Mildred’s Dream Foundation provides grants to community-based nonprofits across priority focus areas that help us meet our mission. 

Grant requests must align with at least one of these areas: 

1. Education (with a focus on access, diversity, and/or inclusion for children)

2. Domestic Violence (including Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Stalking, Abuse Prevention and Survivor Support)

3. Physical and/or Mental Health Challenges

Education

-Projects that support the academic and emotional outcomes for children who face barriers to success.

-Early literacy Initiatives (excluding curriculum development).

-Post-secondary access and career exploration in grades Pre-K- through 12th.

-Mentorship

Physical & Mental Health Challenges

-Projects that focus on underserved and vulnerable populations.

-Projects that provide access to support services for individuals and families.

-Educational programs that focus on stigma prevention and intervention.

Domestic Violence

-Projects which offer support services to adults and/or children who are currently experiencing or have experienced trauma due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.  These may include, but are not limited to, counseling, safety planning, economic stability resources, and housing search.

-Residential programs which provide temporary emergency shelter.

-Education and youth leadership programs.

-Emergency funds that may be used to assist someone who believes they are In Imminent danger and who needs financial assistance to be safe.  This can be used for food, or to obtain housing stability, or for other purposes identified that are needed to support the survivor.

Our Grant Committee is responsible for the review of grant applications and the decisions regarding the award and distribution of funds. Up to $25,000 will be provided per grant, and amounts funded are based on the organization’s budgetary needs, strength of application, and close alignment with our areas of giving. Please note that an average grant award from MDF is between $5,000 and $10,000.

MDF provides grants that fund specific programs or projects, including both direct service and projects that further the organization’s mission and service goals. Up to 20% of the submitted grant request can be used for general operating costs, excluding rent, utilities, office supplies, taxes and insurance. Staff salary can be considered if necessary for program delivery, implementation or expansion.

The Grant Committee will begin the application review process after the submission due date.