Trailblazer Fellowship Application- Preview Application

*Note- the 2023-2024 Trailblazer Fellowship application for Phase One is now closed.

The 2023-2024 Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) Trailblazer Fellowship allows previous ABF grantees (Trailblazers) who are currently in 9th to 12th grade to apply for a new grant to fund a dream as a head start on their road to independence, college, and career.

The ABF Trailblazer Fellowship experience prepares ABF Trailblazers to dream bolder as they prepare for the next stage after high school, deepening significant gains in their ability to succeed. The experience allows trailblazers to thrive through connection, confidence, creativity, individuality, risk-taking, and courage. The ABF Trailblazer Fellowship is a cohort experience allowing for individual grants of up to $2500. The grants are paired with a network of support and development opportunities through connections to mentors, cohort fellows, and other services to fuel dreaming and turn those dreams into realities.

As part of the Fellowship experience, Fellows will commit to a year-long cohort process with no more than four cohort meetings. Applicants will be selected to move on to phase two of the application process, which consists of further questions and mentor involvement in your project. Phase three will consist of an applicant interview with ABF staff and/or stakeholders. After phase three, the fellowship cohort will be announced.

Phase one application:

Eligibility Quiz

Have you been awarded an ABF grant in the past?

Yes / No

Are you (the applicant) a Minnesota resident?

Yes / No

Are you in grades 9^th – 12^th for the 2023-2024 school year?

Yes / No

Is a family member a current staff or board member of the Ann Bancroft Foundation?

Yes / No

Part 1: Applicant Information

Applicant First Name

Applicant Last Name

Applicant Home Street Address

Applicant Home City

Applicant Home State

Applicant Home Zip Code

Applicant Home County

Applicant Phone Number

Applicant Email Address

Applicant Date of Birth

Applicant Current Age

Applicant Current Grade

Applicant School

If school is not on the list above, please indicate school here:

School City

Applicant Race/Ethnicity

You may select more than one response

o America Indian or Alaska Native

o Asian

o Black or African American

o Hispanic

o Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

o White

o Choose not to share

o Other

How did you hear about this grant opportunity? (select one)

· ABF E-Newsletter

· ABF Staff Member

· ABF Website

· Coach/Group Leader

· Former Grant Recipient

· Friend/Family

· Online Search

· School/Teacher

· Social Media

· Television/Radio

· Other, please specify

If you were referred by someone or by another organization, would you please provide the organization’s name and/or the individual’s name

Part 2: Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian First Name

Parent/Guardian Last Name

Parent/Guardian Home Street Address

Parent/Guardian Home City

Parent/Guardian Home City if not Minnesota (optional)

Home County (if home address is MN) (optional)

Parent/Guardian Home State

Parent/Guardian Home Zip Code

Parent/Guardian Email Address

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

Part 3: Mentor Information

Reminder: An ABF grant mentor cannot be a family member (parent, guardian, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather), the activity provider, or an employee of the activity provider

Mentor First Name

Mentor Last Name

Mentor Home Street Address

Mentor Home City

Mentor Home City if not Minnesota (optional)

Home County if home address is MN (optional)

Mentor Home State

Mentor Home Zip Code

Mentor Email Address

Will be used for grant notification email

Mentor Phone Number

Mentor relationship to mentee

Part 4: Narrative Questions

Complete the application as fully as possible. The more thought given to responses, the better. Take your time and really consider each question, following the word count guidelines. Please answer the following questions clearly and thoroughly in your own words. The more detail you can share about your activity and dream, the more we will be able to understand what you hope to be able to achieve with this grant. The guideline is no more than 200 words per question.

Tell us about your bold dream and how a grant and Fellow experience from the Ann Bancroft Foundation will support your dreams.

Describe something about yourself that you are proud of and why that matters to you.

How did your previous grant from the Ann Bancroft Foundation help you learn more about yourself?

What advice would you give a younger version of yourself?

Part 5: Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature

Media Authorization and Consent:

Grant recipients of the Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) grant programs can be featured in public relations and marketing materials, including but not limited to: press releases, annual reports, newsletters, websites, social media, brochures, letters, slide/PowerPoint presentations, video presentations and photo displays to show the accomplishments of our grant recipients, raise awareness of ABF grant programs, help fundraise for ABF, and show the long-term impact of the ABF grant programs.

Information such as grantee interviews, quotes, photos, videos, written materials, and social media content may be used by ABF to further the mission of the Foundation and/or shared with the general public (school officials, media, newsletters, publications, web site), content developers (photographers, writers, designers who help ABF develop materials), distribution agents (printing companies and mailing services engaged by ABF), and potential donors to ABF.

