The Frances R. Dewing Foundation is seeking applications to support innovative approaches to educating young children in the United States.
Donor Name: Frances R. Dewing Foundation
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/01/2026
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The Frances R. Dewing Foundation supports innovation in early childhood education. Emphasis is placed on new, untried or unusual projects and programs that if successful could have a snowball or ripple effect benefiting the larger educational or local community. Generally such projects and programs need seed money to develop and try new educational methods and tools. The foundation prefers to provide a significant portion of any project it funds. Rarely do trustees fund a project for more than three years, with the assumption that the grantee will use that time to find additional sources of funding for long-term sustainability.
Funding Information
The foundation provides seed money in the form of small grants, generally ranging from $1000 to $25,000.
Eligibility Criteria
The Frances R. Dewing Foundation accepts applications from United States based and operating 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and government entities such as schools and school districts. A letter of determination of 501(c)(3) status from the IRS or proof of government entity status is required to submit an application.
- The foundation does not give grants to individuals.
- Consideration is only given to projects concerned with early childhood education, specifically for children up to sixth grade.
- The Frances R. Dewing Foundation historically accepted applications primarily from New England but now accepts applications from anywhere in the United States. The foundation does not accept applications from outside the United States or for projects outside the United States.
- The Frances R. Dewing Foundation prefers to fund projects or programs with a broad reach and demonstrable direct benefits to children. Applications are not accepted for projects and programs that do not directly benefit children, such as parent education, staff recruitment and endowments.
- The foundation does not give grants for general program funds, operating expenses, capital campaigns, camperships or scholarships.
- Day care projects must be specific and innovative.
- The foundation does not generally fund charter schools or faith-based or religious organizations or organizations that make grants to others.
- Because the foundation places an emphasis on providing seed money for new projects and programs, trustees rarely fund something for more than three years.
For more information, visit Frances R. Dewing Foundation.
