Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation Grant Application Guidelines

About this program

The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation awards grants to Michigan-based nonprofit and governmental organizations to improve education, science/technology, arts and culture, and community/economic life, often supporting seed or matching projects that can become self-sustaining. Applicants use a two-stage process beginning with a Letter of Intent submitted through the Foundation’s online portal; there are no fixed deadlines, the Board meets periodically, and grants are typically disbursed in December. Eligible applicants must be organizations incorporated and located in Michigan that are tax-exempt under IRS rules (501(c)(3)) or government entities; the Foundation will not fund individuals, non–tax-deductible organizations, discriminatory or political/legislative organizations, or groups incorporated outside Michigan. LOIs and invited full proposals should include a program summary, total project cost, amount requested and proposed disbursement timeline, evidence of 501(c)(3) status, detailed annual budget and audited financials, and names of management and trustees; Trustees favor clear objectives, strong management, public accountability, innovation, collaboration, and projects benefiting youth or older adults.