The Dyson Foundation awards grants in several different program areas that each have specific guidelines. Visit the Grantmaking page to learn more about each of them.  Unsolicited proposals or inquiries are not considered in certain program areas so potential applicants should review the program descriptions carefully.

All applicants should be aware of the following general guidelines that apply to all program areas:

• As a private foundation, we can only fund organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c) 3  of the Internal Revenue Service Code – as long as those organizations are not classified as private foundations under Section 509 (a) of the code. In addition, we cannot direct payments through a fiscal agent in lieu of an organization having 501 (c) 3 designation. If you have questions about these policies, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• We do not make grants to governmental units (such as fire districts or municipalities).
• We are sorry but we cannot make grants directly to individuals for any purpose. You may wish to call 2-1-1 if you live in the Hudson Valley and need information about available basic needs services and programs.
• There are certain types of grants that we will not consider:
  • For dinners, fundraising events, tickets, or sponsorships (read our Statement Regarding Special Events Funding);
  • In response to direct mail campaigns;
  • For international projects;
  • To service clubs and similar organizations;
  • For debt or deficit reduction.
• Additionally, the Dyson Foundation has very specific criteria regarding Faith-based organizations and Schools.

Applicants should apply to the Dyson Foundation on the basis of these guidelines, not on the basis of what or whom the Foundation may have funded in the past. The Foundation's interests are ever-changing, becoming more focused, or even shifting entirely to a new area in response to an emerging need.

How to Apply»

Policy on nondiscrimination
The Dyson Foundation will not award grant support to organizations that, in their constitution, bylaws, or practices, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. Grantees may target services to a particular population when the targeted groups require specialized programs to meet specific needs not shared by the general population.