Deadline: 15-Mar-21
Applications are now open for the George Gund Foundation’s Grant Program with the sole purpose of contributing to human well-being and the progress of society.
The Foundation’s commitment to Cleveland derives not just from history but also from the belief that Cleveland can continue to develop original responses to issues that can benefit people everywhere. The focus on Cleveland offers an important point of leverage to affect issues that go well beyond the city’s boundaries and includes its roles as a place for innovation, an example, and a leader in Ohio, a politically important state that can wield outsized influence nationally and, therefore, globally.
The George Gund Foundation was established in 1952 as a private, nonprofit institution with the sole purpose of contributing to human well-being and the progress of society.
Such challenges are many but three interrelated issues stand out:
- Climate change and environmental degradation,
- Entrenched and accelerating inequality, especially racial inequity, and
- Weakened democracy.
The Foundation will Fund
- Climate and environmental justice. They support the use of Cleveland’s unique environmental history and leadership, especially regarding water, to advance a healthy and sustainable future. In particular, they focus on projects and policies that contribute to the fight against climate change. Linked to every aspect of life, climate change increasingly threatens human lives.
- Creative culture and arts. They promote a vibrant, diverse and thriving arts community in Cleveland that enhances learning, strengthens pride of place, creates an emotional connection to the environment and deepens the impact of opportunities for those who might otherwise be denied them.
- Public education. They support public education because it is fundamental to American democracy. It promotes the common good, brings together children and families across different cultures, and serves all students, regardless of means, ability, or circumstances.
- Thriving families and social justice. Historic barriers to opportunity for both individuals and families must be removed to fully realize human potential. They strive toward a more just community and society that eliminates the conditions that create a human need or limit fundamental rights.
- Vibrant neighborhoods and inclusive economy. They support work to achieve inclusive growth and opportunity for all of Cleveland’s neighborhoods and residents. City neighborhoods are essential to the regional economy as the largest concentrations of employers and employees, as talent magnets, and as places where the exchange of ideas and insights can flourish.
Application Procedures
In order to reduce paper and streamline their proposal process, the Foundation requires all applications for grants be submitted online. To avoid delays with the proposal review process, please read all directions carefully and have appropriate materials available before beginning the application form.
- STEP 1. Determine eligibility: Review information on The George Gund Foundation’s What they Believe page to learn about their areas of focus. Reading this content will help you determine whether or not your organization is a potential fit for funding.
- STEP 2. Check your organization’s name and IRS status at GuideStar by candid: Before beginning the application, have your organization’s IRS status and legal name available. Enter your EIN for this information.
- STEP 3. Log in or create an account: You will be able to apply for funding online by clicking the Online Grant Application button. You will be prompted to sign in using an email address and password. If this is your organization’s first-time using their online application system, select “New Applicant” and follow the prompts. Only one account for your organization will be recognized by the system. If you have previously created an account with the Gund Foundation and would like to submit a new application, enter your email address and password and click “Login.” If you forget your password, please request your password and it will be sent to you.
- STEP 4. Complete the application: The online application system is designed to make the application process as easy as possible for the grantees. You will be asked to enter your organization’s IRS classification to verify your charitable designation. If you are working with a fiscal sponsor, please enter that group’s EIN. Please note that you will not be able to submit the proposal if all “required” fields are not completed.
- STEP 5. Attachments: Review the list of attachments needed to submit a proposal. Any missing required documents will result in the delay of consideration of your proposal.
For more information, visit https://gundfoundation.org/grantmaking/apply-for-a-grant/