Charles G. Koch - Charitable Foundation

Applying for Grants

Requesting Support

Thank you for your interest in the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation. Because of the high volume of inquiries received, the Foundation asks that you please read the following information carefully before requesting support.

Funding Process

The Foundation has a two-step process for evaluating grant requests. First, the Foundation examines the request to ensure that it meets the guidelines detailed below. If a request meets the guidelines, it is assigned to a program area based on its content. The individuals who manage the grantmaking for that particular program area then evaluate the proposal in order to determine whether it fits the Foundation’s priorities. In the course of evaluation, the program manager may find it necessary to gather more information about your organization’s proposal, funding history, significant accomplishments, board composition, and other information. The Foundation regrets that while it receives numerous worthwhile proposals from many well-intentioned and committed people, it can only support a few organizations. The Foundation’s goal with every request is to reach resolution as quickly as possible, so that prospective grantees know where they stand.

Proposal Guidelines

As is true of many charitable foundations, the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation focuses on a select number of programs where it believes it is best positioned to support positive social change. The Foundation places several limitations on the requests it considers:

1. The Foundation primarily makes grants to Section 501(c)(3) public charities. The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation does not support for-profit corporations or individuals.
2. The Foundation discourages grant proposals for capital construction, debt reduction, or general fundraising drives or events. The Foundation does not make grants intended to support lobbying activities or candidates for political office. The Foundation rarely funds endowments.

Organizations seeking grants from the Foundation and which meet the aforementioned criteria should submit a short letter (no more than three pages) outlining their request. The letter should clearly and succinctly state:

• prospective grantee’s mission and goals;
• specific project for which support is being sought;
• amount of funding requested;
• name, title, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of the primary contact person; and,
• current annual budget or audited financial statements.

If applicable, please also include a list of other support (e.g., funding, in-kind contributions) secured for the project. Because the Foundation only supports Section 501(c)(3) public charities, it also requires that you submit verification from the IRS that your organization is exempt from federal income tax as a Section 501(c)(3) organization and is classified as a public charity under Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation kindly requests that no materials beyond what are described above be included. Please send all required materials to:

Timelines

All applicants will be informed in writing of the outcome of the grant review process, and those from whom additional materials are required will be contacted to that effect. Due to the large volume of unsolicited proposals, please allow three months for the review of submitted materials and response by the Foundation.