Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation Grant

The Robert & Toni Bader Charitable Foundation (RTBCF), founded in 2010 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is dedicated to advancing Jewish ideals through strategic philanthropic efforts in the fields of science, education, and the arts. RTBCF has supported projects across the United States, demonstrating a broad commitment to initiatives that foster knowledge, compassion, and community development. Inspired by the symbolism of the Tree of Life, the foundation emphasizes growth, renewal, and the continuity of positive impact in society. Its funding model is specifically designed to support the launch and sustainability of new, mission-aligned projects that create meaningful, long-term benefits for communities. The foundation exclusively funds new projects and programs, explicitly excluding general operating support or overhead costs not directly tied to the proposed initiative. RTBCF prioritizes proposals that are in alignment with its core mission: furthering Jewish ideals by contributing to education, scientific exploration, and artistic expression. The foundation seeks applicants who can demonstrate how their initiative enhances these thematic areas and fosters tangible community benefit. Ideal projects are those in early stages or that need support to become self-sustaining. Only United States-based organizations with official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status are eligible to apply. Applicants must submit a copy of their current IRS tax exemption letter and either their most recent Form 990 or, for filers of Form 990-EZ, additional financial documentation detailing expenditures in program services, management, and fundraising. Organizations with current audited financial statements may submit those in lieu of the tax forms. RTBCF evaluates each applicant’s financial health, project relevance to its mission, and overall organizational capacity to manage and implement the proposed program. The application process begins with an online eligibility quiz. If applicants qualify, they are granted access to create an account, upload necessary financial and eligibility documents, and begin completing the full online application. This application includes a series of narrative questions and requires a detailed project or program budget. Applications must be completed within 90 days of initiation or they will be closed, and a new submission will be required. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis up to the final deadline of September 30 each year. All submitted applications are first reviewed by a Pre-Qualification Committee, which may contact applicants for additional details. The committee then forwards recommendations to the Board of Directors, which meets on a bimonthly basis to evaluate proposals. Projects are judged based on their alignment with the foundation’s mission, the experience of the applicant organization in managing similar programs, the financial viability of the proposed budget, and the anticipated community impact. Grant award decisions consider the number of active applications and the total funds available at the time of review. Upon approval, successful applicants receive a formal Grant Agreement via email, which outlines the terms of the award, including annual reporting requirements regardless of whether the grant spans one or multiple years. The foundation maintains the right to amend guidelines or reduce awarded amounts based on available funding, internal conflicts of interest, or other administrative considerations. RTBCF does not specify a minimum or maximum grant amount, choosing instead to assess each project on its individual merits and its potential to further Jewish ideals across the nation.

Ensure application questions are fully answered and financials are current to avoid disqualification.