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General Information

Who We Are

The Beirne Carter Foundation was created in 1986 exclusively for charitable purposes and commenced grant making in 1989 with an initial funding of $14.0 million. In keeping with the Foundation’s original guidelines, grant funding emphasis has been placed upon health, education, local history, nature, ecology and youth.

Grant Making to Date

Since 1989, grants totaling $19.0 million have been made to organizations and institutions throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. See historic grant distribution by areas of interest and by geographic area.

Applicant Qualifications

To be eligible for grant consideration, an applicant must qualify under IRS regulations as tax exempt and not be a private operating foundation as defined by the IRS. Except under rare circumstances, grants are limited to Virginia organizations and institutions. Generally, grants will not be made to organizations supported primarily by government funds or to religious organizations. Grants are not made to individuals.

Although most grants are made pursuant to the Foundation’s established two step, grant making process, the Foundation may award grants from time to time outside of the formal application process.

Current Foundation Interests

Despite its broad purpose guidelines, the Foundation has given grant emphasis in recent years to the following: educational institutions with which the Beirne Carter family has been or is currently connected; the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research; organizations involved in environmental/ conservation/preservation activities and programs directly benefiting Virginians; and organizations that have limited access to outside funding and whose missions address unmet needs or underserved/un-served persons.

Grant Purposes

Although the Foundation has not adopted any hard and fast rules governing purposes for which it will award grants, years of grant making have tended to focus and refine the Foundation’s interests.

Grants have been made to assist organizations and institutions seeking to begin new programs; conduct pilot projects that may lead to new and permanent opportunities for service; expand established and successful programs in ways that may broaden benefits provided and persons served; etc. In addition, the Foundation has been supportive of grant requests for capital purposes, including equipment acquisition and facilities (new construction, renovation, preservation/restoration, etc.).

The Foundation will not normally consider grant requests from educational institutions unless there is a direct Beirne Carter family relationship or for endowment funds (including scholarship funds), debt reduction, funding of deficits, expenses associated with supporting ongoing programs or activities, or other general operating expenses (such as salaries, rent, office supplies, materials, etc.).

Requests of a non-recurring nature are given preference. In addition, organizations that have been awarded a grant are encouraged to wait at least three years before submitting a new grant request.

Web Site Organization

The major links within the Foundation’s web site are the (1) Grant Making Process (a general overview of the process and deadline dates); (2) Preliminary Proposal (the first step in the grant application process); and (3) Formal Grant Application (for approved Proposals, the formal grant application step). Ours is a two step process. Periodically, pertinent current information will be communicated in What’s New.

Next Deadline Date

For fall 2008 cycle Preliminary Proposals, the deadline for physical receipt in the Foundation offices is Monday, August 4, 2008 at Noon.

 

BEIRNE BLAIR CARTER
1924 – 1989

The Beirne Carter Foundation was established in 1986 by Beirne Blair Carter, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Carter Machinery Company, Inc. of Salem, Virginia. 

At the time he created the Foundation, Mr. Carter placed an emphasis on health, education, local history, nature, ecology and youth as areas where he foresaw opportunities to help.  At the same time, he stated that he did not wish to restrict the Foundation and expected it “to respond in a flexible manner to changing needs” and that he “hoped primary emphasis would be placed upon helping citizens of all walks of life who live in all geographical areas of Virginia.”

Prior to his death in 1989, Mr. Carter made several significant grants, including:

  • The North Cross School, Roanoke, Virginia – $4,000,000

  • St. Christopher’s School, Richmond, Virginia – $1,000,000

  • University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia – $3,500,000 leading to the establishment of the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research.  Additional areas of support included the McIntire School of Commerce, Darden School of Business, and Nursing School.

  • Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia – $250,000

Mr. Carter was a native of Richmond, Virginia.  He attended Virginia Military Institute before being called to active duty in the United States Army in World War II.  For wounds received in Achen, Germany, Mr. Carter received the Purple Heart.  Following the war, Mr. Carter resumed his studies at the University of Virginia where he received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree in 1948. 

Mr. Carter began his business career with Virginia Tractor Company, Inc. in Richmond, a firm founded by his father, Robert Hill Carter.  In 1952, Mr. Carter established Carter Machinery in Roanoke as a separate Caterpillar dealership, covering southwest Virginia and areas of southern West Virginia.  In 1988, Carter Machinery expanded its territory to cover most of the Commonwealth of Virginia and to become one of the largest and most successful Caterpillar dealerships in the country.

