Nationwide Grant Opportunities
No Deadline

Disclaimer:
My time is very limited due to preparing for and conducting workshops and preparing grant proposals.   Grant opportunities listed on this page were accurate at the time they were researched and posted.  However, the economic downturn has caused many grantors to re-evaluate their funding priorities.  Links are provided to their sites - be sure to research the accuracy of the annotations below before expending much energy on proposal  preparation!

Some expired opportunities remain listed on the SchoolGrants site for planning purposes.  

Tolerance, Inclusion and Diversity:

• Teaching tolerance to youth

• Alleviating discrimination
• Reducing hate crimes

Safe and Vital Communities:

• School anti-violence
• Revitalization of communities

Economic Empowerment:

• Financial and insurance education
• Economic literacy

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To train a broad, deep bench of current and aspiring leaders in education.

To redefine the traditional roles, practices and policies of school board members, superintendents, principals and labor union leaders to better address contemporary challenges in education.

To attract and retain the highest quality talent to leadership roles in education.

To equip school systems and their leaders with modern tools for effective management.

To provide tangible incentives for educators to advance academic performance.

To honor and showcase success wherever it occurs in urban education.

Organizations seeking funding should carefully review the Foundation's website to ensure that their proposal is consistent with the Foundation's mission and that the focus of the work is located in one of its eligible districts.

• Promote understanding of environmental issues
• Focus on hands-on involvement
• Involve children and young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school)
• Promote interaction and cooperation within the group
• Help young people develop planning and problem solving skills
• Include adult supervision
• Commit to follow-up communication with the Foundation (specific requirements are explained once the grant has been awarded)

All applicant organizations or sponsoring agencies must be exempt from federal taxation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501, in order to be eligible for funding (this includes most schools and non-profit organizations).

Generally, the range of grants awarded by the Foundation is $250 - $2,500.  Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

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• Projects that convincingly address self-expression through human needs, arts, or education.
• Nurturing programs that inspire creativity in youth and adults, or that focus specifically on teaching/developing modes of expression.
• Proposals that are project specific-rather than requests to underwrite operating, capital or endowment budgets.
• Projects that stimulate partnerships among various organizations to work cooperatively and collaboratively for lasting solutions.
• Projects with well-defined goals and a clear picture of the need, with specific evaluation results.

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• Improving Insurance Coverage and Access to Care
• Improving the Quality of Health Care Services (particularly for underserved populations and young children)
• International Health Care Policy and Practice
• Improving Public Spaces and Services

To maximize its impact within targeted areas, the Fund considers only those projects that are directly relevant to its stated priorities. Within those priority areas, preference is given to proposals to clarify the scope of serious and neglected problems, especially those affecting vulnerable groups of Americans; to analyze the impact of policies and trends on well-defined issues; or to develop and test practical solutions.

Proposals recommended by the Fund's staff are considered and voted upon by the board of directors, which meets three times a year, in April, July, and November.

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The Foundation awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations with specific, identifiable need in these areas of support:

• Education and Human Development
• Environmental Research and Preservation
• Fine Arts
• Sports and Athletics
• Technology and Communications

The Foundation does not award grants directly to established schools or school districts.

• affect a significant number of young people
• foster the concept that it is better to teach young people how to learn than to simply give them answers to their problems
• are unique and creative

The Foundation makes small grants ($3,000 or less) and donates ice cream products and gift certificates/auction items to bona fide nonprofit organizations for events. These proposals are reviewed on a monthly basis.  Larger grant requests are considered in January and focus primarily on children and youth in Oakland and the East Bay.

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• helping individuals move from welfare dependence to economic independence;
• strengthening families and ensuring healthy childhood development;
• addressing the frequently interrelated problems of homelessness, drug addiction, and mental illness;
• fostering youth leadership;
• increasing access to affordable housing;
• creating socio-economic opportunities for women and girls;
• promoting literacy; 
• capacity building for social service organizations.

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Hilton Hotels Corporation
In order to effectively and prudently fund worthwhile projects, Hilton Hotels Corporations' charitable giving interests are focused in the following four areas:

• Education
• Health
• Youth Programs
• Civic Affairs and Public Policy

Hilton Hotels Corporation prefers to support organizations with a national constituency and programs in communities where the corporation has a major presence.  The Contributions Review Committee accepts applications throughout the year and meets quarterly in March, June, September and December. Applications must be received within 30 days of committee meeting for consideration.

In-Kind Contribution Requests
Request for hotel room nights or other such in-kind contributions should be addressed to the General Managers of the Hilton hotel in your area.