ABF also welcomes user-generated content that can be shared and re-used by ABF to show the grant experience, first-hand. Content includes, but is not limited to: grantee/mentor/parent/guardian social media posts that tag or mention ABF, articles or blog posts written by grantee/mentor/parent/guardian, and videos or newspaper articles that feature an ABF grantee/mentor/parent/guardian.

I understand that any information, photographs, videotapes or recordings sent with my grant materials remain the property of ABF. I discharge the Ann Bancroft Foundation from claims, causes of action, and liabilities arising from or in connection to the use of my materials.

I have fully completed all sections and questions in my application for an Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) Grant. I have read (or was read to) and understand all the requirements and guidelines to be considered for a grant. I am aware of all deadlines for the application process and the consequences of not meeting those deadlines. I acknowledge that ABF does not investigate or inquire into the qualifications, competency, safety, or appropriateness of the activity, program, providers or mentor for which the grant application was made. ABF is a granting organization only and relies upon the applicant, mentors and activity providers to determine the propriety and safety of any given activity or program for a grantee. Therefore, by distributing a grant, ABF does not endorse or make any other representations regarding the chosen activities, programs, providers or mentors. The grantee’s participation in any given activity or program will be governed by the activity provider’s terms of use or activity requirements. Should any major plans change once I have applied and/or been granted funds, I will contact the appropriate Ann Bancroft Foundation staff.

By signing below, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Ann Bancroft Foundation Media Authorization and Consent statement above. If you do not wish to agree to the statement, please opt-out by sending us your decision in writing with an email to grants@annbancroftfoundation.org.

If you need to clear your signature, click "Clear" in the bottom right of this question box.

Applicant (Girl) Signature:

Date

I recognize that as the parent/guardian of the applicant, that it is the applicant and mentor’s responsibility to fulfill the requirements for an Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) grant, including all deadlines, and understand she must uphold all guidelines. I acknowledge that ABF does not investigate or inquire into the qualifications, competency, safety, or appropriateness of the activity, program, providers or mentor for which the grant application was made. ABF is a granting organization only and relies upon the applicant, mentors and activity providers to determine the propriety and safety of any given activity or program for a grantee. Therefore, by distributing a grant, ABF does not endorse or make any other representations regarding the chosen activities, programs, providers or mentors. The grantee’s participation in any given activity or program will be governed by the activity provider’s terms of use or activity requirements. Should any major plans change once she has applied and/or been granted funds, I will contact the appropriate Ann Bancroft Foundation staff.

If you need to clear your signature, click "Clear" in the bottom right of this question box.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Date

Part 6: Upload Additional Documents

This is not required, but you may upload any additional materials such as pictures, videos, or documents that will support your application.

Upload additional documents

Phase 2 application

Part 1: Applicant Information

Applicant Acknowledgement

Congratulations on being selected to continue onto phase two of the Trailblazer Fellowship! Please view the language below before continuing with your application.

By completing my application for phase two, I agree that in addition to up to a $2500 grant, I will commit to the following during the 2024 year (January – December):

Four cohort meetings on a quarterly basis (virtual or hybrid, TBD) for the Fellowship year
Fellows kick-off meeting in February (virtual or hybrid, TBD)
Fellows may also be required to have a bi-monthly check-in point with ABF staff and/or other fellows virtually or written
Optional virtual networking and professional development workshops open to all Trailblazers
Complete experience surveys throughout the year and a final reflective survey on the Fellowship year
Fellows commit to deepening in the areas of positive youth development: competence, confidence, connection, character, and character as they begin dreaming big and visioning their post-secondary goals.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the ABF team at grants@annbancroftfoundation.org.

The deadline to complete phase two is December 20, 2023, at 11:59 pm. This is a firm deadline, if you don't complete your application, you will not be considered for phase three.

Initial here that you have read and understand the above statement.

Part 2: Grant Activity Information

Please fill in the activity that you will be doing as part of your fellowship.

Grant request amount (up to $2500)

Grant Request Itemized Budget

Submit a breakdown of costs associated with the activity (ex. participation fee, equipment, travel, etc.). Be as specific and realistic as possible.

Activity Provider Name (Who will receive the check, Ex: ABC Dance Studio, STU Basketball)

Activity Provider Contact Name (who will receive the check)

This is typically the person in charge of the organization or contact you have (Ex. studio owner)

Activity Provider Street Address (where the check will be mailed to)

Activity Provider City

Activity Provider State

Activity Provider Zip Code

Activity Provider Email Address

Activity Provider Phone Number

Activity Provider Website

Part 3: Short Answer Questions

In no more than 200 words, please answer the following questions. Please remember those reading your applications don't know who you are. Focus on providing necessary details and bring relevant examples into your answers.

What specific activity or experience will you participate in with this grant and how will it help you accomplish your goals or dreams?

Tell us about your relationship with your mentor and how they will support you in achieving your goals.

