In order to make the best use of staff time, the Foundation reviews proposals on an invitational basis only. We are therefore not in a position to accept unsolicited proposals.

The programs and funding decisions of the William E. Simon Foundation are the responsibility of its Board of Directors, which makes the final decisions on grant proposals within a framework of well-defined policies and practices.

The Foundation supports organizations and programs that help people to help themselves, have a proven track record of success, have a broad base of funders and local support, and spend a low percentage of their budget on administrative and fundraising expenses.

The grantmaking guidelines established by the Directors preclude funding for administrative overhead costs, buildings, endowments or capital campaigns. Moreover, the Foundation generally will not underwrite programs or institutions that receive a significant portion of their revenue from government grants or contracts.

Organizations that receive grants from the Foundation are required to provide detailed reports on the use of grants and their programmatic results. The Foundation staff may conduct periodic evaluations of grants and programs, as well as conduct site visits with grantee organizations. Our evaluations of reports will be a factor in future grantmaking.

Grants will be made only to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation will only support programs that operate in the United States or its territories.

Inquiries should be addressed to:

William E. Simon Foundation