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 Sunshine Lady Foundation makes two types of grants: Program Grants and Micro Grants.
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.
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. 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).
Micro Grants are awarded only to current or former grantees (receiving Program Grants) and are awarded on a one-time basis. The Sunshine Lady Foundation Micro Grant Fund was established to support the often unpredictable needs of programs, staff and students during the year. Micro Grant awards range from $250 - $2,500. The same criteria for all SLF grants will be used for the Micro Grant Fund.
Funding requests should be for one-time funding needs related to an organization’s mission and work. Examples of Micro Grant Fund requests are as follows: Books and supplies; Direct student support/individual basic needs; Former student networking event; Graduation event; Staff training; Technology, etc.
Micro grant requests should be limited to the eligibility criteria outlined above and should not include the following types of long-term funding requests:
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.
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 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 and come to a decision. Learn more about the Sunshine Lady Foundation's Grantmaking Programs.
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.
