Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant

Mildred's Dream Foundation Grant provides vital support to community-based non-profit organizations focused on Education, Domestic Violence, and Physical or Mental Health Challenges. With grants up to $25,000, the foundation aims to honor Mildred's commitment to improving lives and creating a better world. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits providing direct services in these areas. Notably, the foundation excludes funding for certain institutions, ensuring resources are directed to those genuinely in need.

NOTE: Beginning in the 2026 grant cycle, any organization that has received three (3) consecutive years of funding in the areas of Education or Health will be required to take a year off from applying for funding.
Mildred’s Dream Foundation (MDF) provides grants to community-based non-profit organizations, across priority focus areas that help us meet our mission. All grant requests must align with at least one (1) of these key areas:

• Education (with a focus on access, diversity and/or inclusion for children)
• Domestic Violence (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, Abuse Prevention and Survivor Support)
• Physical and/or Mental Health Challenges

Our Grant Committee is responsible for the review of grant applications and the decisions regarding the award and distribution of funds. Up to $25,000 will be provided per grant and amounts funded are based on the organization’s budgetary needs, strength of application, and close alignment with our mission and areas of giving. Please note, most grant awards from MDF average between $5,000 and $10,000.
MDF provides grants which fund specific programs or projects, including both direct service and projects that further MDF’s mission. Up to 20% of the grant request submitted can be used for general operating costs, excluding rent, utilities, office supplies, taxes and insurance. Staff salary can be considered if necessary for program delivery, implementation or expansion of the project.

Eligibility

For an organization to be eligible to receive a grant from MDF, it must:
Be designated by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit under 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Tax Code.Provide direct services, programming and/or advocacy in one (1) of the focus areas listed above

Ineligibility

MDF does not provide grants to the following institutions or organizations:
Colleges and universities or programs directly connected to such educational institutions;Hospitals and medical facilities, or programs directly connected to such facilities;Politically affiliated organizations or groups;Religious institutions and facilities, or primary and secondary schools which exclude students based on religious affiliation, or because of race, color, national origin, sexual orientation or gender Identity;Private schools which do not provide access to underserved populations;Any organization that limits their program or activities based on protected status, unless the program Is designed to serve the specific service-based needs of a population;Any organization with current unrestricted funding which can be used to cover the program costs, or a portion of the costs, requested;Organizations with an endowment which can be used to cover the program costs, or a portion of the costs requested; – AND / OR –Organizations that currently have in their reserves less than 3 months and more than 9 months of an operating budget to sustain existing programing (NOTE: A most-recent balance sheet is required with your submission to demonstrate this).MDF does not provide funding for the following activities or purposes:
Scholarships for individuals for any purpose;Lobbying and legislative efforts;Capital projects, including the purchase of land, a building, renovations of a building, equipment, or furniture; – AND / OR –Endowments