Sunderland Foundation Grant

Overview

_NOTE:_

* _The Sunderland Foundation is currently undergoing a strategic review and is not accepting grant applications or proposals at this time._
* _Updated application guidelines and program areas of interest will be available in the second half of 2025._

Since its inception, the Foundation, which is still led by Lester T. Sunderland's descendants, has focused on supporting construction projects, awarding grants to nonprofits in the Kansas City region and other markets traditionally served by the Ash Grove Cement Company.

The Foundation prefers to make grants for construction and special interest projects rather than for annual operating expenses.

Grants for planning, design, construction, renovation, repairs and restoration of facilities are considered. Areas of interest include higher education, youth serving agencies, health facilities, community buildings, museums, civic projects and energy efficient affordable housing projects sponsored by qualified tax-exempt organizations.

Funding Areas

In recent grant cycles, the Board of Trustees has awarded the majority of grants in four broadly defined areas:

Higher Education

In 2022, the Foundation awarded $49 million to more than 35 educational organizations. Grantees included community colleges, private colleges, and public universities.

Human Services

The Foundation awarded $30 million to human service nonprofits in 2022, and many grants in this area went to groups that provide essential services to youth and families. Grantees included a range of youth-focused groups, including Reconciliation Services, the Nebraska Youth Justice Initiative in Omaha, Nebraska and the Sno-Valley Senior Center in Carnation, Washington.

Arts and Culture

Arts and culture projects received $23 million in 2022, including grants to the Springfield Art Museum in Springfield, Missouri, the Omaha Zoo and the Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, Washington. Health Care and Hospitals.

Health Care and Hospitals

This is a growing area of need in many communities the Foundation serves. In 2022, $65 million was awarded to hospitals and health-care groups to build and improve their facilities.

Eligibility

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

* The Sunderland Foundation makes grants annually to charitable organizations with tax exempt status under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. 
* Grants are awarded in Western Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Western Iowa, Idaho, Central Texas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Montana. 
* The Foundation generally awards grants to larger, well-established nonprofit organizations

Ineligibility

* Please not the Sunderland Foundation does not currently award grants for the following: 
* Annual operating expenses, programs, or endowments
* Sponsorship of special events, golf tournaments, banquets, etc.
* Primary and secondary schools are generally not considered
* Scholarships or other assistance provided directly to individuals