Q. How do I apply for a grant through the Global Health Program?
A. First, review the foundation's grantmaking priorities and the funding approaches for the areas of focus funded through the Global Health Program. Grants in our Global Health Program are made through letter of inquiry (LOI). Occasionally, we issue requests for proposals (RFP). If your project aligns with the program’s scope and strategy, please read our information about how to apply.
Related Information: Global Health Program | How to Apply for a Global Health Grant | Foundation Grantmaking Priorities
Q. How do I apply for a grant through the Global Development Program?
A. First, review the foundation's grantmaking priorities and the funding approaches for the areas of focus funded through the Global Development Program. Grants in our Global Development Program are made through RFP or are by invitation only. We do not accept LOI or unsolicited proposals that do not address an open RFP.
Related Information: Global Development Program | Foundation Grantmaking Priorities
Q. How do I apply for a grant through the United States Program?
A. First, review the foundation's grantmaking priorities and the funding approaches for the areas of focus funded through the United States Program. The majority of grants in our United States Program are made through RFPs or invitation only. We do not accept unsolicited proposals that do not address an open RFP. The exception is that we do accept LOI for Pacific Northwest Community Grants. Find out more about what we fund for Pacific Northwest Community Grants.
Related Information: United States Program | Pacific Northwest Community Grants: What We Fund | Topic: Pacific Northwest Community Grants
Q. I am interested in a grant from the High Schools initiative. How can I apply?
A. Our education team works directly with districts, states, and cities across the United States in an effort to improve high schools and increase high school graduation and college-readiness rates. While we appreciate your interest in our initiatives, we do not accept unsolicited proposals or requests for grants within our High Schools initiative.
Related Information: United States Program | Funding Approach: High Schools
Foundation Grantmaking Priorities
Q. I am interested in funding for a library project in the United States. How do I apply for a grant?
A. Our U.S. Libraries team works directly with national, state, and local partners in three major areas: helping to keep libraries open, increasing trained library staff, and maintaining computer systems. While we appreciate your interest in this area, we do not accept grant requests or unsolicited proposals for library projects.
Related Information: United States Program | Funding Approach: U.S. Libraries
Foundation Grantmaking Priorities
Q. Do you accept proposals for library projects outside of the United States?
A. Our Global Libraries team works directly with local governments in other countries to increase free public access to computers and the Internet through partnerships with public libraries. We do not accept letters of inquiry or unsolicited proposals in this area.
Related Information: Global Development Program | Funding Approach: Global Libraries
Q. I would like to apply for funding through the Pacific Northwest initiative. How do I apply for a grant?
A. Our Pacific Northwest initiative supports projects in two areas: Pacific Northwest Community Grants and Family Homelessness. To determine if your project might fall under one of these program areas, please review the individual funding approaches for Pacific Northwest Community Grants and Family Homelessness.
Related Information: United States Program | Topic: Family Homelessness
Topic: Pacific Northwest Community Grants | Pacific Northwest Community Grants: What We Fund
Q. I have materials I want to submit along with my request for funding. How do I send them?
A. Please submit only the requested forms. We are not able to accept samples, prototypes, or other supplementary materials that accompany requests for funding, and these items will not be returned.
Related Information: Global Development Program | Foundation Grantmaking Priorities
Q. My funding request does not fall under any of your programs. How do I submit it?
A. We do not make grants outside our funding priorities. You may find it helpful to visit the web site of the Foundation Center, a nonprofit organization that offers tools for locating prospective funders.
Related Information: Our Approach to Giving | Foundation Grantmaking Priorities |
Additional Resources for Individuals | Additional Resources for Organizations
Q. How can I apply for a scholarship supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
A. The foundation funds a number of scholarships, each with a different area of focus. To determine which scholarship program might be right for you, please review the scholarships we support and then follow the Internet links provided for detailed application information. Please note that we do not grant scholarships to individuals outside of these scholarship programs.
Related Information: United States Program | Topic: Scholarships
Q. I am an individual seeking financial assistance. Am I eligible for a grant?
A. In keeping with our charter, we do not provide funding to individuals. We only accept LOI from 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations. Learn about other organizations that might be able to provide assistance.
Related Information: Additional Resources for Individuals
Q. I am raising money for a cause. Am I eligible for a grant?
A. The foundation makes grants to organizations directly rather than through individual fundraising activities; therefore, we are unable to fund your effort. Learn about other organizations that might be able to provide assistance.
Related Information: Additional Resources for Individuals | Additional Resources for Organizations
Q. How are the foundation and Microsoft related?
A. The Microsoft Corporation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are separate organizations and are not related. They each have independent approaches to charitable giving. To learn about Microsoft’s corporate philanthropy initiatives, please visit the Microsoft Community Engagement and Investment web site.
Q. I've heard the foundation awards grants to organizations that are working to strengthen the charitable sector as a whole. How can I find out more?
A. Please read about our Charitable Sector Support program.