The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation awards grants to organizations for which a small amount of money might make a large difference. The Foundation welcomes requests for support from community-based, non-profit organizations based in the United States.
Requests submitted between now and November 10th, 2026 will be considered for our Spring 2027 Award Round.
1) Frequently asked questions in relation to General Considerations including priorities, eligibility, and feedback.
2) Frequently asked questions in relation to the Application Portal
General FAQ
1. Are your grants limited to a particular geographic area?
The Foundation makes grants to non-profit organizations across the United States. The Foundation does not establish geographical preferences within the United States. The Foundation can also consider requests for organizations based in the United States but whose programming takes place abroad, as well as requests from organizations located in U.S. Territories. The Foundation cannot consider requests from organizations that are not based in the United States.
2. Does the Foundation give grants for operating support?
The Foundation does award funding for operating support, as well as for specific projects or activities of an organization. The Foundation does not have a preference between program and operating support.
3. What are the Foundation's funding priorities for this year/ would you recommend I apply for X program or Y program?
The Foundation does not establish funding priorities on an annual basis, but rather supports worthwhile activities for which an organization has made a compelling case to receive funding. As a result, Foundation staff cannot advise applicants on the appropriateness of one potential submission over another. Instead, we generally suggest that organizations select programs for which they can make their best case for support, and for which a small amount of money can have a large impact.
Examples of the Foundation's general areas of interest may be found on the Application Page however, the Foundation will consider applications from any 501(c)3 based in the United States of America for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference.
4. Is it possible to meet/have a quick phone call with someone at the Foundation?
Unfortunately, no. The volume of requests we receive in relation to the size of the Foundation's staff makes it impossible to allocate equal time. The best case for support can be made within the application. If you have a question that is not addressed within the guidelines, application portal, or these FAQs please email: info@mvdreyfusfoundation.org
5. Can we receive feedback on our application?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the number of requests received for each round of grants, we are unable to provide feedback on individual requests.
6. If our application is accepted, will we be asked to submit a full proposal/Do you require a Letter of Interest?
No. All narrative information in regard to your Foundation and its programs are collected in the initial application.
The Foundation does not require or consider letters of interest or letters of introduction. Due to the number of communications the Foundation receives, we may not respond to letters of interest/letters of introduction.
7. Will the Foundation consider emergency grants?
The Foundation cannot make emergency grants.
8. How many applicants applied during last cycle? What percentage were successful?
The Foundation has no interest in tracking or providing this information; not believing it to be beneficial to either party.
9. Can my organization submit an application under a fiscal sponsor?
Yes. When creating the organization profile, write your organization's name in the "Organization's Legal Name" field and the name of your fiscal sponsor in the "DBA" field. Enter your own EIN, not your fiscal sponsor's.
In the application, mark "No" to the question "Is your organization a 501c3 organization?". Select "applying through a fiscal sponsor" and enter the name of your fiscal sponsor.
Under attachments, attach your fiscal sponsor's most recent 990 and their 501c3 determination letter.
10. Can publicly supported organizations, such as schools or local government institutions, for which a 501(c)3 determination is not appropriate, apply for funding?
Yes, requests from publicly supported organizations can be considered. Mark "No" to the question "Is your organization a 501c3 organization?" on the application. Select "on behalf of a publicly-supported organization such as a school university or government entity". In lieu of a 501(c)3 determination letter we require a signed statement from a senior administrator as to the organization's means of support.
In lieu of a 990, instead attach your organization's most recent operating budget. Organizations that have not uploaded an operating budget will be automatically disqualified.
12. My 501c3 organization does not yet have a completed 990, can we still apply?
No. The Foundation requires organizations identifying themselves as 501c3 organizations to provide at least one completed 990 to apply. If you have marked "Yes" to the question "Is your organization a 501c3 organization?" in the application and do not upload a 990, your organization will be automatically disqualified. We require all materials be uploaded at the time of submission and will not accept items later by email.
13. Are 990-N/postcard 990s acceptable?
Yes.
14. My organization is not required to file 990s, can we still apply?
Publicly supported organizations, such as schools, libraries or other local government institutions and faith-based organizations that are not required to file 990s can still apply. Individuals and businesses (LLCs) may not. Publicly supported organizations can follow the instructions on item 10. Faith-based organizations that are 501c3 should mark "Yes" to the question Is your organization a 501c3 organization?" on the application.
In lieu of the 990, instead attach your organization's most recent operating budget with actual income and expenses. Organizations that have not uploaded an operating budget will be automatically disqualified.
15. Can my application include indirect costs and if so, up to what percentage?
The Foundation does not have a specific policy regarding indirect costs or their percentage. Requests containing indirect costs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Because the vast majority of organizations applying for funding are not required to include indirect costs in their request, we recommend keeping any required indirect costs as low as possible.
16. How much funding do you recommend a first-time applicant apply for?
The Foundation does not recommend a specific amount for first-time, or any other, applicant. However, we do expect the requested amount fall within our typical giving range ($1,000-$20,000) and relate sensibly to the grants' intended purpose, as well as the organization's budget/s. Be aware that in an effort to support as many worthwhile organizations and programs as possible, the Foundation may choose to award an amount less than the amount requested by an organization.
17. Can we apply for multiple years of funding in one application?
No. The Foundation will not commit to or consider applications for multiple years of funding.
18. Is there a timeframe for which grant funds must be used once received?
Organizations are expected to have expended their grant award within one year from the date it was received.
19. Does the Foundation have reporting requirements?
Yes. Awarded organizations must submit a brief, narrative report on the use of funds within six-months to one-year from the date it was received. A copy of our report guidelines are included with our award packets.
Application Portal FAQ
1. To whom can I address the Letter of Request?
Your LOR may be addressed to Mary P. Surrey, the Foundation's President.
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation - 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 414
Washington, DC 20007 info@mvdreyfusfoundation.org (202)337-3300
