GRANT GUIDELINES
The Lincoln Financial Foundation welcomes grant applications from organizations that meet our geographic, strategic focus, and eligibility guidelines. Local Charitable Contribution Committees meet and review grant applications. (See individual site locations for specific information on grant deadlines.)
As you consider submitting a grant proposal, please review the following basic qualifying factors:
- Only nonprofit organizations that have a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service are eligible to apply for funding. In the United Kingdom, the Lincoln Foundation supports only registered charities or organizations with charitable or nonprofit making purposes.
- The Lincoln Foundation focuses its contributions in three priority areas: Arts and Culture, Education/Workforce Development, and Human Services.
- The Lincoln Foundation supports only those organizations that respect and encourage diversity and adhere to nondiscriminatory practices. Women and ethnic minorities should be adequately represented on an applicant organization's board of directors.
- Support will be considered for programs conducted in the communities where the corporation has a significant business presence and employee base.
- Qualified organizations are eligible for one grant per calendar year.
Restrictions
In general, the Lincoln Foundation will not award grants to:
- Individuals
- Religious organizations (i.e., churches, temples, synagogues)
- Public or private elementary or secondary schools or school foundations
- Hospitals or hospital foundations
- Fraternal, political, or war veteran organizations
- General operating support
- Capital (bricks and mortar) funding
- Endowments
- Sporting organizations, sporting events, or national walks
- Organizations that regrant the funds to other nonprofit organizations
