The McLean Contributionship was originally established in 1951 as The Bulletin Contributionship for charitable, education and scientific purposes, the Contributionship became The McLean Contributionship on May 1, 1980 as the association of the McLean family with the Bulletin ended. Independent Publications, also owned by the McLean family, continues as the main financial support of the Contributionship. The Trustees believe the resources of The Contributionship can be used most effectively by making a relatively limited number of grants for projects of long-term benefit–rather than by underwriting continuing operating expenses. The Trustees focus on capital projects: bricks and mortar, endowment, or will provide seed money for purposes outlined below. The Contributionship favors projects in the Greater Philadelphia area when they enhance the lives of those living there. The Trustees are most likely to respond positively when the project:- Stimulates a better understanding of the natural environment, and encourages the preservation of its important features;- Encourages more compassionate and cost-effective care for the ill and aging, in an atmosphere of dignity and self-respect; or- Promotes education, or medical, scientific, or on occasion, cultural developments enhancing the quality of life.In addition, the Trustees from time to time support projects which:- Motivate promising young people to assess and develop their talents despite social and economic obstacles; or- Encourage those in newspaper and related fields to become more effective and responsible in helping people understand better how, events in their communities and around the world affect them.Grant Application ProcedureThe Trustees meet several times a year, and the Contributionship accepts and processes applications for grants throughout the year. The Contributionship accepts the common grant application form of Delaware Valley Grantmakers Association.Applications also can be made letter, which describes and justifies the project. A budget and timetable is required as well as a strategy for securing funding. Financial commitment by a charity's trustees to a project is an important indicator for the Contributionshiin their judgment, the project falls within the framework of current priorities, more detailed information may be requested as well as a meeting or an on-site visit.The Contributionship does not fund the costs or expense of existing staff allocated to a project it is asked to support.The recipient of a grant is expected to make periodic status reports as well as detailed accounting of all disbursements at the conclusion of the project.