The Ceres Foundation Grant Program

The Ceres Foundation is a private foundation that supports nonprofit organizations working to advance education and employment outcomes for historically underserved youth. It focuses on specific regions including Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California, Washington, DC, and Western Massachusetts. The foundation backs a range of initiatives including College Access and Success, Career Pathways, and Family Strengthening programs. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits and be described under IRS sections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or, in limited circumstances, 509(a)(3). The foundation supports a spectrum of grantees from grassroots to well-established organizations, all of which must show measurable outcomes or have plans to do so. Funding is not available for scholarships, religious or political activities, or organizations whose main goal is legislative influence. Ceres typically provides one grant per organization annually. While it occasionally earmarks program-specific support, the primary focus is on general operating support and capacity building. Multi-year grants are considered for long-term collaborations, and the median annual grant size is $70,000. New applicants must wait until Summer 2025 to submit a concept paper, as the foundation is pausing new partnerships during a learning phase. Returning grantees can submit full proposals aligned with one of four annual review cycles. Submission deadlines for 2025 are January 27, March 24, June 23, and September 22, with decisions communicated in March, June, September, and December respectively. Final reports are required within 60 days of grant completion and must be submitted before a new application is considered. For inquiries, organizations can contact the foundation via email at info@ceresgiving.org or by phone at 401-368-5675.

New applicants paused until Summer 2025. Returning grantees have defined quarterly cycles.