How We Fund
Angell Foundation practices proactive philanthropy and actively invites organizations to submit requests for funding. We regularly identify and cultivate relationships with nonprofit organizations and other foundations with programs and initiatives that complement our strategies. Thus, we do not review or consider unsolicited requests for funding. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
What We Look For
Angell Foundation believes that every individual deserves equitable access to opportunities to reach their full potential. We fund organizations and initiatives in Southern California and New England that support populations and communities impacted by economic disparity. We place the highest priority on nonprofit organizations headquartered in these regions.
We fund organizations that:
- Have a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Are led by effective, values-driven leaders
- Strive to make long-term, meaningful impact
- Utilize evidence-based and/or promising practices appropriate for the population served
- Employ evaluation and learning frameworks
- Maintain sound financial practices and fiscal management
- Work collaboratively with others
- Commit to a candid and consistent dialogue with the Foundation
Funding is not available for:
- Political organizations or campaigns
- Fundraising activities, benefit sponsorships, advertisements, or sponsored tables
- Capital projects, unrestricted endowments, or deficit reduction
- Individuals
- Projects that are internationally based or focused
We do not fund organizations that discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation.
Our Process
We utilize a two-part application process to vet potential funding opportunities: a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and a Full Grant Proposal.
Letter of Inquiry
Letters of Inquiry (LOI), which are submitted by invitation only, are meant to establish a connection between the organization’s capacity and strategic goals, and the Foundation’s funding priorities. On average, it takes the staff 6 to 8 weeks from submission of the LOI to determine a project’s eligibility to submit a full grant proposal.
Grant Proposal
The Foundation only reviews grant proposals from organizations invited to submit a full funding request. Following an invitation from staff, applicants will receive instructions on how to access our online application portal and submit proposals and supporting documents digitally.
Applicants are generally asked to submit the following information:
- A description of the organization and project
- A discussion of how the project’s goals align with our mission
- A discussion of the organization’s history, as well as experiences implementing similar work
- A discussion regarding how the organization will assess success and learn from its efforts
- A discussion of the organization’s leadership, along with its administrative and fiscal capacity
- Detailed project and organization budgets
- A discussion of the organization’s finances
- Copies of the organization’s most recently completed audited financial statement and 990
The Foundation requires at least three months to complete its due diligence for submitted grant proposals.
Frequently Asked Questions
We actively identify and cultivate relationships with nonprofits and other foundations that have programs and initiatives that complement our funding strategies. We regret that we are unable to review or consider unsolicited requests for funding. However, organizations and groups are welcome to send a brief description of their work that is aligned with the Foundation’s priorities to info@angellfoundation.org.
The Foundation’s grantmaking process is by invitation only. Organizations will be directed by Foundation staff to submit a letter of inquiry or full proposal.
We are always interested in learning about impactful organizations and programs within our regions and areas of focus. If you believe your organization’s work falls within one of our focus areas and would like to share information, you may reach out to Angell Foundation staff members by phone or email at info@angellfoundation.org to share a short description of the relevant work. If there is interest in learning more, someone at the Foundation will contact you directly for further consideration.
Yes, we provide advice and guidance to invited organizations during the application process and throughout the grant term.
The Foundation endeavors to review proposals 6 times a year. We will notify organizations of pertinent deadlines if and when they are invited to submit a full proposal. Generally, the process takes 3 months from submission to decision.
Funding is prioritized for programs affecting communities and residents within Southern California and New England.
The Foundation works individually with each organization that receives an invitation to apply for funding. Grant awards vary in size and duration based on an organization’s fiscal viability, the size and scope of a program, and the Foundation’s grantmaking budget in a given fiscal year.
Yes, the Foundation considers funding collaboratives that fall within our areas of focus, but prioritizes those targeting the Southern California and New England regions.
Our grantmaking is exclusively targeted toward organizations with a 501(c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service.
Angell Foundation seeks to build long-term partnerships with grantee organizations. Receiving funds in past years does not preclude an organization from being invited to submit a proposal at a later time, nor does it guarantee the organization will be invited to submit in future years.
If you are a current Angell Foundation grantee, you can access the online grants portal with your login and password here.
Contact your Program Officer or the Foundation office at (310) 446-8700.