In the area of philanthropy, Mr. Carter will be remembered not only for his generosity but also his vision.  Perhaps, the finest example of both was the creation and initial funding of the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research at the University of Virginia.  Mr. Carter was also interested and supportive of many less noteworthy projects, particularly those involving organizations without ready access to funding.  Mr. Carter never forgot the challenging times involved in beginning a business.  Behind his desk was a framed copy of a note in the amount of $10,000 that one of his earlier bankers had “called”.

The Beirne Carter Foundation, although founded by a former chief executive officer of Carter Machinery Co., Inc., is an independent charitable organization with no connection to any other corporate entity.

 

 

GRANT MAKING PROCESS

The Foundation has two grant funding cycles during the year – spring and fall, each with a two step grant making process.

Step One – Preliminary Proposal

Any organization seeking grant consideration must complete a Preliminary Proposal form. The form, as well instructions for its completion, is contained in this web site under the Preliminary Proposal. The form must be submitted by the deadline indicated in the Grant Cycle Timetable section below. Its content should be limited to the two page format provided.

Incomplete Preliminary Proposals or those for purposes falling outside of the scope and geographic limitations of our grant making process may be declined without further review. All other Preliminary Proposals will be reviewed promptly by the Board of Directors of the Foundation. Following this review, the Foundation will notify organizations of the results.

The purpose of the Preliminary Proposal step is twofold: (1) to allow an organization the opportunity to provide initial information about a proposed need in a high level format and (2) to enable the Foundation to respond quickly to that information. The Foundation is sensitive to the resources expended by organizations in completing formal grant proposals. If by reason of request purpose, interest emphasis, or Foundation funding priorities, it concludes that a request may not be a good, current "fit", the Foundation wishes to communicate this decision as soon as possible.

Step Two – Formal Grant Application

Organizations selected to complete a formal grant application must do so in accordance with the instructions contained in the Grant Application tab of this website. The dates by which these proposals must be submitted to the Foundation appear below. Following a careful review by the Directors of all proposals accepted for a particular grant funding cycle, organizations will be notified in writing of funding decisions.

Selection to submit a formal grant application should not suggest to an organization that its grant request will be automatically funded. Even with a Preliminary Proposal process step in place, the Foundation will continue to receive and review more grant proposals than it is able to fund in any single cycle.

Communication with the Foundation

All communications with the Foundation or questions regarding the grant making process should be directed to:

Peter C. Toms
Executive Director
The Beirne Carter Foundation
1802 Bayberry Court, Suite 401
Richmond , VA 23226-3767
Telephone Number: (804) 521-0272
Fax Number: (804) 521-0137
E-Mail: bcarterfn@aol.com

Personal contact with individual Directors regarding a Preliminary Proposal or formal grant application is discouraged.

Decision Process

It is important for organizations seeking grant funding from the Beirne Carter Foundation to understand that it is only the Directors as a group that make each decision, and that once made, the decision is communicated in writing except in very rare circumstances. The volume of Preliminary Proposals and formal grant applications as well as the subjective considerations involved preclude the Foundation from critiquing unsuccessful Preliminary Proposals or applications, and inquiries of this nature should not be made.

Additional Information

At any point during the grant making process, the Foundation may request additional, clarifying information from the organization. In addition, the Directors may ask for a site visit during the grant making process or following the award of a grant.

2008 Grant Cycle Timetable

 
Spring Cycle
Fall Cycle
     
Preliminary Proposal Form Deadline
January 30
August 4
     
Foundation Response to Organizations
March 3
September 15
     
Formal Application Deadline
April 14
October 15
     
Grant Decisions Communicated
May 14
November 12

 

 

 

 

 

PRELIMINARY PROPOSAL

Preliminary Proposals must be received in the Foundation’s offices by no later than 12:00 noon on January 30 and August 4 to be considered.

The Preliminary Proposal form may be downloaded from this website in Microsoft ® Word format. If you are unable to download the form, please contact the Foundation, and we will be pleased to send the form to you via e-mail or through the mail.

Download the Preliminary Proposal Form

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Forms should be completed on the computer or typed. When complete, they may be transmitted to the Foundation as an e-mail attachment, or mailed.

Please do not exceed the space provided in the form. It is designed to provide an organizational and need “snapshot”; brevity and conciseness are encouraged. Please attach a list of your organization’s Board of Directors/Trustees and their contact information to the form when it is submitted.

 

FORMAL GRANT APPLICATION

Organizations invited to complete a formal grant application will be notified to that effect in writing following the review of all Preliminary Proposals.

