Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation’s National Grant

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) is the philanthropic arm of Mitsubishi Electric in the United States. Its mission centers on supporting innovative projects that empower youth with disabilities by fostering leadership development and enhancing employment skills. MEAF emphasizes inclusion and equal opportunity, working toward a society in which young people with disabilities are fully integrated into the workforce and their communities. In addition to general youth programs, MEAF is attentive to the unique challenges faced by veterans with disabilities as they transition to civilian employment, making this a central part of its funding priorities. MEAF prioritizes projects developed by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that demonstrate innovation and scalability. Successful proposals focus on developing leadership and employment skills among youth with disabilities or on creating practical tools for employers to reduce barriers to hiring. Projects must also have measurable employment outcomes and a strong plan for evaluation, dissemination, and replication. To qualify, applicants must serve youth with disabilities in the United States, including veterans, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive practices where youth with and without disabilities engage together. The foundation explicitly excludes a wide range of activities, including funding for individuals, scholarships, intermediary organizations such as the United Way, and organizations with discriminatory hiring practices. Additional exclusions cover building funds, endowment campaigns, equipment for individual users, local-only projects without national reach, and sectarian activities for religious purposes. Political activities, lobbying, and fundraising events are also not eligible. These exclusions reflect MEAF’s focus on impactful, scalable, and employment-focused initiatives rather than direct service or localized programming. MEAF provides grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per year, with commitments of one to two years. Approximately six to twelve grants are awarded annually, reflecting a competitive selection process. While no cost share or match requirement is specified, MEAF requires organizations to present a clear plan for sustainability and national dissemination. The foundation emphasizes outcomes that lead to inclusive and competitive employment, aligning with its mission to create a more accessible and equitable workforce. The application process is conducted entirely online. Proposals open on July 15 and must be submitted by November 1 to be considered for funding beginning the following year. Decisions are made by March 15, with new project funding beginning on April 1. MEAF requires organizations to complete an eligibility quiz prior to submitting proposals, ensuring that only qualified applicants move forward. There is no letter of intent stage; instead, proposals are submitted directly through the foundation’s online portal. The foundation does not provide a public contact person or direct program email for applicants. However, its website and application system provide resources, including the eligibility quiz and FAQs. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and align their proposals closely with MEAF’s funding priorities. With its emphasis on measurable outcomes, scalability, and inclusivity, MEAF continues to play a significant role in advancing opportunities for youth and veterans with disabilities nationwide.

Emphasize innovation, measurable employment outcomes, and national scalability; highlight inclusion practices; avoid purely local projects.