Gladys Brooks Foundation Grants

The Gladys Brooks Foundation is a private philanthropic organization established with the purpose of providing financial support to institutions engaged in advancing public welfare through libraries, educational initiatives, and healthcare services. The Foundation operates with a clear commitment to fostering impactful projects that contribute to knowledge, learning, and well-being across select regions of the United States. It explicitly supports 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that are not classified as private foundations under Section 509 of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation emphasizes funding for initiatives that might otherwise lack sufficient financial backing from external sources, including government programs. As such, it prioritizes projects where its grant will constitute the majority of the financial support or where the request pertains to a specific component of a larger undertaking. Funding is focused on major capital expenditures, including endowments, capital projects, and capital equipment. Grants typically range between $50,000 and $150,000, although exceptions may be made based on the merit and needs of specific proposals. Applications are only accepted from organizations located in or serving the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. For projects that continue beyond the grant period, applicants must demonstrate a secured commitment for ongoing funding from themselves or a third party. In terms of sectoral focus, the Foundation considers proposals that enhance public access to knowledge and health services. In the area of libraries, grant funding supports resource endowments (such as print and digital media), capital construction, and acquisition of capital equipment. Projects that leverage technology or foster collaboration to expand access to information are particularly encouraged. Educational grants support institutions at the secondary and higher education levels through scholarships based on academic achievement (excluding need-based scholarships), endowed teaching positions in liberal arts, mathematics, and sciences, as well as capital improvements and educational equipment. In the health sector, the Foundation funds proposals from hospitals and clinics that introduce new health services, improve care quality, or reduce costs with measurable benefits to patient outcomes. Eligible health-related expenses include endowments for specific programs, capital construction, and major equipment purchases. Grant Proposal Letters are accepted annually between January 1 and May 31. Submissions received after May 31 will not be considered. The Foundation does not require a pre-application such as a Letter of Intent, but applicants must adhere to the defined proposal window. Grants are disbursed with the condition that all funds be used directly for the approved project; administrative overhead or general operational costs are explicitly excluded. Proposals that include direct salary support (outside of endowed faculty positions) or research-focused initiatives will not be considered. Applicants should consult the Foundation’s website for submission guidelines and are encouraged to contact the Foundation by phone for any clarifying questions. The review process concludes after the submission deadline, though specific award and notification timelines are not detailed. The grant cycle is annual, with the next submission period anticipated to reopen on January 1, 2027, following the 2026 deadline.