Apply for Funding FAQs


What are The Rita Langworthy Foundation's grant proposal deadlines?

There are no deadlines for submitting a grant proposal to The Rita Langworthy Foundation. The Rita Langworthy Foundation accepts proposals year-round, and the board meets quarterly to make funding decisions. However, the large number of proposals we receive and our extensive due diligence process make it impossible for us to guarantee that your proposal will be considered at the next scheduled board meeting. Funding decisions for Educator Mini Grants and Books for Kids may take up to four months and nonprofit grants may take up to one year.


How much funding should I request?

We award a maximum of $250 per Educator Mini Grant and Books for Kids award.

First time nonprofit organization grants usually run between $250-$5000.


Can my organization receive funding if it is located outside of Flint, MI or New York, NY?

Yes. The Rita Langworthy Foundation accepts applications from public educators and community-based programs nationwide.


Can my organization receive funding if it is an international organization with affiliate offices in the United States of America?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation funds only public educators and nonprofit organizations based in the United States of America.


Will The Rita Langworthy Foundation fund a program that is not yet off the ground?

The Rita Langworthy Foundation generally invests in programs with proven models. However, The Rita Langworthy Foundation also seeks and considers proposed programs that warrant start-up funding by targeting specific, at-risk children’s needs that are otherwise going unmet in the organization’s area.


Can I request general operating support for my organization from The Rita Langworthy Foundation?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation does not provide funds for general operating support. Proposals for grants must be targeted to specific programs or projects.


Will The Rita Langworthy Foundation fund my organization’s capital project?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation does not fund capital projects.


Will The Rita Langworthy Foundation fund my organization’s conference, trip, lawsuit, protest, advocacy work, staff training, fundraising event, strategic alliance or the production of our annual report?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation funds public educators and nonprofit programs directly serving at-risk children that provide long-term, comprehensive, and intensive services that produce measurable results.


Can I request funding from The Rita Langworthy Foundation for my personal needs?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation does not support private individuals.


Can I send a video?

Please do not send a video along with your grant application.


Can I come see you?

The Rita Langworthy Foundation does not have public offices. A board member will call you to set up site visits as necessary once a complete application has been received and reviewed.


When will I find out whether my proposal has been approved?

Because of The Rita Langworthy Foundation’s strenuous due diligence process, it can take four months to one year to make funding decisions. During this time, the Board of Directors may do extensive research, make multiple site visits, and have in-depth discussions with others about you and/or your organization.


When may I reapply for a grant from The Rita Langworthy Foundation after my organization’s proposal has been rejected?

You may reapply for a grant one year after your organization’s proposal was rejected. You should emphasize, where appropriate, what program modifications have been implemented and highlight specific positive outcomes that the program achieved since last applying.


Does The Rita Langworthy Foundation offer loans to educators and organizations?

No. The Rita Langworthy Foundation makes only grants.


What do you look for when determining whether or not to fund a project?

For established programs, we look for demonstrated success at helping at-risk children change the trajectory of their lives. For start-up programs, we look for a plan built on research into what works or bold new ideas.