Eligibility Guidelines

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for funding, organizations must meet the following criteria:

Must-Haves:

◦ Be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, or a school, public entity, or organization with a qualified fiscal sponsor
◦ Demonstrate clear alignment with at least one of our funding pillars
◦ Show responsible financial management and organizational stability
◦ Demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and ethical practices

◦ Provide a clear plan for measurable community impact

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Our Standards

We seek to partner with organizations that operate with integrity, transparency, and accountability. Successful applicants typically demonstrate:

◦ Strong leadership and governance
◦ Clear mission alignment and program focus
◦ Responsible stewardship of funds
◦ Respect for the dignity, voices, and lived experiences of the communities served

We value clarity, honesty, and thoughtful planning over polished language or complex proposals.

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Ineligible Requests

The Lasater-Schirmer Foundation does NOT fund:

◦ Individuals (except through established scholarship or partner programs)
◦ Religious organizations, unless services are provided, regardless of faith
◦ Political campaigns, lobbying, or partisan activities
◦ For-profit businesses or ventures
◦ Organizations that promote discrimination of any kind
◦ Endowments or unrestricted capital reserves
◦ Very large national organizations, unless funding is directed to a local project
◦ Capital campaigns (case-by-case exceptions may apply)

Alignment With Our Mission

In addition to eligibility requirements, we consider how closely an organization’s work aligns with our mission, values, and funding priorities. We look for proposals that:

◦ Address clearly defined community needs
◦ Reflect lived experience or community-informed insight
◦ Advance equity and opportunity
◦ Offer realistic goals and outcomes

Eligibility Guidelines

Criteria for Grant Applicants

Eligibility Requirements

Our Standards

Ineligible Requests

Alignment With Our Mission

Organizations that align with our mission are welcome to apply.