Grant Application Guidelines
Click here to start a NEW funding request. If you already have an established account but are submitting a NEW request for funding please use this link.
Click here to access an IN-PROGRESS LOI
or application.
Grant Guidelines
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, has charter goals to improve the educational, religious, economic and cultural lives of Michigan’s people as those needs can be defined in a world which constantly presents new or different challenges and opportunities. The Foundation trustees carefully consider proposals submitted, and look for programs where their contribution can be leveraged. Organizations requesting funding for a new program should be sure that they have planned for that program’s future self-sufficiency.
The Foundation’s charter limits grants to 501(c)(3) or governmental organizations located in the State of Michigan. It cannot legally support:
- grants made directly to individuals
- organizations to which contributions are not tax deductible, according to the Internal Revenue Service regulations
- organizations that practice discrimination by race, sex, creed, age or national origin
- political organizations or organizations whose purposes are to influence legislation
The Foundation will not be bound by preset “formulas for giving” prepared by nonprofit agencies.
Application and Review Procedures
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation does not have submission deadlines. The Board of Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to consider grant applications.
The Foundation uses a two-stage grant application process.
Stage 1: Qualified Michigan organizations interested in applying for funding should submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) form using the “Apply Now” button above. While not a full application, the LOI gives The Foundation a high-level understanding of your request.
Stage 2 (By-invitation):
Organizations with requests that best align with Foundation mission and current grantmaking priorities will be invited to submit an application.
Please note, an invitation to submit an application is not a guarantee that funding will be awarded.
The Foundation’s practice is to disburse grant payments in December. Applicants will be asked to include the following information:
A summary setting forth the nature and potential results of the program for which funding is sought
The total cost of the project including any endowment for operations
The total amount sought from the Foundation, and how and over what period of time the grant may be disbursed, as well any other funding sources being sought for the project
Evidence of the organization’s tax-exempt status under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3)
A detailed annual organizational budget and audited financial statement for the organization (These should be submitted annually for the duration of the grant.)
The names of management and of the trustees or directors of the organization
Program Priorities
Since the needs, desires and capabilities of Michigan’s people and their organizations are constantly changing, there is no fixed or steadfast priority in the Foundation grant making decisions. However, within its charter and philosophy the trustees tend to support organizations that:
Have clearly stated objectives, strong and purposeful management and are publicly accountable
Have needs which are in areas not normally funded by governmental or public financing
Are not hesitant to explore, initiate, volunteer, or execute original ideas or concepts
Are willing to collaborate with other persons or organizations to give synergy to achieve a common objective or goal
Have purposes which tend to advance private enterprise and the preservation of a free, open and self-resourceful society
Program Examples
Education
The Foundation is always interested in improving the quality of education at Michigan's academic institutions, particularly in those specific areas where a given institution already is establishing preeminence.
Science
Since the base of the Foundation's assets have been products of scientific achievement, the trustees seek to encourage projects that include advanced research and new applications of science and/or technology.
Arts and Culture
Activities that explore or promote the interrelation of science and art are encouraged. Trustees enjoy supporting tasteful, creative, and innovative programs that expand the general public's art and cultural horizons.
Community Life
Trustees support programs and projects that add an important dimension to community life. The Foundation affirms the importance of local initiatives, which encourage economic development and promote job creation.
Program Notes
Both in Midland and in Michigan, the trustees look for opportunities where a grant of seed money or a matching grant will stimulate broad public participation in an artistic, recreational, educational or cultural project so that the project can become self-sustaining. Projects that benefit youngsters or senior citizens are of special interest. If a program needs launching or requires changes, the Foundation may help. Requests for general support money for ongoing programs are more properly directed to other organizations of broad public benefit.
A Note to Grant Seekers
The Foundation would like to be in a financial position to assist all grant requests within its philosophy; however, each year it must decline many meaningful appeals for the simple reason that its funds are limited. Consequently, an applicant should never view a declination by the Foundation as a judgment on the merits of the proposal.
Click here to start a NEW funding request. If you already have an established account but are submitting a NEW request for funding please use this link.
Click here to access an IN-PROGRESS LOI
or application.