Good Works Foundation

Widney High student at piano.

Send a two page letter, along with a copy of your 501(c)(3) certificate, briefly describing your existing programs, purpose of your proposal, the amount of grant support you are seeking, and the intended results, especially for the recipients and beneficiaries. Please also include a list of your board members and list of other funders. We are particularly interested in organizations offering impactful programs in the arts, education, and the environment in the Santa Monica and West Los Angeles, California area. If your program is beyond our local area, please contact our office before applying to determine if your organization is a match for the Foundation.

By law, the Good Works Foundation can only give grants to charitable organizations with 501(c)(3) status. Your certificate will be kept on file if you receive a grant from the Foundation.

Unless otherwise stated in the declination letter, or due to exceptional factors, we ask that you wait at least one year before applying to the Foundation again from the time you receive a response us.

Unless otherwise stated in the donation letter, we ask that you wait at least one year from your proposal before applying to the Foundation again from the time you receive a grant.

The typical range of grants for new organizations is up to $2,500, with a few primary commitments considerably larger.

I’m not in the West Los Angeles or Santa Monica area, can I still apply?
Preference will be given to charitable organizations in Santa Monica and West Los Angeles area. If your program is beyond our local area, please contact our office before applying to determine if your organization is a match for the Foundation.

When do you review new applications?
Applications that are being considered for grants are typically reviewed at a quarterly Foundation meeting, however there is no formal review cycle or deadline for new applications. We accept applications at any time. Once an application is reviewed, a response will often be sent within a month.

What is your application deadline?
We do not have an application deadline. You are welcome to submit your application at any time.

How long will it take to receive a response once I’ve submitted a grant application?
You will usually hear about the status of your application within a month following the next Foundation meeting.

Do you do site visits?
Yes, we do site visits to evaluate qualified programs which have been selected.

Can I apply for a grant to cover my operational costs, capital expenditures or programs?
You may apply for a grant for any area of need. Please specify how you intend to use the grant money requested in your application.

My organization is outside the United States, can I apply for a grant?
You may apply for a grant from the Foundation only if your organization has 501(c)(3) status or the equivalent for the location being considered.

My organization is not involved with education, the arts or the environment, can I still apply?
While the majority of our grant money is given to organizations in these areas, if your program is innovatively performing a good work, particularly one that contributes to the quality of life for children, we applaud your efforts. If your program is beyond our local area, please contact our office before applying to determine if your organization is a match for the Foundation.

Where should I send my application?
Please send your application to:

John Morton
Laura Donnelley
Good Works Foundation
2101 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 225
Santa Monica, CA 90403

Can I fax or email my proposal?
We would prefer proposals in hard copy, rather than by fax or email please.

Should I send videos, brochures and financial statements with my proposal?
For your initial proposal, please just send up to a two-page letter along with a copy of your 501(c)(3) certificate, list of board members and other funders. Other support information is fine to send as long as there is no expectation to return materials. We may request comprehensive financial statements or other materials before approving a grant in response to your proposal.