How to Apply

The Waitt Family Foundation will consider grant requests in the area of Community Building. We are not accepting unsolicited grant applications in the areas of Discovery, Scientific Breakthroughs or Violence Prevention at this time.

We look for organizations that share our principles:

• Belief in making a lasting difference, and a focus on results
• Thoughtful strategy, sound operations, and the ability to execute
• Financial stability
• Dynamic leadership at all levels
• Collaboration, sharing information and developing strategic alliances to extend reach
• Constant improvement by evaluating practices and programs for their effectiveness
• Skillfully using communications to disseminate findings to the greatest number of people
• Equality with regard to race, gender, class and culture

Requirements:

• Organizations must have a U.S. tax identification number and be able to provide a current copy of their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter.
• Only organizations with federal non-profit agency tax status can receive financial support.
• $100,000 minimum for all grant requests. Multi-year proposals will be considered.

The Waitt Family Foundation does NOT fund the following categories:

• Individuals
• For-profit organizations
• Capital campaigns
• Endowments
• Debt reduction
• The Arts
• Religious Organizations
• Public Education Institutions
• Healthcare Organizations / Hospitals
• Lobbying prohibited by the Internal Revenue Code. If you are unsure whether your activities would be prohibited, consult the following resources before submitting a request:

Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

Alliance for Justice

The Independent Sector's "Nonprofit Lobbying Guide"

Your local nonprofit management support organization may have helpful information as well. Consult the Alliance for Nonprofit Management to find a resource near you.

The Waitt Family Foundation does not permit indirect cost charges as part of its award funding policy.

Application Process

If you have read about the Foundation's interests and guidelines, the next step in applying is to complete the form to submit a Preliminary Grant Request. A staff member will review your submission and respond within two weeks. If your project is a good fit with the Foundation's interests, you will be invited to submit a full Grant Proposal.

Please note that we will only accept Preliminary Grant Requests submitted via our website. Material sent by mail, email or fax will not be considered.

Preliminary grant requests are accepted year-round. If you are invited to submit a full proposal, it will be reviewed by the Foundation's Board at quarterly meetings.

Click here to begin a Preliminary Grant Request