What is Battery Powered?

Battery Powered is The Battery's Philanthropy Program. Its mission is to find and fund people and programs with a serious chance of making society stronger.

How does Battery Powered work?

Each quarter, Battery Powered members choose a theme to explore in order to drive change and make a difference in a key issue. Members get in touch with leaders and experts on the front lines of the issues. Each quarter, the program focuses on a new theme, providing ways to develop an in-depth understanding of the theme’s challenges through in-person events with experts and organizations and online resources.

What are themes and how are they selected?

Themes are topic areas that we will focus on each year. We anticipate exploring themes that address a mix of local and global issues. Each theme is framed by a question that helps us to prioritize our research, invite experts and nominate the organizations that are most relevant to the issues.

How are organizations selected for funding?

Organizations are nominated by Battery Powered members and invited to submit Letters of Intent (LOIs). Experts who provide their insights on a theme are also invited to nominate an organization. Our philanthropy team reviews LOIs and selects a group of finalists. Finalists complete full proposals, which undergo program, financial and leadership review. Once each quarter, members review the proposals as a peer group and vote on the organizations they wish to fund.

What types of organizations can apply?

US nonprofit organizations, non-US based charities, and government agencies can apply after nomination by a Battery Powered member, its philanthropy team, or an expert adviser. In some themes, corporations and individuals whose projects have a clear social benefit also can apply and will undergo a heightended screening and review.

Does Battery Powered only grant awards for projects?

Battery Powered funds projects. Our definition of a project can encompass expanding a successful program or bolstering capacity – things that support an organization’s ability to work more effectively.

Who is running the program?

Battery Powered is a program of The Battery Foundation. Program management, including due diligence and operations, is run by Amplifier Strategies. Amplifier Strategies is a full-service social impact agency, and our partner in building the Battery Powered program. Their multi-disciplinary team conducts the research and due diligence underpinning each quarterly theme. They will help us vet organizations and projects and bring top experts to guide our learning.

What is the selection process?

Our process is entirely online, in four steps:

1. Nomination: An organization is nominated to apply by a Battery Powered member, our philanthropy team, or an expert adviser. The organization then provides their contact information and is directed to complete a Letter of Intent.


2. LOI Review: The philanthropy team reviews Letters of Intent and selects 20 organizations to submit a full application.


3. Application Review: Our philanthropy team reviews each application based on specific criteria, including high potential for impact, an effective approach, a solid execution plan, and the leadership and capacity to succeed. The team shares its findings with Battery Powered members.


4. Awards: Battery Powered members select their top five projects and allocate funds to them. Each project receives the money allocated to it. Projects that achieve 100% of their funding request receive the Battery Powered Award. Awardees get special recognition in The Battery space and publicity opportunities through the Battery Powered online platform. They are invited back to the club to share their progress and meet with members who might want to go further with their support.

Can an organization apply for an award for more than one project?

No. Each organization can apply for funding for only one project.

When is the application deadline?

Battery Powered awards happen each quarter; therefore, our application cycle is short. Application deadlines vary and we share them with you when we notify you of your nomination. Generally, each organization's online profile is due two weeks after its notification. Once your receive your invitation, you have three weeks to submit your materials.

Why do you require a short video from finalists?

A short video is an opportunity for you to tell your story. It's a chance for us to learn about your organization in a compelling and personalized way. If you are selected as a finalist, your video and select portions of your application will be accessible to Battery Powered members and the public.

Can I save my application and come back to it later?

Yes, you can save an in-process LOI or application and return to it later. When you are ready to submit it, however, all fields - including required attachments - must be complete.

What will selected organizations receive?

Battery Powered accepts applications between $50,000 and $225,000. Members vote to determine which organizations will receive their requested award amount.

How and when will organizations be notified of an award?

Awardees will receive an email from the Battery Powered Team at the close of the program theme, after Battery Powered members have voted to allocate awards.

How long do organizations have to wait to for funding after receiving an award?

All awardees sign an award agreement with The Battery Foundation - a process that can take up to three weeks. Once the agreement is executed, you receive your award within two weeks.

What are the reporting requirements of an award?

At the end of each year, organizations submit a report describing the results achieved and an accounting of how the award was used. We may ask to meet over the award period for a site visit and informal update.

What are the processing and transaction fees applied to awards?

There are no processing and transaction fees.

Can organizations allocate funds across projects?

No. Funds are awarded for a specific project only.

Can an award be extended or renewed?

Not explicitly. Awards last for the duration of the award period specified in the application. However, this experience provides exposure to many potential donors, and it is our hope that one or more will continue to support your work.

Can organizations publicize an award from Batter Powered?

Yes. We may ask to review and approve the publicize in advance, and use of the Battery Powered logo will require our consent.