Sky Ranch Foundation Grant Program

The Sky Ranch Foundation offers annual funding opportunities aimed at supporting programs that work with at-risk and troubled youth in the United States. The Foundation’s grantmaking priorities reflect its longstanding commitment to youth between the ages of 11 and 18, with an emphasis on early intervention for youth aged 11 to 15. The Foundation’s mission centers on preventing youth from entering the criminal justice system and assisting in long-term rehabilitation through comprehensive support in residential or alternative environments. Programs funded often provide a combination of education, job training, enrichment, counseling, and case management. Founded with a focus on helping troubled youth, Sky Ranch Foundation operates with a singular annual grant cycle. The funding scope encompasses general operating support, capital projects, and capacity-building initiatives. Grants typically range between $5,000 and $40,000, although exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Proposals that fall outside the core funding guidelines may still be reviewed, though with no guarantee of support. Organizations that serve Native American youth within tribal lands are also considered eligible. Eligible applicants must be classified as public charities under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be federally recognized Native American Tribes. The Foundation restricts the use of funds for political campaigns, lobbying, endowments, fundraising, conferences, missionary work, and direct support to individuals. The geographic focus is strictly limited to the United States, its territories, and Native American tribal lands. The grant process begins with a Letter of Inquiry (LOI), which must be submitted by January 31 each year. This letter should be two to three pages and include contact details, organizational background, project description with funding amount and timeline, budgets, major supporters, and key staff qualifications. Submissions are accepted via email only and must be directed to Dori Bryant and cc’d to Jill Damato. Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Review of LOIs typically begins in early March, with decisions finalized during the Foundation’s annual board meeting held toward the end of their fiscal year, which concludes in June. Announcements about exact meeting dates are posted on the Foundation’s website and Facebook page. Grants are generally awarded in the summer following this meeting. Although the Foundation only funds one cycle annually, it has a defined recurring schedule that organizations can prepare for in advance. The process is highly selective, and while the Foundation expresses gratitude for all applicants, adherence to submission deadlines and alignment with the Foundation’s mission are critical to advancing through the review process.

Ensure alignment with age target (11–15 priority), geographic eligibility, and submit before January 31 via email.