The James Foundation believes that education is a lifelong journey and learning experiences should be made available to all. Through education, quality of life will be enriched; strengthening both families and community.

The James Foundation strives to create change, enhance quality of life, and provide opportunities to individuals to thrive by focusing on the following funding priorities:

Scholarship Programs

Arts and Culture

The James Foundation is continually testing new ideas and pushing boundaries of the current concept of operations, searching for new grant opportunities to be funded that explore thought provoking and motivation projects with benevolent intent.

The James Foundation primarily makes grants to charitable organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as being descripts as Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations based in the United States.

The James Foundation has a goal of encouraging educational opportunities through grants, scholarships, and other efforts to make advancements.

Unfortunately, we must decline numerous worthy proposals each year because they do not fit in the Foundation’s grant giving focus or mission.  This is not a reflection on the merit of the proposal and project. The Foundation will do its best to help recommend suitable funding alternatives.

The Foundation will not consider grants for the following types of activities or entities:

• Organizations that discriminate in either policy or practice against people because of their age, race, national origin, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
• Lobbying or Political Elections
• Religious Focused Requests
• Individual requests for personal loans
• For-Profit business related financial needs

The Foundation approaches the grant process in a way that allows us to best get to know organizations and its mission. Before being granted access to the application for funding, potential grant partners must attend a Connection Event. During these 90 minute, small-group sessions, organizations can learn more about The James Foundation and its giving priorities as well as it gives the Foundation a chance to learn about the organizations present.

If an organization has a mission and project or program that aligns with the mission of The James Foundation, the organanization will be invited to being the application process. There are two stages to the application. First is the preliminary or LOI stage. This portion of the application will give the Foundation basic information about your organization’s need and project you are seeking a funding partner to complete.  The LOI will be reviewed by Foundation staff and a site visit will be scheduled. If staff believes that the application will continue to be successful additional questions will need to be address by the organization as the “Full Application” will be released. Complete proposals from grant partners will be presented to the Foundation’s Grant Committee and a decision about the grant will be presented to grant seekers within a timely manner.

There are no specific deadlines for Grant Applications nor timelines for the process. Each application is handled and managed on an individual basis with thoughtfulness, presence, and transparency. The Foundation believes in taking its time to ensure that both parties are working in the same direction in complete partnership.

Grant Partners are asked to adhere to the application process as attempts to bypass the process may affect the outcome of the request.  Although the Foundation is managed by family and community members, we ask that you please respect the privacy of each of these people and not approach family members personally regarding your submittal.

The Foundation believes it is important to evaluate how its Grant Partners meets its goals with successful grant applications.  Foundation representatives visit each recipient as a measure of accountability and support.  A final report will be required for every successful grant.

The James Foundation is available to answer your questions or concerns about applying for a grant.

For more information on or to sign up for a Connection Event, please contact Program Officer, Jennifer Kasmier at jkasmier@thejamesfoundation.org or via phone at (260) 333-0066

For any additional questions or concerns please contact Kendra Klink, Executive Director, at kklink@thejamesfoundation.org or via phone at (260) 333-0068.