Trailblazer Fellowship 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 – 12 for the current 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)

  • America Indian or Alaska Native 

  • Asian 

  • Black or African American 

  • Hispanic 

  • Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 

  • White 

  • Choose not to share 

  • 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.

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. 

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.

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 (company that will receive the check, Ex: ABC Dance Studio, STU Basketball)

• Activity Provider Contact Name (person 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

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 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.

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.

Mentor Signature:

Date

Part 6: Applicant & Parent/Guardian Signature

Form for "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 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.

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.

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. 

Parent/Guardian Signature:

Date

Part 7: Upload Additional Documents (optional)

Phase three will consist of an applicant interview with ABF staff and/or stakeholders. These questions will be personal and specific to applicants and will be based upon their responses in phases one and two. After phase three, the fellowship cohort will be announced.