The Lloyd L. and Helen R. Dilworth Foundation was established in 1987 with the intent to support a broad range of charitable causes. Lloyd and Helen Dilworth, originally from Chicago, became deeply involved in philanthropic work after settling in Miami Beach, Florida. Their commitment to community engagement and charitable giving led to the creation of the foundation, which has since carried forward their legacy by supporting nonprofit organizations that align with their values.
The foundation’s mission focuses on supporting charitable causes primarily within the state of Florida. While it does not impose strict geographic limitations, the foundation generally prioritizes organizations located in Florida. Program areas funded by the foundation include arts, culture, and humanities; education; environment and animal welfare; health; human services; public and societal benefit; and religion. These categories reflect a comprehensive approach to philanthropy, aiming to improve the quality of life across diverse sectors.
Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The foundation does not mention specific preferences regarding organization size, track record, or fiscal sponsorship arrangements, though the modest size of individual grants may suggest a focus on smaller, community-based organizations. Average grants range from $2,500 to $5,000, with the foundation distributing approximately $25,000 annually across five to six awards.
The application process is administered through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., which serves as the trustee of the foundation. Applications are accepted year-round, but in order to be considered at the foundation’s annual grant meeting, they must be submitted by September 30. Applicants will receive an email confirmation upon submission, and funding decisions are typically communicated by the end of the calendar year. There is no indication of a pre-application requirement such as a letter of inquiry or concept paper.
Applicants are advised to use the online application portal to submit their proposals. While specific evaluation criteria are not detailed, it is implied that alignment with the foundation’s program areas and geographic focus is essential. Technical and programmatic assistance is available via a dedicated phone line or email address managed by Wells Fargo's grant administration team. The foundation does not indicate whether the program is recurring; however, the consistent annual deadline suggests a regular review cycle.
