Community Investments Hub

Community Solutions provides three types of investments to communities in the BFZ Network. Each type of funding is intended to provide resources for communities to develop specific capacities and achieve specific types of goals. Communities frequently pair the funding types – both through Community Solutions grants and other funding sources — for maximum impact and sustainability.

See the FAQs regarding each funding type below:

Capacity Building Investments
Catalytic Investments
Flexible Funds

Community Solutions investment opportunities are for communities in the BFZ Network. Communities are invited to submit investment ideas on a quarterly basis. Applicants should expect the process to take about three months from start to finish:

  • The process begins with a Concept Note — this is similar to a “letter of intent to apply.” A Concept Note is a brief description of the funding idea, budget, and goals of the potential funding.
  • Once submitted, Concept Notes are reviewed and communities receive feedback on the idea from the BFZ team. 
  • Once concept notes are reviewed, communities are invited to submit a Case for Investment (CFI) — this is the full funding application. 
  • CFIs are reviewed over the course of a few weeks and applicants may receive requests for clarification or additional information. 
  • Awards are announced via emailed award letter. Letters must be signed and returned by the community partner/fiscal agent to begin the grant. 
  • Links for Concept Notes:

2025 Quarterly Case for Investment (CFI) Calendar 

(dates subject to change – posted dates will be updated accordingly)

  • Quarter 1
    1. Concept Notes Due: Friday, 11/22, 2024
    2. CFI Invitations Sent: Wednesday, 12/11 – Friday, 12/13, 2024
    3. CFIs Due: Friday, 1/17, 2024
    4. Approximate Award Date: Friday 2/28, 2025 
  • Quarter 2
    1. Concept Note Due: Monday, 3/17, 2025
    2. CFI Invitations Sent: Friday, 3/28, 2025
    3. CFIs Due: Friday, 4/18, 2025
    4. Approximate Award Date: Friday, 5/23, 2025
  • Quarter 3
    1. Concept Note Due: Wednesday, 6/11, 2025
    2. CFI Invitations Sent: Wednesday, 6/25, 2025
    3. CFIs Due: Friday, 7/18, 2025
    4. Approximate Award Date: Friday, 8/22
  • Quarter 4
    1. Concept Note Due: Wednesday, 9/10, 2025
    2. CFI Invitations Sent: Wednesday, 9/24, 2025
    3. CFIs Due: Friday, 10/17, 2025
    4. Approximate Award Date: Tuesday, 11/25, 2025

Biannual Reporting

All grantees are required to submit biannual written reports each October and April for the duration of their grant period through this common form. Communities with multiple active grants must submit separate reports. We will reach out to your grant points of contact leading up to the reporting deadline as a reminder of what grants require reporting. Some reasons why your community may be exempted from a biannual reporting period include:

  • The grant award or new hire date is close to the upcoming reporting deadline
  • A midpoint conversation was recently completed or is scheduled to be completed around the time of the reporting deadline

Additional Reporting

Grantees are also required to participate in some additional reporting based on the type and size of their grants.

Capacity-Building Grantees

  • New Hire Survey: Because recruitment and hiring timelines vary by community, we ask communities to let us know when they’ve hired their staff person funded by the capacity grant. The new hire date sets reporting exemptions for the biannual report and timing for the midpoint conversation, as well as helps us reach out to your staff person for training and peer connection opportunities
  • Midpoint Conversation: Roughly 12 months after your new hire start date, we will have a 90-minute conversation about the tests of change made possible by the capacity-building funding. Completing a midpoint conversation is required for approved disbursement of year 2 funding. BfZ will coordinate scheduling the midpoint conversation though your team is free to schedule a time through this link.

Flex Funding/Catalytic Investments

  • (For grants totaling over $100k) Midpoint Conversation: 

Flexible Funding

Catalytic Investments

System Sustainability

For Capacity Building Investments: 

For Catalytic Investments or Flexible Funding

Megan Klenke-Isgriggs, mklenke@community.solutions