How We Work

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At the Paul Brown Legacy Foundation, our work is driven by purpose and powered by partnership. We follow a thoughtful, mission-aligned process to ensure that every dollar, every program, and every relationship reflects our core belief: that love, learning, and legacy can change lives.

We strive to support impactful, community-based solutions that align with our strategic priorities and honor the life and values of Paul Brown. Here’s how we approach our work from idea to impact:

1. Listen First

We begin by listening—to communities, leaders, faith partners, and local changemakers. We believe those closest to the challenge are also closest to the solution. We regularly engage in community dialogues, needs assessments, and relationship-building with trusted partners to guide our strategy.

2. Define Strategic Priorities

Based on input from community partners and our own analysis of root causes and gaps, we focus our work in five core areas:

• Education & Youth Empowerment
• Faith-Based Community Development
• Health & Wellness Access
• Economic Mobility & Family Stability
• Legacy Leadership & Mentorship

Our strategies are designed to create generational impact by investing in people and organizations with a deep commitment to their communities.

3. Partner Through Grantmaking

We support both established nonprofits and emerging community-led groups. Our grant process includes:

• Letter of Inquiry (LOI): A brief proposal that helps us determine alignment with our mission and priorities.
• Full Proposal Invitation: If selected, applicants are invited to submit a detailed grant proposal, including budget, outcomes, and community impact.
• Review & Approval: Proposals are reviewed by our program staff and Board of Directors, with a focus on clarity, feasibility, equity, and sustainability.
• Grant Agreement & Disbursement: Approved partners receive funding alongside technical support and access to our learning network.

We also offer microgrants and faith-based mini-grants with streamlined application processes for smaller, high-impact projects.

4. Invest Beyond the Check

We believe that transformational work requires more than funding. That’s why we also:

• Provide capacity-building support (e.g., strategy coaching, technology, compliance help)
• Offer leadership development and mentorship for nonprofit and faith-based leaders
• Convene grantees and partners for peer learning and shared storytelling
• Amplify the work of our grantees through media, events, and advocacy

5. Evaluate, Learn, and Adapt

We regularly assess the outcomes and impact of our grants, not to police progress—but to learn and grow alongside our partners. We prioritize:

• Transparency in goals and expectations
• Flexible reporting that centers storytelling, outcomes, and lived experience
• Continuous improvement through partner feedback and community reflection

6. Sustain the Legacy

At every step, we ask: Does this work honor Paul Brown’s legacy? That question keeps us grounded and accountable. We aim to fund programs that not only meet immediate needs, but also plant seeds for long-term change.

How to Connect With Us

We accept Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) during our open grant cycles, which typically occur twice a year. We also offer rolling opportunities for small-scale funding in urgent or innovative projects aligned with our mission.

🔗 [Submit a Letter of Inquiry]

🔗 [See Grant Eligibility Guidelines]

🔗 [Contact Our Programs Team]