forms are available only if you have been invited to submit a proposal by blue moon staff.

Reporting

Instructions for providing project reports to us.

Sample Forms and Important Documents

Links to sample financial forms and foreign grant affidavits.

Fellowship

blue moon fund sponsors a fellows program designed to generate innovative approaches to the problems of human consumption and energy, balancing natural and human ecosystems, and reenergizing urban communities. Fellows are chosen by the fund based on their track record for progressive, multi-disciplinary thinking. Fellows often hail from the private sector, and are placed in non-profit organizations in an effort to expand their knowledge and gain hands-on experience. These individuals aid the fund in exploring new opportunities and expanding the body of knowledge relevant to its initiatives. Current fellows include:

• Jennifer Henry, housed at the US Green Building Council and working on standards for neighborhood design.

• Herb Simmens, housed at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and working on urban learning villages.

• Mary Rowe, based in Toronto and working on tracking and communicating a holistic approach to community building and human settlement.

Investment

blue moon fund recognizes that implementing its ambitious vision will require leveraging its assets in new ways and using market forces to reach its goals. The fund also seeks to increase the economic sustainability of projects and put organizations on a business-like footing. As a first step, the fund is experimenting with several mission-related investment models:

• A before-market, project-related investment in a company that is developing hydrogen fuel cells for scooter and other small-scale applications in Asia

• A project-related investment for the acquisition and renovation of a Section 8 housing project in Charlottesville, VA

• Business planning for sustainable businesses in the Appalachian region of Virginia and energy efficiency and power projects in China

• Possible investments in renewable energy funds in China, India, and Brazil

• Possible investments in new finance mechanisms for start-up microenterprises in remote areas

Over the long term, the fund hopes to create an integrated investment strategy that breaks down the distinctions between the program portfolio and the investment portfolio such that they are mutually supportive and fully consistent with the fund’s philosophy.