In what capacity do you know them, how long have you known them, and how have they provided support and mentorship for you in the past (include examples)? How do you see your mentor supporting you to achieve your Bold dream (provide examples)?

Thinking beyond your dream you’d like funded, if you could spend your time focused on one issue currently impacting your school or community, what issue will it be and why?

If you could have lunch or dinner with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why? What would you ask them about?

Part 4: Mentor Question Responses

Form for Mentor Question Responses

The 2023 Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) Trailblazer Fellowship allows previous ABF grantees (Trailblazers) who are currently in 9th to 12th grade to apply for a new grant to fund a dream and as a head start on their road to independence, college, and career. The Fellowship is a year-long experience filled with bold dreaming, personal development, and self-realization. To see more information, visit our website here: https://www.annbancroftfoundation.org/programs/trailblazer-fellowship

Mentors, please answer the following questions on behalf of your mentee. In addition to reading the responses of your mentee, your answers below will help us understand how this Trailblazer Fellowship will help your mentee have a chance to live her dream and reach her full potential.

As a mentor of a candidate for the ABF Trailblazer Fellowship, I commit to attending the Fellowship Kick-Off meeting in March 2024 and the Bold Dream Celebration in December 2024. Mentors will be asked to complete a survey on the Fellowship year. Optional additional engagement options may be available for mentors. If you have any questions, please reach out to the ABF team at grants@annbancroftfoundation.org.

By completing the mentor response questions, you commit to fulfilling these requirements to the best of your ability and to support your mentee through the Fellowship process.

Tell us about your relationship with your mentee.

In what capacity do you know them, how long have you known them form, how have you provided support and mentorship to them in the past (provide examples)? How do you see yourself supporting your mentee to achieve their Bold dream (provide examples)?

Why do you feel that this Trailblazer Fellowship Experience will be important to your mentee? What aspect of the experience do you think your mentee will most benefit from?

What are some of your mentee's strengths, interests, and skills that may need to be further developed (provide examples)?

Why is this a good time for this person to participate in this specific activity? Provide examples that showcase your mentee's readiness and motivation to participate.

How will you support your mentee throughout and after her activity? Provide examples.

Is there anything else you would like the share?

Part 5: Mentor Signature

I assisted my mentee in completing this Trailblazer Fellowship application and have reviewed all sections and questions to ensure its accuracy. I am aware of the requirements and guidelines of the Ann Bancroft Foundation (ABF) grant that my mentee is applying for and will continue to support them throughout the completion of the Fellowship experience. I acknowledge that ABF does not investigate or inquire into the qualifications, competency, safety, or appropriateness of the activity, program, providers, or mentor for which the grant application was made. ABF is a granting organization only and relies upon the applicant, mentors and activity providers to determine the propriety and safety of any given activity or program for a grantee. Therefore, by distributing a grant, ABF does not endorse or make any other representations regarding the chosen activities, programs, providers or mentors. The Trailblazer’s participation in any given activity or program will be governed by the activity provider’s terms of use or activity requirements. Should any major plans change once they have applied and/or been granted funds, I will contact the appropriate Ann Bancroft Foundation staff.

If you need to clear your signature, click "Clear" in the bottom right of this question box.

Mentor Signature:

Date

Part 6: Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature

Form for "Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature"

I have fully completed all sections and questions in my application for an Ann Bancroft Foundation Trailblazer Fellowship. I have read and understand all the requirements and guidelines to be considered for a grant. I am aware of all deadlines for the application process and the consequences of not meeting those deadlines. I acknowledge that ABF does not investigate or inquire into the qualifications, competency, safety, or appropriateness of the activity, program, providers or mentor for which the grant application was made. ABF is a granting organization only and relies upon the applicant, mentors and activity providers to determine the propriety and safety of any given activity or program for a grantee. Therefore, by distributing a grant, ABF does not endorse or make any other representations regarding the chosen activities, programs, providers or mentors. The grantee’s participation in any given activity or program will be governed by the activity provider’s terms of use or activity requirements. Should any major plans change once I have applied and/or been granted funds, I will contact the appropriate Ann Bancroft Foundation staff.

If you need to clear your signature, click "Clear" in the bottom right of this question box.

Applicant (Girl) Signature:

Date

If you need to clear your signature, click "Clear" in the bottom right of this question box.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Date

Phase one application:

Eligibility Quiz

Part 1: Applicant Information

Part 2: Parent/Guardian Information

Part 3: Mentor Information

Part 4: Narrative Questions

Part 5: Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature

Part 6: Upload Additional Documents

Phase 2 application

Part 1: Applicant Information

Part 2: Grant Activity Information

Part 3: Short Answer Questions

Part 4: Mentor Question Responses

Part 5: Mentor Signature

Part 6: Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature

Part 7: Upload Additional Documents (optional)