Grants

Information for Grant Seekers

We partner with people and organizations worldwide to tackle critical problems in three program areas. We set clear grant-making priorities based on each program’s areas of focus.

The Global Development Program explores the best opportunities to help the world’s poorest people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty. Please note: The Global Development Program does not accept unsolicited proposals.

The Global Health Program aims to harness advances in science and technology to save lives in developing countries.

The United States Program focuses on providing greater opportunity by improving U.S. high school and postsecondary education, access to information, and stable housing. Please note: The United States Program only accepts unsolicited proposals for Pacific Northwest Community Grants. We do not accept unsolicited proposals for our work in education and libraries.

We partner with grantees working on long-term solutions for people with the most urgent needs. We award the majority of our grants to U.S. 501(c)(3) and other tax-exempt organizations. (Tax status definitions) Grantees and partners then work with beneficiaries in the field. (Glossary of terms)

The foundation is unable to make grants directly to individuals. (Learn why.) If you are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, please follow the steps below to find out our grant-making process.

		Step 1: Learn how we make grants Learn how we focus our grant-making, what kinds of organizations we fund, and what we look for in potential projects.
		Step 2: Find out what we do not fund Learn whether your organization falls under our funding guidelines and see examples of areas the foundation does not fund.
		Step 3: Review current grant opportunities Learn about open requests for proposals, letters of inquiry, and find out how to apply for scholarships and awards.