Our Grantmaking

FAQ

Eligibility

Eligible organizations can apply to our Responsive Grantmaking Program. Learn about our eligibility requirements and how to apply.

All other grantmaking programs are by invitation only.

  • General operating grants
  • Single year grants | Unless otherwise directed by staff, applicants should consider the grant term to be 12 months when developing a proposal.
  • Strategic alignment with our priorities
  • Organizational impact
  • Organizational capacity & leadership
  • Constituent engagement
  • Organizational & financial health
  • Connection between your strategic priorities & family outcomes

Geographic Focus

Generally, the Foundation does not fund national organizations. However, staff encourage local affiliates or chapters of national organizations to apply for a single community and have local leadership (e.g., boards, executive staff, physical office space) in one of the Foundation’s grantmaking communities.

When in doubt, contact the staff:

For inquiries from organizations in MD, VT, DC, & NY, contact Marlene Corrado.
For inquiries from organizations in HI, TX, FL, & OH, contact Kara McCullough.

No. The Foundation funds work that supports families in its targeted geographies.

Yes, but only if there is a local presence within the eligible community as demonstrated by a local staff presence and/or a local board (either governing or advisory).

Yes, but we would only consider funding that would support the work in the eligible community.  If there is no work conducted in the local community then you would not be eligible. Please note that state-wide organizations are typically less competitive.

Important Dates

Important dates (when applications become available and when they’ll be due) are posted on our How to Apply page.

No. Grant terms are predetermined by the Foundation. Your organization will be asked to sign a grant agreement that specifies the start and end dates of your grant. We set these grant terms to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply for funding.

Other Questions

For inquiries from organizations in MD, VT, DC, & NY, contact Marlene Corrado.
For inquiries from organizations in HI, TX, FL, & OH, contact Kara McCullough.


O
ur Responsive Grantmaking Program is extremely competitive. Between now and the end of the year, we anticipate having approximately $1 million (total) to distribute across 8 communities. Typically, approximately 1/3 of the requests received are funded.

Although you may request up to 10% of your total operating budget (up to $50,000), realistically, the average grant size will be in the $25,000 range. Awarded grants may be funded for less than the amount requested.

There is no pre-determined number of grants for each geography or grantmaking area.

The Foundation Center has three funding resources that can be used remotely, as an alternative to visiting one of their regional offices.

  • The Foundation Center Directory allows you to search for resources by geographic area, grantmaker type, 990s, and keywords.
  • The Foundation Center Maps illustrates philanthropic data of who is funding which issue areas and where these issues are being funded. Searches can be refined to include geographic area, issue area, organization name, population group, support type, grantmaker type, grantmaking years, and keywords. The maps also have a unique feature of presenting grantmaking trends over time. The Foundation Center holds monthly webinars about this resource.
  • GrantCraft is a service of the Foundation Center that improves the practice of philanthropy by providing resources rooted in the practical wisdom of funders worldwide.