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Given ever-changing community needs, Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation has refocused its efforts to support initiatives that address the issues of concern to local communities we serve. Currently requests are accepted in the following areas:

• Projects that enhance the natural environment
• Community improvement initiatives (i.e. park improvement/preservation)

The Foundation also funds educational scholarships for individuals enrolled in a two year, certificate or diploma program and majoring in a technical/trade related discipline, (e.g. plumbing, electrical, HVAC, horticulture). Institutions that are involved in this program are selected internally by the Foundation Board. To inquire if this scholarship program is offered at a particular school, please check with its foundation office.

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Programs should support an ethnically diverse population that encompasses underserved children and youth and should provide direct services from early childhood to post-secondary education and incorporate one or more of the following elements:

-  Academic Support
-  Global Exchange
-  Community Service
-  Internships
-  Cultural Enrichment
-  Life Skills
-  Digital Divide
-  Mentoring
-  Entrepreneurship
-  Scholarships
-  Personal Finance
-  Technology Skills
-  G.E.D. Programs Linked With Four-Year Colleges
-  Workforce Preparation

Merrill Lynch makes charitable contributions through its branch offices, business units and subsidiaries, and through the Merrill Lynch Foundation. In their grantmaking, they seek to develop strategic partnerships with financially sound 501(c)(3) organizations that have a demonstrated history of delivering innovative and effective educational programs for children and youth that produce substantial and measurable results.

Merrill Lynch does consider a very small number of unsolicited requests from nonprofit organizations, but funding is extremely limited. The Merrill Lynch Foundation gives priority to grant requests from New York City (five boroughs) and national organizations that reflect our focus.

All requests outside of New York City should be submitted to the branch managers of local offices. When making a grant decision, they consider other types of support an organization may already be receiving (e.g., Matching Gifts, United Way).

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Robert H. Michel Civic Education Grants
Funds from this grant help teachers, curriculum developers, and others improve the quality of civics instruction, with priority on the role of Congress in our federal government.  Areas of interest include designing lesson plans, creating student activities, and applying instructional technology in the classroom. Teachers (4th through 12th grades), community and junior college faculty, and college and university faculty are eligible as are teacher-led student teams and individuals who develop curriculum.  Grant funds will be allocated among these groups depending upon the number of applications -- in other words, 4th grade teachers will not be competing against university faculty for funding.  Priority will be given to the following disciplines: history, government, social studies, political science, and education. Institutions and organizations are not eligible. Grants can be used to cover expenses such as faculty release time (on a cost-sharing basis only), software purchases, project-related incidentals (e.g., office supplies, photocopying, purchase of resource materials), and professional development activities with specific relevance to the subject area. Preliminary proposals may be submitted at any time.  Awards will be made quarterly in late March, June, September, and December.  To be considered, all application materials must be received by the first of the month in which selections are made. 

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation - Melody Program
Schools can receive new musical instruments - or have older instruments repaired - through Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation's Melody Program.  The program is designed to provide musical instruments and equipment to existing music programs that have no other source of financing to purchase additional musical instruments and materials. Grants of repairs and new instruments typically range between $500 and $10,000 in retail value. Delivery of instruments, if awarded, can take up to eight months.  Applications for repair of instruments will take priority over those requesting new instruments.  Priority will also be given to schools whose music programs lack institutional financial support and whose students qualify for financial assistance.  Application guidelines and other requirements can be found on Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation's Web site.  There is no deadline for applications.

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation also offers a Solo Program that provides instruments to outstanding student musicians who are in need of financial resources to obtain an appropriate instrument.

Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation - Special Projects Program
The Special Projects Program is open to community schools of the arts, hospitals, nursing homes, music therapy programs and school districts that have ongoing instrumental music programs that serve a targeted population. A written plan for the use of the donated instrument(s) is required and the applicant must be engaged in ongoing fundraising activities. A compelling need that goes beyond regular, ongoing program needs must be presented.  There is no application deadline.

Mockingbird Foundation
The Mockingbird Foundation, funded by proceeds from projects by the fans of the band Phish, offers competitive grants to schools and nonprofit organizations for music education for children.  The Foundation is particularly interested in projects which encourage and foster creative expression in all musical forms (including composition, instrumentation, vocalization, and improvisation), but also recognizes broader and more basic needs within conventional instruction. MFI encourages applications associated with diverse or unusual musical styles, genres, forms, and philosophies. The Foundation will also consider the provision of instruments, texts, and office materials, and the support of learning space, practice space, performance space, and instructors/instruction. MFI is particularly interested in projects which foster self-esteem and free expression. The Foundation is particularly interested in children ages eighteen and younger and in programs that benefit disenfranchised groups, including those with low skill levels, income, or education; with disabilities or terminal illnesses; and in foster homes, hospitals, and prisons.  Send a letter of inquiry about your project to the Foundation that is no longer than three pages. If interested, the Foundation will request a full proposal. Grants range in size from $50.00 to $5,000.00 and are made on a one-time basis.

