Schowalter Foundation Charitable Distributions

Schowalter Foundation Charitable Distributions

Funder: Schowalter Foundation, Inc., North Newton, KS

Contact: (316) 283-3720 | [email protected]

Background: The Schowalter Foundation began in 1954 upon the implementation of J. A. Schowalter's will. The foundation maintains ongoing agricultural operations to support programs developed by three Mennonite denominations: General Conference Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church, and Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

Mission Statement

The Schowalter Foundation is committed to generating income within the bounds of Christian ethics as defined in consultation with Everence Foundation. Schowalter strives to maintain low overhead and to grow its assets to build gifting capacity. The Schowalter strategy is to make grants of its income to challenge, encourage and stimulate further outreach and witness.

Geographic Scope

• Primary: Mennonite Church USA, Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, and Mennonite denominations with historical affiliation with Mennonite Church USA
• Secondary: Local projects with geographical proximity to North Newton, Kansas and Schowalter properties
• Preference: Great Plains and Midwest regions
• Geographic Restriction: Only entities with IRS tax-exempt status in the United States and its possessions may receive funding

Funding Priorities

Priority consideration is given to applications from:

Overseas and home missions, including relief organizations

Peace, social and welfare concerns

Scholarships to Mennonite colleges and seminaries to support international and ministerial students

Other programs initiated and carried on by boards, committees, and agencies directly or indirectly related to the Mennonite denominations

Priority support is for projects that need seed money for start-up costs related to new programs which have broad application and potential for impact and sustainability.

Fund requests that originate outside the Mennonite denominations may be considered if the faith tradition of the applicant organization aligns with the Mennonite faith tradition.

What Schowalter Foundation Does NOT Fund

• Endowments
• Fellowships, travel, loans, or scholarship assistance to individuals
• Organizations outside the United States and its possessions
• Direct or indirect political campaign activities
• Elementary or secondary schools or equipment for such schools
• Retirement communities or equipment for retirement communities
• Historical research
• General fundraising campaigns or major capital project campaigns
• Ongoing general operational support
• Multi-year commitments

Eligibility Requirements

• Only entities with IRS tax-exempt status may receive funding
• Documentation of tax-exempt status must be submitted
• Applications must originate from qualifying Mennonite or faith-aligned organizations

Board Composition

Schowalter Foundation board members are chosen from members of Mennonite churches or Anabaptist denominations that have current or historical affiliation with the three founding denominations.