To Apply:

Before applying to the M.B. & Edna Zale Foundation, please check:

  1. Do you meet the criteria explained in the Grant Guidelines?

  2. Have you read the Frequently Asked Questions?

  3. Does your mission fit our funding areas?

  4. Has a family member expressed interested in, or are currently involved in, your organization?

If yes to the above, please apply through our online grant management portal by clicking on the APPLY button. We are no longer accepting Letters of Inquiry via email or mail.

Closing date for applications to be considered for the Fall 2024 grant cycle is May 31, 2024, at 5PM CT.

Our main funding areas:

  • Programs that support:

    • Equality of access

    • Early intervention and early childhood development

    • Academic assistance and enrichment

    • Training the unemployed, or underemployed, in job skills

    • Wraparound services in partnership with education and development

    • Growth in financial, digital, and emotional literacy

  • Programs that support:

    • Support for individuals experiencing homelessness

    • Services to promote self-sufficiency

    • Assistance for needy families

    • Social, emotional, cognitive and physical growth for all stages of life.

  • Programs that strengthen:

    • The quality of life for a community, it’s people and animals

    • Philanthropy

    • Civic education

  • Programs that address:

    • Hunger and food insecurity

    • Access to food and healthy choices

    • Food choice and dignity for those suffering from hunger.

    • Strategies to support an individual’s journey out of hunger

  • Programs that address:

    • Identity and heritage

    • Continuity

    • Education

    • Human services

  • Programs that support:

    • The prevention and treatment of illness and disease

    • Family planning, maternal health, and education

    • Access to affordable and impactful mental health services

The Foundation gives priority to:

  • Programs or organizations that promote personal self sufficiency.

  • Innovative approaches to solving social problems.

  • Clear outcomes and accountability

  • Programs that can be replicated or scaled for larger impact.

The Foundation encourages:

  • Requests for programs and projects, rather than ongoing operational support

  • Programs that include an element of collaboration or the possibility of using other community support.

The Foundation does not usually:

  • Provide major support for the arts.

  • Offer grants to individuals.

  • Offer scholarships and fellowships to individuals (except through colleges and universities).