Note: Programs meeting some, but not all, of our current funding priorities are still encouraged to complete an initial inquiry form.
We have learned that many people have received emails from “Doris Buffett” stating the email recipient has been selected to receive a large sum of money. Please be advised that this type of email is a phishing scheme that did not originate with Doris Buffett or the Sunshine Lady Foundation. For more information about online safety and how to report these incidents go to https://www.usa.gov/online-safety.
The Sunshine Lady Foundation prioritizes higher education in prison programs that provide on-site, for-credit programs that lead to the completion of a postsecondary credential (degree, certification or licensure), either during incarceration or post-incarceration and reentry programs in the community that prioritize and provide support for the continuation of postsecondary education. The foundation does not fund research, policy/advocacy, non-credit academic programs, statewide consortia, strategic planning, and/or other projects that do not specifically pertain to the day-to-day work of running a higher education in prison and/or reentry program.
The Sunshine Lady Foundation makes the following types of grants: Program Grants, Micro Grants, Tuition Grants, and Capital Investment Grants (described below).
The Sunshine Lady Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. All potential grantees must first complete an initial eligibility screening. Programs determined to be a match for the foundation's program grantmaking cycles (Spring and Fall) or grant programs on a rolling basis (Micro, Capital Investment and Tuition grants) will then engage in an initial call with the Sunshine Lady Foundation Executive Director. Prospective grantees will be reviewed by the foundation’s Board of Directors and invitations to apply for funding will be made.
Program Grants are made to programs that apply through one of the two grantmaking cycles (Spring or Fall). Program Grant requests should support the annual budget of a qualifying higher education in prison or reentry program. Program grants are awarded on an annual- or multi-year basis. All eligible programs must follow the guidelines established for Program Grants. Learn more about the foundation's criteria and eligibility.
Micro Grants are awarded only to current or former grantees (receiving Program Grants) and are awarded on a rolling basis. Organizations may apply multiple times in a year, but it will be a priority to ensure that as many program are able to access the fund as possible. The Micro Grant Fund was established to support the often unpredictable needs of programs, staff and students during the year. Funding requests should be for one-time funding needs related to an organization's mission and work. Examples of micro grant requests are as follows: books and supplies, direct student support/individual basic needs, former student networking event, graduation event, staff training, technology, conference travel, etc. Micro grant requests should not include: capital campaigns, core project/project funding, general operating funds, scholarship programs, staff salaries and/or benefits. Micro Grant Fund awards are made up. Micro Grant requests should not exceed $5,000.
Micro Grant Fund applications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis each month, until the MGF budget is exhausted. Quick decisions will be made on all MGF applications, as we know that short-term funding needs are often time sensitive. We do ask that you factor in at least two weeks for our team to review the request (once submitted) and come to a decision.
To begin the process of requesting a Program Grant or Micro Grant, please complete the Sunshine Lady Foundation Grant Inquiry Form.
Capital Investment Fund grants are awarded on a one-time basis, and while there is no limit to how many times an organization can apply, but priority will be given to distributing resources to as many programs as possible and to funding a diversity of projects and proposals. Organizations that are current or former grantees of The Sunshine Lady Foundation can apply for funding from the Capital Investment Fund Program. Funding requests should be for one-time funding needs related to an organization's mission and work. Examples of capital investment grants are as follows: housing purchase or renovation, computer lab build-out, equipment purchase. Capital Investment requests should not include: conference attendance, core project/project funding, general operating funds, scholarship programs, staff salaries and/or benefits. Awards do not have a funding limit.
The Annual Tuition Fund supports the tuition needs for currently incarcerated students who are either Pell or non-Pell eligible or for students in programs not currently drawing on Pell funds. The Tuition Fund does not support tuition for students who are formerly incarcerated. For funding for formerly incarcerated students, programs should apply for a Higher Education in Prison/Reentry Program Grant. Tuition Fund grants are awarded on a rolling basis and programs that are current, former or have not yet received a grant from the Sunshine Lady Foundation can apply.
The Sunshine Lady Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. All potential grantees must first complete an initial eligibility screening.
Programs determined to be a match for the foundation's general grantmaking cycles (Spring and Fall) will then engage in an initial call with the Sunshine Lady Foundation Executive Director. The purpose of the call is to learn more about the prospective grantee program, to answer any questions and to further determine alignment with the Sunshine Lady Foundation’s priorities and mission. Prospective grantees will be reviewed by the foundation’s Board of Directors and invitations to apply for funding will be made twice per year (no later than March and September). Funding decisions will be made by the Sunshine Lady Foundation Board of Directors and programs will be notified no later than June, for March applications and December, for September applications. Reporting requirements for all grantees will be articulated at the time of grant award notification.
Micro Grant, Tuition and Capital Investment Grant aplications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis until the the budget for each fund is exhausted. Quick decisions will be made on all MGF applications, as we know that short-term funding needs are often time sensitive. We do ask that you factor in at least two weeks for our team to review the request and come to a decision. Learn more about the Sunshine Lady Foundation's Grantmaking Programs. Tuition and Capital Investment applications will take up to two months to review and respond to.
The Sunshine Lady Foundation makes grants to qualified 501c3 nonprofit organizations based in the United States and funds specific projects with specific outcomes. The Foundation requests that a proposal include only the direct expenses that are required for, and can be tracked directly to, the grant project. The Foundation does not fund indirect costs calculated and added as an additional percentage of the overall project.
Please direct questions to: info@sunshineladyfoundation.org in advance of submitting a grant application.