NEA Foundation’s Innovation Grant
Innovation Grants provide an opportunity for two or more teachers, education support personnel, and higher education faculty to develop and implement innovations that significantly improve student learning. The grant amount is $2,000 and the NEA Foundation will award up to 200 grants per year. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, and professional fees. The funds may also be used for professional development necessary to implement the innovative idea.  Applications may be submitted at any time. Notification for applications postmarked by March 15, 2002 will be made by August 1, 2002.

NEC Foundation
NEC Foundation of America makes cash grants to nonprofits and programs with national reach and impact for science and technology education (principally at the secondary level) and/or the application of technology to assist people with disabilities.  NEC Foundation of America requires no special application form. They encourage one-page 'preliminary proposals' in advance of full proposals, especially if grant seekers are not certain that their proposals match their declared interests.  Please note:  the NEC Foundation does not fund individual schools and districts.  Collaboration with eligible organizations is the way to gain access to NEC Foundation funding. Proposals submitted by March 1 will be reviewed in September.  Grant awards have ranged from $1,500 to $75,000, with a median of $28,000.

Even if you do not apply for funds from NEC Foundation, you should visit their site to review their top reasons for proposal rejection.

New Schools Venture Fund
New Schools Venture Fund (NSVF)  is interested in improving public K-12 education by supporting a growing community of education entrepreneurs by investing in the most promising, scalable education ventures in the country and creating a nationwide network of those committed to improving the public education system. Both profit and nonprofit organizations are invited to submit business plans via e-mail to NSVF for consideration. Business plans must include an executive summary that includes such information as mission/vision, description of the product or service to be provided, description of the market/population to be served, strategy for accomplishing your mission, and a description of the management team's background. Applicants will be notified within five weeks of their plan's status.

Nike
The Nike Foundation expects to issue new program guidelines in January 2000. The guidelines will be available on Nike's Web site at http://www.nike.com/nikebiz/nikebiz.jhtml?page=2 or by writing Nike Foundation, One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005. The Nike Foundation is committed to helping communities improve the quality of services they provide for young people by providing an array of resources to the community, such as financial, product and in-kind donations and the volunteer efforts of Nike employees. Nike has been committed to assisting youth to achieve both their personal goals as well as to contribute to the overall betterment of our society. The focus of their resources will be applied to youth empowerment, sports, after-school programs, and community and environmental learning to develop skills, build confidence, and to apply critical thinking to solutions to individual, community and global concerns. Nike accepts applications throughout the year.

J.C. Penney Co. Inc. 
J.C. Penney's supports the JCPenney CAN DO program, a partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the YMCA of the USA, and our public schools.  Grants of less than $5,000 are available year-round. For local projects, contact individual stores and facilities.  Guidelines are available on http://www.jcpenneyinc.com/company/commrel/guidelin.htm 

Pfizer Inc.
Pfizer makes grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools. Current education initiatives of the corporation include: Hands-On/Minds-On: science and math training and curricula; Science in the Real World: museums and science-rich institutions; and Utilizing New Technologies: funds national organizations and local organizations in communities where Pfizer does business. Preliminary letters of interest that are no more than 2 pages long should be submitted to Pfizer (to New York if a national or NYC program or to the nearest Pfizer location if a regional or local request).

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Irwin Andrew Porter Foundation
The Foundation's areas of interest are the arts, education, environment and social programs. They fund projects that show evidence that the creator thinks "outside the box". The quality, innovation, thoughtfulness and effectiveness of a project are of great importance. This Foundation is gives grants across the U.S., however, it gives preference to projects within Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. Grants range from $2,000 to $75,000 and applications are accepted year-round. Applications are reviewed quarterly in September, December, March and June. Those received less than four weeks prior to a review date will not be considered until the following quarter.

PowerUP
PowerUP: Bridging the Digital Divide, a new initiative formed by such partners as AOL Foundation, Waitt Family Foundation, Case Foundation, YMCA, and the Corporation for National Service, seeks to serve underserved U.S. youth through technology education and training. Based in schools and community centers around the country, PowerUP will provide young people with access to the wide range of content and information on the Internet and help them develop additional skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.  PowerUP is providing grants to local communities who wish to develop PowerUP sites. Information on grant criteria and application procedures is available. Initial grant applications will be accepted beginning on January 1, 2000.

