FAQ

Impactful Grantmaking Process

Find answers to the most common questions about our grantmaking process, from funding guidelines and eligibility to proposal requirements and reporting expectations.

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The David D. Dodge Foundation is committed to transparency in our grantmaking. Our FAQ section provides clear answers to common questions about eligibility, proposal requirements, and the types of initiatives we support in advancing human rights.

By outlining funding criteria, reporting expectations, and reasons proposals may be declined, we help organizations better understand our priorities. This resource gives potential grantees the clarity they need to prepare strong proposals and build meaningful partnerships with the Foundation.

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The David D. Dodge Foundation Grantmaking FAQs Guide

What types of funding does the Foundation provide?

The Foundation provides annual grants focused on supporting human rights organizations having special projects and programs creating meaningful results for those entities. The Foundation does not provide general operating support.

How do I submit a grant proposal?

The Foundation is not accepting or considering any unsolicited letters of inquiry. Only those organizations which currently receive funding and those invited to apply may submit a full proposal.

How much funding is available?

Grant amounts may vary depending on a broad set of factors.

What does the Foundation not support?

We do not support capital projects, equipment purchases, and endowment funds.

Must grantee organizations be 501 (c)3 nonprofit organizations?

Yes.

Are Foundation grants limited to the U.S. ?

Grantee organizations should have a U.S. base or presence in the U.S. though they may have operations globally.

What does the Foundation look for when making grants?

Organizations requesting grants should have the financial and administrative capacity to achieve the goals of the proposal. Such organizations must be led by an effective full-time, part-time, or volunteer staff and have a high-functioning board.

Generally, why would the Foundation decline a qrant proposal?

Applying for funding is a competitive process. Due to limited resources, the Foundation looks for projects and programs having the _most potential for pos1t1ve change and results.

What information needs to be submitted for a grant proposal?

Organizations invited 10 submit a proposal will be provided an application which details all required information.

Who will review my proposal?

The Foundation President.

Does the application process usually require a site visit?

Typically, yes. On occasion, such visits may be completed by phone.

Will quarterly reports on the progress of the project be required?

Generally, yes. Written reports should be submitted to the Foundation at the close of each quarter. Some small grants may not have to submit quarterly reports.

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Testimonials

Experiences

David has been one of our most steadfast supporters for nearly a decade. He made a special grant to establish a sports and recreation program, to bring joy and physical well-being to our girls. When things became further complicated in Afghanistan recently, and many funders started questioning their commitment to girls education in our country — he was first to ask: How can I help? He has sponsored a student for many years, with whom he shares a special bond, and gone above and beyond to make sure she — and, critically, her whole family — have the support they need for their collective health, and her ongoing education. David is a true champion for Afghan girls, and I count him among my dearest friends.

At the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), we are unwavering in confronting racism in all its forms. We are guided by a deep commitment to building a future where hate and extremism, poverty, and mass incarceration are relics of the past. This work could not have been done without the support of supporters like the David D. Dodge Foundation. We are grateful for the David D. Dodge Foundation's partnership in this critical work and look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future.

The David D. Dodge Foundation has been a steady ally for years now, empowering key on-the-ground projects which are making a difference in the struggle to oppose executions and end the death penalty. David Dodge is not the only funder of ours who pays close attention to our work, but he shows up and joins in the work too. We appreciate that Mr. Dodge puts his money where his mouth is.

For nearly a decade, the David D. Dodge Foundation has stood beside Human Rights Watch as a steadfast partner. Through mutual trust and respect, the Foundation provides reassurance and stability to public outreach programs and to life-saving work. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the David D. Dodge Foundation in making a real and lasting impact together.

"We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist."

James Baldwin