The Baptist Community Ministries (BCM) Transom Grant program supports projects within the Greater New Orleans region focusing on three core areas: Health, Education, and Public Safety. BCM aims to foster a healthier community by funding initiatives that promote physical, mental, spiritual, and social well-being; provide residents with learning opportunities to succeed in life; and create a balanced approach to public safety through crime prevention and justice system improvements. Each year, BCM approves approximately 20 or fewer Transom Grants, and applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the organization’s mission and core values.

Grants awarded under this program require a minimum annual request of $50,000, with no specified maximum amount, and can cover one, two, or three years. Funding is available for planning, implementing new programs, or supporting existing ones but does not cover general operating costs or capital campaigns. BCM grants are restricted to specific projects or programs and do not fund the establishment of new organizations. Organizations may apply for 100% funding, provided they present a sound rationale.

Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations (excluding churches), academic institutions, and government entities that operate in or positively impact one or more of the five parishes in the Greater New Orleans region: Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, and St. Tammany. Applicants must provide annual audits if awarded funding. BCM does not allow fiscal agents to apply on behalf of other organizations. Organizations with current BCM grants may reapply, but multiple concurrent grants are rare. Proposals declined twice consecutively must wait one year before reapplying.

The application process includes two steps: submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and, if invited, a full proposal. LOIs are submitted through BCM’s online portal during specified application windows in the spring and fall. LOIs are evaluated for alignment with BCM’s mission, strategy, project design, organizational capacity, and sustainability. Selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal, which undergoes further review by BCM staff and external experts. Final funding decisions are made by the BCM Board of Trustees.

The timeline for the Spring 2025 cycle includes LOI submissions from January 18 to January 27, with invitations for full proposals sent on March 21. Full applications are due by April 7, and funding decisions are notified by May 16. The entire process from LOI submission to funding can take four to six months. Applicants are encouraged to review eligibility criteria, attend informational webinars, and examine sample application materials to improve their submissions.

For additional information or assistance, BCM provides an online application portal, detailed guidelines, and direct contact with team members. BCM emphasizes transparency and alignment with its focus areas and aims to foster impactful projects that improve the quality of life in the Greater New Orleans region.