Kettering Family Foundation Grant

The Kettering Family Foundation (KFF), established in 1956 by Eugene W. Kettering and his wife Virginia W. Kettering, is a private philanthropic entity rooted in the legacy of Charles F. Kettering. The foundation is guided by a Board of Trustees composed of Kettering family members. This family-led structure directly informs its mission, which emphasizes support for charitable activities that align with the personal interests of the trustees. While KFF is open to receiving proposals from all qualifying nonprofit organizations, priority is generally given to organizations that have an existing relationship with the family. KFF awards grants twice annually and supports a broad spectrum of focus areas including arts, culture and humanities, education, environment, health and medical, human services, and public or societal benefit. However, certain types of proposals are discouraged or ineligible. These include, but are not limited to, capital construction, religious organizations for religious purposes, travel expenses, and sponsorships for events. Fiscal sponsorship is accepted in limited cases, requiring prior arrangement. To apply, all prospective grantees must first initiate contact with KFF by emailing info@ketteringfamilyphilanthropies.org to discuss their proposal. The grant process is conducted entirely online and begins with the submission of a Request Summary. For the 2025 summer grant cycle, Request Summaries will be accepted between July 1 and July 31. Importantly, applicants to KFF must indicate on the form with whom they spoke at the foundation and when that conversation took place; otherwise, the request will not be processed. Once a Request Summary is submitted, it will be reviewed by a committee, which may then invite the applicant to submit a Full Proposal. Full Proposals are due by September 15. All submissions must be uploaded through the website portal—faxed, mailed, or hand-delivered documents are not accepted. Applicants will be notified approximately three weeks after the submission deadline regarding whether they are invited to proceed. Full proposals are reviewed in November, with funding decisions communicated within ten days of the board meeting. Awarded grants are typically disbursed in December. Organizations may only submit one application within a 12-month period. Previously funded applicants may reapply for new or continued purposes only after all prior grant funds are expended and required reports submitted. An organization receiving funding for three consecutive years will be asked to take a one-year hiatus from applying. All communications regarding account creation, submission confirmations, proposal status, and grant awards are handled via email. First-time applicants or those who have not applied since 2010 must create an account using their organization's Employer Identification Number. Returning applicants should log into their existing accounts and update their contact information as needed.

Ensure EIN is used to create account. Submit Request Summary on time. Respond to email invitations for full proposals.