Formal grant applications must be received in the Foundation’s offices by no later than 12:00 noon on April 14 and October 15 to be considered. Incomplete applications may be declined without further review.

Although the Foundation does not require applications to follow a strict format, each organization applying for a grant is expected to submit the following:

1.  A cover letter from an official of the organization stating that the organization has formally approved the proposed project or program. The President or Chairman of the Board of Directors/Trustees must appear as a "copy to" addressee if the letter is signed by another individual.

 

2.  A written proposal which includes the following information:

  • A brief description of the organization, its history and purpose.
  • A concise description of the grant request, including specific purpose(s), the benefits to be provided, and the needs to be met.
  • A detailed financial plan for the project including all sources of funding (secured/anticipated), all related expenses, and provisions for contingencies and ongoing support.
  • A brief biographical statement about the person who will conduct or supervise the proposed project or program.
  • Plans for evaluation of the project’s result and for sustaining it after grant funds expire.
  • Names, affiliations, and contact information of the organization’s trustees or directors, officers, administrators and principal staff

 

3.  Evidence that the organization is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) and is not classified as a private foundation or private operating foundation as defined in Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, and a certification that the organization’s status is unchanged.

 

4.  A budget (income and expenses) and any financial statements for the current year, and financial statements for the prior two fiscal years (audited, if available). Such statements should include the amount(s) of any endowment(s), if any. A new organization should submit pro forma financial statements for at least two years of operation.

 

5.  An Application Summary form. The Application Summary may be downloaded from this web site in Microsoft ® Word format. If you are unable to download the form, please contact the Foundation, and we will be pleased to send the form to you via e-mail or through the mail. Application Summaries should be completed on the computer or typed.

 

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PAYMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY

When an award is made, it will be communicated by letter stating the purpose or purposes for which the grant funds may be used. Grant funds may not be expended for any other purpose(s) without the Foundation’s prior written approval.

Any funds not expended or committed for the purposes(s) of the grant within the period stated in the award letter must be returned to the Foundation.

A written report on the use of the funds and the status of the project must be made to the Foundation no later than one (1) year after the payment of the grant. For multi-year grants, installment payments will be made after receipt of a brief report on the progress of the project or program and a statement of funds expended or committed. A final report for a multi-year grant should be submitted no later than one (1) year after payment of the last grant installment.

 

BEIRNE B. CARTER CENTER FOR
IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH

The Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research (BCIC) at the University of Virginia was founded through the generosity of Beirne B. Carter, and the Foundation continues to support its efforts.  The researchers in the BCIC work to provide a better understanding of hepatitis C, influenza, cancer, RSV, AIDS, and autoimmune disorders, helping find new treatments and cures.  Research "seed funds" from the Foundation have resulted in advances in human health, as well as significant NIH funding and other grant support for researchers in the Center.  Recently, the Foundation made a $5,000,000 multi-year pledge toward expansion of the BCIC into new space in a new medical research facility at the University to be known as the Carter-Harrison Research Building .

The Carter-Harrison Research Building, scheduled for completion in 2009, will be a 150,000 square foot research facility that will bring together nationally renowned experts in immunology, infectious diseases, and cancer. This pledge of support from the Beirne Carter Foundation will allow the BCIC to occupy a floor of the new building and be strategically located near other researchers with similar interests. The research conducted there will provide hope for millions whose immune systems are functioning improperly, or those who have been ravaged by infectious disease or cancer. 

Because of the size and duration of its pledge in connection with the BCIC, the Foundation will be limited in the amount of funds that it will be able to distribute over the next several years.

We invite you to visit the Immunology Center's website at http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cic/ .

WHAT'S NEW

1.  With the 2006 spring grant cycle, the Foundation adopted a two step grant making process. This represented a significant process change for the Foundation. Please refer to the Grant Making Process link.

 

2.  For the last several grant cycles, considerably fewer grants have been made than has been the case historically.  Foundation funding capacity has been limited not only by its commitment to the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research at the University of Virginia but also by several new multi-year commitments to organizations of particular current interest to the Beirne Carter family.

 

CONTACT US

Primary contacts at the Foundation are Peter C. Toms (Executive Director) and Mary H. Frazier (Administrative Assistant). Our address and contact numbers are:

The Beirne Carter Foundation
1802 Bayberry Court, Suite 401
Richmond , VA 23226-3767
Telephone Number: (804) 521-0272
Fax Number: (804) 521-0137
E-Mail: bcarterfn@aol.com

Our office is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

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