Dr. Seuss Foundation Grants

The Dr. Seuss Foundation aims to enhance literacy through strategic partnerships and funding. While there will be no public granting cycle for 2025, the Foundation is planning for 2026. It supports evidence-based programs that prepare children for school, particularly those from underserved communities. Key priorities include improving instructional quality, expanding early education services, and promoting arts and environmental education. The foundation values creativity, excellence, and community engagement while focusing on diverse and equitable opportunities.

NOTE: The Dr. Seuss Foundation has decided not to open a public granting cycle for 2025 in order, instead, to embark on a strategic planning process that will include an evaluation of its grantmaking strategies. Please continue to check this website as we anticipate announcing plans for 2026 grantmaking in the coming year.
Seuss Foundation is to be a catalyst for improved literacy, broadly conceived, through strategic partnerships and investments.
Funding Focus – Early Literacy
Research shows that children’s earliest years—from birth to age eight—are critical for developing the social, emotional, and academic skills that lay the groundwork for later success in school and in life. Studies also note that students of color and those from underserved communities often perform at a lower level than their peers from more advantaged communities. The Dr. Seuss Foundation supports evidence-based programs which increase the number of children who enter school ready to learn and thrive, and who are proficient readers by the time they enter fourth grade.
Specifically, the Foundation supports:

• Instructional Quality Improvements and Educational Staff Support
• Early Education Service and Program Expansions
• Strong, Healthy Starts for Children and New Parents
• Expanding access to programs and information that support caregivers in their role as their child’s first teacher
• Offering children extended learning opportunities that expand upon strong in-school teaching and learning
• Programs which integrate Arts Education and Environmental Education into their work will receive special consideration
• Promoting awareness of evidence-based practices and evaluating and improving programs and services
• Advocating for expanded public funding for early learning programs
• Values

The Dr. Seuss Foundation strives to honor, preserve, and fulfill the power and promise of the work of Theodor Seuss Geisel. Like the stories and teachings of Dr. Seuss, the values of the Foundation reflect the beliefs of the author:

• Creativity and Imagination
• We believe in creativity and imagination for the betterment of the world.
• Excellence
• We are thoughtful and strategic in our grantmaking decisions, and committed to the integrity, transparency, and rigor needed for positive impact.
• Education and Literacy
• We support learning that promotes literacy, is fun, fosters imagination and creativity, values art and humor, and embraces learning through life experiences.
• Sustainability and Environment
• We promote the environment and all living things, and are dedicated to preserving the planet now and for the future.
• Diversity and Equity

Grantseekers
The Dr. Seuss Foundation provides grants in the United States through three funding cycles per year, or by invitation.

Eligibility

The Foundation will primarily make grants to organizations that support projects located within San Diego.To be eligible for a grant from The Dr. Seuss Foundation, your organization must be a tax-exempt charitable organization in good standing, as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Ineligibility

What we do NOT fund:Grants to individuals.Grants to private foundations or regranting organizations.Grants for debt retirement or to cover operating deficits.Unsolicited requests for special event or gala sponsorship.Activities intended to influence legislation or support candidates for political office.Activities for religious or doctrinal purposes, although faith-based organizations may apply for program support.Organizations that do not comply with applicable laws and regulations.Grants for endowment or capital development will be considered only rarely.