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Letters of inquiry due January 11, 2008

Our Mission

The Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation works toward a healthy, sustainable future by promoting science-based understanding, solutions and actions that are grounded in recognition of the interconnected nature of our world.

Context

"We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise...It is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another,to the greater community of life, and to future generations." --The Earth Charter

Scientific inquiry and advances in the biosciences continue to expand our understanding of the complex relationships between the environment and human health. Recognition of the interconnected nature of our world provides a vital lens for informed application of scientific discoveries and technological innovations. Insightful, innovative scientific thinking is also one fundamental key to imagining and creating solutions for a healthier world for all. This context provides the basis for the work of the Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation (SBLF).

Who We Are and How We Work

SBLF is a philanthropic, science-based foundation with roots in the Seattle biotech community. We are a diverse, interdisciplinary community of people who collectively offer our financial resources, talent and expertise, and embrace a culture of collaboration in our work. We focus our efforts in the Puget Sound region but aim for broader impact. We invite participation and contributions of all kinds.

SBLF provides funding, volunteers and expertise in support of projects and programs that:

• Explore and elucidate links between human health and the health of the planet and its environment.
• Provide opportunities for individuals or organizations to expand scientific awareness, literacy and inquiry skills.
• Address root causes and focus on opportunities for systemic change.
• Bring together people and organizations with diverse perspectives and expertise to address complex problems.

Our Guiding Principles

• We believe that recognition and understanding of the interconnected nature of our world is vital to attaining a healthy, sustainable future.
• We believe that science and technology, used wisely, can contribute to greater health and harmony for the entire web of life–now and for future generations.
• We believe that scientific investigation, awareness and inquiry skills are critical tools for individuals, organizations and communities in our complex world.
• We believe that people with diverse perspectives and expertise, working in collaboration, can find creative solutions for a healthier world.

SBLF is committed to building a legacy based on these principles.

Grant Program

Request for Proposals

The Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation provides funding for projects and programs that best align with the interests outlined in the "Who We Are and How We Work" section above. Projects should have a basis in science, integrating information and/or generating research from disciplines relevant to sustainability and environmental and human health. In addition, projects may involve bringing together people or organizations with interests similar to those of SBLF for focused open discussions or forums. Projects should include provisions for educating the public and/or policymakers about the results and should focus on issues of importance in the greater Puget Sound region. We will consider K-12 science education projects that align with our mission.

SBLF is looking for organizations with strong leadership and a clear strategic vision, where there may be opportunities for SBLF to contribute to the organization's work through collaboration, networking or volunteers. The SBLF community is primarily drawn from the biotechnology sector, with professional skills in the areas of science, clinical research, and business.

Applicants will determine the focus issue or topic of their projects. Both one-time projects and ongoing work will be considered. SBLF is interested in funding specific projects, rather than providing general operating support or funding large capital expenditures for an organization. To read about previous grants, please see 2007 Grants or Past Grant Recipients.

Scope of the Program

Approximately $100,000 will be available for funding of new grants in 2008, with a typical grant amount of $10,000 to $35,000. Please see the SBLF website for a list of organizations funded and grant amounts from previous grant cycles.  If the total project budget exceeds the requested grant amount, the award may be contingent upon the project being fully funded by other sources.

There are many worthwhile projects in our area, however current budgetary limits allow SBLF to commit to only single-year grants. Grantees may reapply for funding in subsequent years.

Selection Criteria

• Projects should utilize and apply scientific approaches and methods to further understanding of the issue being addressed.
• Projects that consider issues from multiple perspectives or employ collaborative approaches are especially encouraged. Collaborative applications that include more than one organization are welcome.
• Projects should provide for educating the public and/or policymakers about issues addressed.
• Applicant organizations should be based in and focus on the Greater Puget Sound region.
• Applicant organizations should be interested in the possibility of utilizing the expertise of the SBLF community and be prepared to facilitate collaborative or volunteer opportunities with SBLF.
• Applicant organizations should qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. If your organization meets all other selection criteria and you would like to further discuss your status, please contact us.

Information on the application process and letter of inquiry requirements is given below.

2008 SBLF Letter of Inquiry

Application Process

Letters of inquiry must be received by January 11, 2008. Seattle Biotech Legacy Foundation (SBLF) will acknowledge all letters of inquiry and invite full proposals from selected applicants by the end of January 2008. Full Proposals will be due approximately one month after invitation.

We are interested in learning about your work. We welcome your call to discuss your proposal idea and any questions. Please contact Brian Childress, Program & Donor Services Officer at The Seattle Foundation at (206) 515-2130 or sblf@seattlefoundation.org.  You may also find answers to your questions on our Grant Program FAQs page.

SBLF Letter of Inquiry

Eligible organizations with requests that meet SBLF's mission and purpose should provide a letter of inquiry no longer than two pages containing all of the following information:

• A brief summary of the mission, history and program goals of your organization(s)
• Size and budget of the overall organization (i.e. current organizational budget, total amount spent in recently completed fiscal year, total staff size)
• Description of project
• Description of issue the project will address
• Description of the scientific basis of your project
• Description of tactics to be used to inform the public/policymakers about issues addressed
• Description of how your project supports the goals of SBLF
• Description of how SBLF expertise might assist your organization
• Project timeline
• Amount of funding sought from SBLF

Please include the following attachments:

• A list of your Board of Directors with addresses, phone numbers and professions identified
• Project Budget including other funding sources

Please email your letter of inquiry and attachments to sblf@seattlefoundation.org.

SBLF operates as a donor advised fund at The Seattle Foundation and is incorporated as a nonprofit organization in the state of Washington. SBLF is guided by a Board of Directors and recieves administrative and program assistance from The Seattle Foundation.