Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant

Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Francis R. Dewing Foundation
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Summary

The Francis R. Dewing Foundation Grant provides seed money to support innovative projects in early childhood education, benefiting children up to sixth grade. Founded by Frances R. Dewing in 1963, the foundation aims to stimulate intellectual growth in young children through unique educational methods. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $25,000, with a focus on projects that demonstrate a broad impact on the educational community. Applications are accepted from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities across the United States.

Overview

The Frances R. Dewing Foundation The Frances R. Dewing Foundation was created on April 4, 1963 by Frances Hall Rousmaniere Dewing. The foundation is a small, non-profit charitable organization that supports innovative approaches to the education of young children in the United States. Approximately 20 to 30 grants are made per year. Frances Dewing’s daughters Mary Moraine, Abigail Avery and Ruth Ewing were the founding trustees. They were succeeded over the years by Frances’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren and extended family members. Funding Priorities The Frances R. Dewing Foundation supports innovation in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on new, untried or unusual projects and programs that if successful could have a snowball or ripple effect benefiting the larger educational or local community. Generally such projects and programs need seed money to develop and try new educational methods and tools. The foundation provides seed money in the form of small grants, generally ranging from $1000 to $25,000. The foundation prefers to provide a significant portion of any project it funds. Rarely do trustees fund a project for more than three years, with the assumption that the grantee will use that time to find additional sources of funding for long-term sustainability.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Frances R. Dewing Foundation accepts applications from United States based and operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities such as schools and school districts. A letter of determination of 501(c)(3) status from the IRS or proof of government entity status is required to submit an application.The Frances R. Dewing Foundation historically accepted applications primarily from New England but now accepts applications from anywhere in the United States.Consideration is only given to projects concerned with early childhood education, specifically for children up to sixth grade.Day care projects must be specific and innovative.

Ineligibility

The foundation does not give grants to individuals.The foundation does not give grants for general program funds, operating expenses, capital campaigns, camperships or scholarships.Because the foundation places an emphasis on providing seed money for new projects and programs, trustees rarely fund something for more than three years.The foundation does not accept applications from outside the United States or for projects outside the United States.Applications are not accepted for projects and programs that do not directly benefit children, such as parent education, staff recruitment and endowments.The foundation does not generally fund charter schools or faith-based or religious organizations or organizations that make grants to others.