Public Welfare Foundation 
The Public Welfare Foundation awards grants that generally range from $25,000 to $50,000 throughout the year. The Foundation's four primary initiatives are criminal justice; disadvantaged youth; health; and population and reproductive health. Particular interests in the area of disadvantaged youth include job training, alternative education, kids whose lives are affected by drugs, AIDS or parental abandonment, violence prevention, teen parents, and early intervention. The Foundation receives about 3,000 requests from across the nation for funding per year.  Approximately 450 of the requests receive funding. 

RGK Foundation
The focus of the RGK Foundation includes three main components: Educational, Medical, and Community. Grants in these areas include support for research and conferences as well as support for programs that promote academic excellence in institutions of higher learning; programs that raise literacy levels; programs that attract minority and women students into the fields of math, science, and technology; and programs that promote the health and well being of children. The Grants Committee of the RGK Foundation convenes periodically to consider grant applications. There is no application deadline, and grant proposals are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Requests greater than $50,000 will be reviewed three times per year. All applicants should allow three to six months for proposal review. 

Sprint Foundation
Sprint's major areas of interest include education and youth development.   Education priorities include programs that encourage innovation and the use of technology in the classroom, enhance the quality of education for minorities and/or the disadvantaged, and encourage employee and public support of education.  In the area of youth development, Sprint supports programs targeted to drug and alcohol education, minority youth endeavors, broad scale community youth activities focused on building leadership and social skills, and programs which promote business and economic education for youth.  Proposals are accepted throughout the year.  Directors meet quarterly to consider qualifying applications.

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Starbucks Foundation Literacy Grant Program
The mission of Starbucks Foundation is to create hope, discovery, and opportunity in communities where Starbucks partners (employees) live and work.  Starbucks initial service focus is literacy for children 0-5 and their families, tutor/mentor promotion, and writing programs for young people ages 12 to 21.  There are two different literacy grant opportunities offered: $1,000 mini-grants that are sponsored by Starbucks partners who link with literacy programs in their communities (obtain application from your local Starbucks store) and opportunity grants of up to $10,000.  Opportunity grants, whose guidelines are available from Starbucks, require the engagement of Starbucks partners, stores, and customers at the local level. Concept papers should be submitted for opportunity grants.  Application deadlines are October 1 and April 1. For more information about how to apply, visit the Starbucks Foundation website, visit a local Starbucks store, or call their Literacy Hotline at (206) 447-7950, ext. 87022.

You should use the "store locator" on Starbuck's Web site to determine if your community has a store. 

The Starr Foundation
With assets of over $4 billion, the Starr Foundation is one of the U.S.'s largest private foundations. It makes grants in a number of areas, including education, medicine and healthcare, public policy, human needs and culture. Education is traditionally the largest area of giving.  The Foundation has also made significant grants to both large cultural institutions such as museums and to small, community-based groups that provide special services to specific populations, such as the elderly and the disabled. The Foundation does not have guidelines for grant seekers nor does it have deadlines. The Foundation board meets regularly during the year and considers applications on a rolling basis. Applications for multi-year grants, for general operating support and for capacity-building are accepted.

Target Arts In Education Grants
Target supports appreciation of the arts as a critical part of every student's education by offering grants for projects that create opportunities for students to explore, experience and create visual art, music, and drama. Each Target store is empowered to make Arts in Education Grants within its community. Grant guidelines and applications are available at your local Target store (see the Target store Team Leader).  Apply between February 1 and November 1.

Teaching Tolerance Grant Program
The Teaching Tolerance project of the Southern Poverty Law Center offers grants of up to $2,000 to K-12 classroom teachers for implementing tolerance projects in their schools and communities. Proposals from other educators such as community organizations and churches will be considered on the basis of direct student impact. Grant requests should focus on small, student-focused projects that promote acceptance of diversity, peacemaking, community service or any other aspect of tolerance education; should be uniquely designed for the specific needs of the particular learners; should be of benefit to the community and should be reflective of ongoing projects, rather than one-time-only events or activities. 

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Toshiba America Foundation
The Toshiba America Foundation awards grants for programs and activities that improve classroom teaching and the learning of science, mathematics and technology for middle and high school students.  Public and private schools, local educational agencies, and youth organizations around the U.S. may apply.  Projects should provide direct benefits to students and should include teacher-led, classroom-based experiences.

The Small Grants Program awards grants of up to $5,000 monthly throughout the year. The Large Grants Program awards grants over $5,000 in March and September.  The total annual grants budget is approximately $550,000.

