Dresner Foundation Grants

_NOTE: Potential applicants are encouraged to contact the Foundation to determine potential fit before submitting a Letter of Inquiry. A Letter of Inquiry can be submitted at any time. We will typically notify you within four to six weeks if we are able to invite a Full Proposal._

Program Overview

The main objective of the foundation is to carry on the legacy of Joseph and Vera Dresner by supporting the work of organizations in our focus areas. It was the Dresner’s mission that the foundation would provide a channel to improve the lives of people and animals in their communities.

The foundation’s approach empowers community members to benefit from the grant investments that we make. We partner with organizations that are committed to creating opportunities for the underserved in our communities. Those partners include a wide-range of entities, including hospitals, community centers, and other nonprofits.

Our goal is to provide organizations with the necessary resources, so they can continue offering services to those most in need. We seek to test innovative approaches, determine lessons from current commendable activities, and promote the adoption of creative thinking on a broad scale through direct grant making and support for research and other ventures that advance community support.

We Offer 3 Types of Support:

• Project – Development of new programs, expansion of existing programs, or continuation of sustainable, recognized effective current programming.
• Capital – Equipment purchase, acquisition, construction and/or renovation of facilities.
• Funding for special circumstances, in support of existing grantee  programs, will be considered on a case by case basis. Please note the foundation will not accept unsolicited proposals for this type of support.

Health

We fund projects that support institutions conducting medical research and clinical trials specifically related to Myelodysplastic Syndromes. We also fund projects that improve access to health care and health outcomes. [Click here]() to view information about the Foundation's Myelodysplasia Research Grant.

_Access_ - support for programs that improve the health outcomes of vulnerable people, particularly underserved, low-income individuals who don’t have adequate access to health care.

The foundation is equally interested in efforts that have broad and meaningful impact and focus on intervention and prevention beyond the boundaries of any one disease.

Therefore, we seek to support a network of hospitals and community-based organizations that work to improve the health outcomes of these individuals through enhanced access to health care.

Youth and Family

It is critical that disadvantaged, underserved, and special needs children have access to programs that allow them to learn and foster important life skills. We help organizations develop and sustain programs that empower children and their families and offer opportunity to improve their lives.

_Self-Discovery_ – support for youth programs that foster self-empowerment and self-esteem through academic, artistic, personal or social enrichment.

Regardless, if a child lives in poverty or has a chronic disease, it is essential that they have access to programs that encourage self-expression and move their lives forward in a meaningful way. Therefore, we support organizations that empower children and optimize their development by providing access to programs that promote academic, artistic, personal and social enhancement opportunities.

_Strengthening Families_ – support for programs that reinforce families.

We are also interested in organizations that support youth through the provision of services that strengthen their families such as, but not limited to, workforce development, housing and family food assistance.

Animal Welfare

We work with animal care organizations to make certain that they have the resources needed to ensure the best care and secure shelter for animals and offer corresponding public education initiatives.

_Shelter and Aid_ – support for state-of-the-art facilities and services and corresponding public education initiatives.

The foundation works with animal welfare organizations to make sure they have the resources they need to advance their work. Animal welfare efforts that the foundation will consider are, but not limited to, providing adequate treatment resources, upgrading equipment, improving and maintaining facilities, aiding in the shelter of animals in communities, and public education initiatives.

Eligibility

_You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website._

• Who May Apply:
• Organizations who file under the U.S.501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Organizations located in Southeast Michigan and Metropolitan Denver (City and County of Denver), and the Aspen-Parachute Corridor, Colorado.
• Those Who Apply Must:
• Have a current financial audit or review conducted by an independent certified public accountant.
• Have support for the request from the organization’s President and/or CEO.
• In policy and practice not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, sexual orientation or veteran status.

Ineligibility

• Please note that currently the Foundation is not considering requests for the acquisition, construction and/or renovation of facilities.
• Support is generally not provided:
• directly to individuals or units of government,
• for religious activities (faith-based organizations may be eligible if they welcome and serve all members of the community regardless of religious belief),
• fundraising events,
• conferences or symposiums,
• debt/deficit relief or previously incurred obligations, or
• programs operated to benefit for-profit organizations.