When are grant proposals accepted? Can I submit a request for funding at any time?
The Righteous Persons Foundation typically accepts letters of inquiry twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. We list the LOI deadline for the next round of funding here. Once we’ve reviewed all LOIs, RPF invites a select number of finalists to submit full proposals. Proposals are typically reviewed within three months of submission. We do our best to inform all applicants of their submission’s status within a timely fashion.
Can we meet with someone to discuss our project or initiative before submitting a letter of inquiry?
Unfortunately, due to time constraints, meetings are generally limited to organizations that have been invited to submit full proposals.
I do not have 501(c)3 status for my project. Can I still apply?
We are only able to accept proposals from organizations that have 501(c)3 status. You may, however, have another organization serve as a fiscal sponsor for your request. Please note that for such applications, in addition to the general information submitted, we require a letter noting that the sponsor has agreed to serve as such, and financial information (current year’s budget, last year’s budget, most recent financial audit, if available) from both the fiscal sponsor and the project.
Great! Can you send me an application?
RPF does not have an application form. Instead, we accept letters of inquiry. Click here to see what a letter of inquire should include.
Do you have a list of Grant Guidelines I can see?
The Righteous Persons Foundation’s mission, which speaks to the kinds of projects we fund, can be found on our homepage. It’s also worth checking out our current funding priorities.
Is it OK if I submit a letter of inquiry or proposal via email?
Sure! You are welcome to e-mail a submission to grants@righteouspersons.org.
How will I know if you have received my letter of inquiry or proposal?
We will acknowledge receipt of your letter of inquiry via email within four to six weeks and follow up as quickly as possible. If we become interested in receiving a full proposal based upon your letter of inquiry, you’ll be the first to know.
If I am invited to submit a full proposal, what kinds of supporting documentation will be required?
That information is outlined here.
My letter of inquiry was declined. When can I apply for funding again?
Organizations are eligible to reapply by sending in a new letter of inquiry 12 months after being declined.
Can you tell me why my request was declined?
The funding process is competitive, and a number of factors determine if a proposal is accepted or declined. Proposals are most frequently declined because RPF is simply unable to fund every request we receive that fits within our guidelines.
Do you make grants to individuals?
We do not. Only organizations with 501(c)3 status and organizations that have secured fiscal sponsors are eligible to receive funding from RPF.
Do you fund general operating expenses?
Yes, we do. The Foundation funds both general operating expenses and expenses related to specific programs.
What types of grants do you not fund?
You can find that information here.
Can I apply for additional funding while my organization has an active grant?
Unfortunately, no, but RPF will gladly consider a new grant request after the current grant period ends.
Can I apply for a renewal of support?
Yes! Although we cannot guarantee continued support, please feel welcome to reapply at the end of the active grant period.
What size grants do you typically award?
Grants awarded by the Righteous Persons Foundation have ranged in amount from $5,000 to $150,000 per year. The majority of grants, however, have been between $50,000 to $100,000 per year.
Does the Foundation award multi-year funding?
We do, yes.
Can I review a list of grants the Foundation has made in the past?
We’d love for you to. Please feel free to dive into our Grants Archives.
I have a script/story idea I want to pass on to Steven Spielberg. Can I send it your way?
RPF is unable to accept any materials related to Mr. Spielberg’s work as a director and producer, even for topics that may be related to the Righteous Persons Foundation’s grantmaking.
What is the difference between the Righteous Persons Foundation and the USC Shoah Foundation Institute?
While they were established around the same time by Steven Spielberg, the USC Shoah Foundation Institute is an independent organization dedicated to documenting and disseminating Holocaust survivor testimony around the world, while the Righteous Persons Foundation is a grantmaking foundation working to build a diverse and vibrant Jewish community primarily in the United States.
I have a question that isn’t answered here.
Feel free to contact us via e-mail at grants@righteouspersons.org.