For guidelines and an application, call 212/588-0820, or email the foundation at foundation@tai.toshiba.com with your name and address.

Deadline for small grants program:  No deadline, rolling basis
Deadline for large grants program:  February 1 and August 1
http://www.toshiba.com/about/taf.html

Team Mates for Kids Foundation
The Teammates for Kids Foundation accepts proposals for grants from nonprofit organizations that specialize in working with children. Grants from the Foundation support the on-going work of operating organizations that help needy children in the areas of health, education and inner-city services. The Foundation's giving cycle is semi-annual.

To qualify for a grant from The Teammates for Kids Foundation, an organization must:

• Be a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service
• Have a record of outstanding service in effectively and efficiently delivering programs and services that improve the lives of needy children
• Serve children's needs in the areas of Health, Education or providing Inner-city services
• Deliver services which impact the lives of children, both short and long-term
• Ensure that 100% of grant monies received from The Teammates for Kids Foundation are used for the exclusive benefit of children

Click here to see what the Foundation's funding priorities are.

USA Group Foundation^™  (now Lumina Foundation for Education^sm)
The USA Group Foundation makes grants to organizations that are classified as tax exempt under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code or as a public charity under section 509 (a) of the Code. While the Foundation initiates much of its grant-making activity, it is also open to receiving letters of inquiry. Philanthropic grants from USA Group Foundation have ranged from $50 to $230,000. The typical range is from $3,500 to $9,500. There is no deadline for submission of 3-4 page letters of inquiry.

Verizon Foundation
The Verizon Foundation funds projects that focus on technology applications and programs in one or more of the following areas: in the following areas:

• Literacy
• Digital Divide
• Women & Economic Development
• People With Disabilities
• Math/Science Education and Scholarships
• Community Development

Applications are accepted from January 1 through November 30 and must be submitted online. To assist you in writing a fundable proposal, the Foundation provides both Helpful Hints and Suggestions and detailed Grant Guidelines.

Waitt Family Foundation
The mission of the Waitt Family Foundation is to impact individuals, families, and communities through programs and initiatives supporting systemic change, with a clear vision for the future. The Foundation wishes to actively participate in many of the programs it funds. Before a request is made for a grant or program-related investment, a brief letter of inquiry is advisable to determine whether the Foundation's present interests and funds permit consideration of the request. The Foundation directs its support to activities that are within its current interests and are likely to have wide effect. Support is not normally given for routine operating costs of institutions or for religious activities. Except in rare cases, funding is not available for the construction or maintenance of buildings. Activities supported by grants and program-related investments must be charitable, educational or scientific, as defined under the appropriate provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and Treasury Regulations. Applications are considered throughout the year. Normally applicants may expect to receive within six weeks an indication of whether their proposals are within the Foundation's program interests and budget limitations. 

Wal-Mart Foundation
Wal-Mart and SAM's Club offer $300 grants to schools for environmental grants. Schools can use the grants for environmental education, recycling projects, and planting trees. Schools are eligible for this grant once a year. For more information, contact your local store manager.

Wal-Mart offers $300 grants to youth groups who perform an event for senior citizens in their communities. This grant is made in connection with national Grandparent's Day. Applications are available in August at local stores.

• committed to their students and their learning;
• knowledgeable about the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students;
• responsible for managing and monitoring student learning;
• thoughtful about their practice and learning from experience; and
• members of learning communities.

Awards go to K-12 public schools in low-to-moderate income communities. Your proposal must include clearly measurable objectives and a good evaluation plan. 

Proposals should not exceed four pages in length, including attachments, and can be submitted only one time per calendar year.

(Thanks to Marc Frazer for sharing this opportunity.)

Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo accepts requests for financial support of Pre-K - 12 institutions, as well as for non-profits whose primary focus is to assist them. The primary purpose of the grant must be to promote academic achievement to low- and moderate-income students in math and science, literacy, or the history of the American West. Wells Fargo will also consider funding programs that work to encourage school partnerships with parents/guardians, the community in which the school is located, and the business community. Additionally, requests to provide staff training for teachers and administrators working with low and moderate income students are encouraged. There are no deadlines for submission of proposals.

All states except Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington, should contact their local Wells Fargo/Norwest Store Manager for details. Listed states should follow guidelines on Web site.

Tiger Woods Foundation
Established nonprofit organizations with revenues of over $100,000 are eligible to apply for funding through the Tiger Woods Foundation. Programs that create positive environments for underprivileged youth and that emphasize the importance of parental involvement and responsibility are most likely to receive funding. There are no deadlines for submission of proposals; applications are reviewed in March, June, September and November. Detailed proposal guidelines are given on the Web site. 

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