Fast Track Grant Program FAQs
The Fast Track grant program was created to respond to emergent and time sensitive community needs. The application is brief, reporting requirements are simple, and all funds will be distributed in the same month that organizations apply. The Byrne Family Foundation Trust began this program in 2022; as such, we expect it to change and evolve over time.
Below, you’ll find a list of commonly asked questions. Please review them in full before reaching out with an additional inquiry. If you do have a question that you don’t see answered here, we’re happy to discuss over email.
Who is the Byrne Family Foundation Trust?
Founded in 2009, the Byrne Family Foundation Trust (BFFT) is dedicated to championing children’s educational growth. We are committed to improving educational opportunities for children through support at school and within the home. Additionally, a portion of our giving is dedicated to the animal welfare in our local communities.
Our board of trustees is composed of two generations of family members who are committed to the responsible stewardship of BFFT’s funds.
What kinds of projects and organizations does the BFFT fund?
The BFFT is primarily focused on educational funding, with a blend of early childhood, K-12, leadership/teacher development, and post secondary/higher learning opportunities. We support educational programs because we believe that education is one of the most powerful tools in creating equitable access to opportunity. We fund projects and organizations that provide holistic, quality educational experiences, because they have the power to open doors for children and youth in our communities. BFFT does not provide funding to private schools.
As a family, we also understand the powerful bond between people and their pets. The Foundation allocates a portion of our giving to domesticated animal welfare initiatives, which include animal rescue services, spay/neuter services, animal-assisted therapy programs, and service animal training.
Why does the BFFT support organizations in Dallas and Park City?
The BFFT supports organizations in the cities and regions our trustees call home. As a result, we fund projects that serve our communities of Dallas County, Texas or Park City, Utah. The Foundation is not considering projects outside of these geographic regions at this time.
Who is eligible to receive a Fast Track grant?
To be eligible for Fast Track grants, organizations must meet the following criteria:
The organization is a registered 501c3 or is a fiscally sponsored project.
The organization serves Dallas County, Texas OR Park City, Utah.
The funding need is time sensitive (ie: closing a funding gap on a program, responding to an emergency, fulfilling a time-limited matching grant.)
The organization has not received a Fast Track grant in the current calendar year.
The organization increases equity in the community it serves (ie: job training, college prep, support services for marginalized communities, or other resources that seek to ensure equal access to equal opportunities.)
The organization is mission-aligned (ie: improves or increases educational opportunities for children and/or improves animal welfare.)
Education projects should fit into one of the following categories:
Early childhood education
K-12 education
Post-secondary education
Teacher training or other administrative capacity building
Public policy
Afterschool or summer camp
Basic needs (including food banks, school supply donations, etc.)
Mentoring or youth empowerment
Animal welfare projects should be in support of domestic animals only — household pets, domestic animals, and service animals are all eligible, but wildlife projects will not be funded at this time. Projects should fit into one of the following categories:
Animal rescue
Spay/neuter services
Animal-assisted therapy
Service animal training
Please keep in mind, the Fast Track program is not currently funding programming at private or independent schools. We also do not fund capital campaigns at this time.
What do you mean by time-sensitive?
Fast Track grant funding is for emergent or time-sensitive projects only. Here are some examples of eligible projects:
A natural disaster that damaged a building’s infrastructure, like HVAC or flooring.
A matched grant with a time window that’s about to expire.
An unanticipated increase in product expenses (gas for school buses, or supplies for a food bank.)
While many organizations are working on urgent issues (child hunger, teen suicide, literacy, anti-recidivism… the list goes on,) the urgency of an organization’s mission does not alone qualify it for Fast Track funding. The BFFT is deeply grateful for the impact this work has on our home communities, but unfortunately, the project itself must be time-sensitive or responding to an emergency in order to qualify for a Fast Track grant.
How much money is the average Fast Track grant award?
In 2023, most Fast Track grant awards are between $2,500 and $10,000. We encourage you to think critically about your funding request, and be prepared to justify the dollar amount in your application.
How long has this grant program been available?
Fast Track grants are a relatively new program for BFFT, and launched for the first time in July 2022. Since this is a new program, we expect it to evolve over time, so the application and the process may change! We also welcome any feedback on the application process; all applicants are invited to submit an anonymous feedback form, or you can reach out via email.
What are the reporting requirements?
Starting in September 2023, Fast Track grant recipients are required to submit one simple reporting form, six months after their grant is received. The reporting form is distributed via Submittable, our grants management platform, and should take no more than 45 minutes to complete.
Can I apply multiple times?
Yes, you are welcome to apply again if you have not yet received Fast Track funding in this calendar year. Once you’re awarded a Fast Track grant, though, you have to wait until the next calendar year to apply again.
Can I apply if I’ve received funding from BFFT in the past?
Yes!
Can I apply if I haven’t received funding from BFFT in the past?
Yes!
Are Fast Track grant recipients eligible for funding from other BFFT grant programs?
At the moment, Fast Track grants are not an onramp for funding from other BFFT grant programs. If this changes in the future, past Fast Track grant recipients will be notified.
When are applications open?
Fast Track grants are available four times this year. For 2024, Fast Track grants will be open:
January 8 - 12
April 22 - 26
July 8 - 12
September 23 -27
All applications open at midnight on the first day of the application window, and close at 4pm MST on the last day. To be alerted when the schedule is announced, please sign up for our email newsletter.
The visual timeline provided here is for reference; as a general rule, successful Fast Track grant applicants will learn whether their funds will be awarded within 10 business days of the application cycle’s close date. Funds are disbursed shortly after grant awardees sign and return the letter outlining the details of their grant.
How do I apply?
Click here to apply via our Submittable platform. Applications will only be accepted during the dates specified above.
I noticed that I can’t view the application outside of the application window. Can I see a copy of the application in advance, so I can prepare?
If you want to preview the application outside of the open application window, you can do so here. Please remember, we cannot accept applications via email. This preview document is meant for your information only – applications will only be accepted via our Submittable platform.
Who should I contact if I have any questions?
Email the BFFT team with any questions. Please keep in mind that we have a very small staff, and you may experience some delays in communication.