Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation: Education Grants

Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation: Education Grants

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Sidney R Baer Jr Foundation
Last Updated: November 09, 2025

Summary

The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation focuses on improving the lives of individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder through education grants. By funding programs that enhance educational opportunities, the foundation aims to reduce isolation and promote understanding. Grants are awarded to qualified organizations that prioritize mental health initiatives, ensuring that those affected have access to the resources and support necessary for a better quality of life. The foundation's mission is rooted in the belief that education can be transformative for those facing mental health challenges.

Overview

Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the lives of those living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is our mission to award grants to organizations and institutions doing work that will have a tangible impact on the field of mental health. Our vision is a better world, where those afflicted with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder might no longer feel the isolation so often associated with the disease. Every grant the foundation awards starts with a single question: “Would this have benefited Sidney?” Our namesake was a member of the well-known family who founded the Stix Baer and Fuller department store chain. A brilliant businessman who was only limited by his illness, Sidney accumulated a great deal of wealth in his lifetime, but no amount of money was enough to soothe the overwhelming struggles associated with his schizophrenia. In honor of Sidney R. Baer, Jr., the foundation has identified five grant segments where we believe our funds will make the biggest difference for those suffering from serious mental illness. Education, criminal justice, reintegration, clinical research, and social support are all aspects of Sidney’s day-to-day life where greater access to understanding and resources would have improved his quality of life Education Grants The Sidney R. Baer, Jr. Foundation provides grants that afford individuals living with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder the same opportunity at an education that Sidney received. We are also passionate about fostering additional financial and academic resources that, if in existence at the time, would have greatly benefited Sidney during his time in school. From direct scholarships to the sponsorship of academic programs for those resuming their education after experiencing mental health issues, The Sidney R. Baer Jr. Foundation views education as a priceless resource for the mentally ill.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Qualifying organizations must have tax-exempt status under IRS sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2). They must agree to expend no more than seven percent of the received fund on the organization’s administrative expenses and the primary focus of the application should be programs concentrating on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.There is no geographic restriction within the continental US.

Ineligibility

No grants will be made for international activities or to foreign charitable institutions.No grants will be made directly to individuals or to medical researchers.No grants will be made for current operating funds, annual fund-raising drives, or for the establishment of, or additions to, endowments.No grants will be made for charitable needs beyond the scope of the Foundation’s missions including intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, drugs and alcohol addiction.We do NOT fund 509(a)(3) supporting organizations, private foundations, or private operating foundations.