We support our communities by investing in innovative nonprofits that align with our key areas of focus: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.
We support needs that are sustainable and don’t commit funds to recurring expenditures. Examples include funding for a new program launch, a curriculum to expand or strengthen a program, equipment to deliver a program, and capital needs.
Capital campaign requests may be considered (1) if the purpose of the campaign aligns with the Foundation's priorities and (2) when the campaign is 60% complete in donations and pledges toward its fundraising goal, showing the campaign’s viability and community support.
WE'RE NOT EQUIPPED TO SUPPORT:
- Annual grants or general operations (United Way chapters are the exception.)
- Churches
- Conferences without a charitable focus
- Documentaries and films
- Endowments
- Individuals
- Individual public schools, PTAs
- K-12 Programming
- Medical or scientific research
- Membership dues
- Nonprofit hospitals that don’t primarily serve medically indigent people, including the uninsured
- Organizations that have a written policy of discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity or organizations that foster or encourage racial, religious, class, or other prejudices
- Political organizations
- Private schools, unless the majority of students represent low- to moderate-income households or otherwise vulnerable children
- Religious, veteran, or fraternal organizations, unless it’s a secular program or project benefitting the general community
- Scholarships
- Sponsorships or fundraising events
- Sports booster clubs
- Travel-related events, including student trips or tours
GRANT CYCLES
We have three annual grant cycles. Requests should be received by:
- March 31 – notified of outcome in July
- July 31 – notified of outcome in November
- November 30 – notified of outcome in April