General Funding Guidelines
The Dyson Foundation makes grants to tax-exempt public charities described under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Service Code. Unsolicited funding inquiries are only accepted through our Mid-Hudson Valley Program, which has additional specific guidelines. We also have very specific criteria regarding faith-based organizations and schools.
The Foundation does not accept applications from:
- individuals;
- private foundations;
- fiscal agents; or
- government units such as fire districts or municipalities, with the exception of projects exploring consolidation or merger (review our Strategic Restructuring Initiative guidelines), or
- Rotary clubs (whether or not they are 501(c)(3) organizations) and similar service clubs.
We do not make grants for:
- galas, fundraising events, tickets, or sponsorships (read our Statement Regarding Special Events Funding);
- direct mail campaigns;
- international projects;
- general endowments; or
- debt or deficit reduction.
The Dyson Foundation's policy on non-discrimination prevents us from awarding grant support to organizations that, in their constitution, bylaws, or practices, discriminate against a person or group because of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grantees, however, may target services to a particular population when the targeted groups require specialized programs to meet specific needs not shared by the general population.
How to Apply for Dyson Foundation funding.