M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Capital Grants

The M. J. Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Project Grants through a structured application process designed to support projects that align with its philanthropic mission. The Trust has a longstanding history of investing in nonprofit organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, measurable impact, and the capacity to execute projects that enhance the quality of life across the Pacific Northwest. It funds capital improvements, capacity-building initiatives, and equipment acquisition through a strategic and multi-phase grantmaking model. The application process for Strategic Grants includes an eligibility quiz, followed by a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission during designated windows. Organizations must first confirm they meet the Trust’s eligibility criteria, including tax status and geographic service area. Only U.S.-based nonprofits that meet specific tax-exemption guidelines are eligible to apply. Following an approved LOI, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal during a clearly defined application window. Capital project grants are a major component of the Strategic Grant program. Eligible expenses include hard costs like construction labor and materials, and soft costs such as architectural services and permitting. Property acquisitions are permitted if the purchase closing date occurs after the award decision. However, expenses such as long-term debt repayment, routine maintenance, and direct fundraising costs are ineligible. The Trust also requires that organizations demonstrate they have secured at least 40% of project funding prior to the Trustee decision and expects a diversified funding strategy. The application process is rigorous, with a typical timeline of 7–10 months from LOI submission to final decision. Site visits, document reviews, and evaluations are conducted by program officers who prepare detailed reports for peer and Trustee review. Once a decision is made, applicants are notified promptly. Applications that are not awarded are not carried forward for future consideration, though organizations may reapply one year after a declination or three years after a prior grant award. As of December 2025, the Trust is accepting LOIs through December 26, 2025. Organizations that submit within this period will receive LOI decisions by January 31, 2026. For those approved, full proposals will be accepted from February 1 to April 1, 2026, with grant decisions expected in August 2026. Beginning in 2026, the Trust will move to a triannual LOI cycle with three fixed periods each year, providing more structured opportunities for applicants to plan and prepare submissions. Applicants should register through the Murdock Trust Grants Portal hosted on Submittable, complete the eligibility quiz, and follow submission steps as outlined. Support is available via email or phone, and applicants are encouraged to review the Trust’s nonprofit resources to strengthen their proposals and understand past grantee successes.

Ensure project aligns with Trust funding priorities; secure at least 40% of funding before applying; prepare for detailed site visit and financial documentation; use Nonprofit Resources for strong proposals.