We believe that authentic leaders are people of the highest integrity who are committed to building enduring organizations, have a deep sense of genuine purpose, and are true to their core values. Authentic leaders first lead themselves, then teams, and then organizations.
Our Aspiration
- Strengthen authentic leadership in all sectors in service of our vision of a society led by authentic leaders who contribute to building compassionate communities and creating a more just, civil, and functional society.
- Ensure opportunities for authentic leadership development for people of all races, genders, and socioeconomic levels.
- Create and support fellowship and scholarship programs with select institutions that reflect the core values of authentic leadership.
General Guidance for Prospective Grantees
- We focus on funding organizations that are aligned with our mission and are working to address deep, meaningful needs that they are uniquely positioned to meet.
- We only fund 501(c)(3) organizations, in good standing.
- Although we sometimes fund select national organizations, we generally fund organizations working in Minnesota, Dallas, Northern San Francisco Bay Area / Marin County, and the Vail Valley.
- We are committed to funding programs that support the advancement of women and girls.
- We are NOT accepting requests for: capital improvements, endowments, or scientific research.
Specific Guidance for Authentic Leadership Focus Area
- We focus on funding organizations that are uniquely positioned to realize significant components of our focus-area aspiration (above).
- This area focuses on programs for leaders ages 18+ (above high school-age).
Letter of Inquiry
While the Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals, Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are welcome. We most actively review LOIs in January/February and July/August for board meetings in June and December. If you meet the criteria listed above, please click here to start the LOI quiz.
To learn more about our grantees, please view our annual report.