The Mimi Washington Starrett Foundation (MWSF) is a private philanthropic organization with a mission to support nonprofit organizations through grantmaking that aligns with their operational goals and objectives. The foundation focuses on enhancing community wellbeing by supporting areas such as education, human services, arts and culture, environment, and animal welfare.
MWSF awards discretionary grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that operate within the greater Morris County, New Jersey area. The foundation prioritizes organizations with active nondiscrimination policies and accepts only one application per organization per calendar year to encourage strategic submissions. It does not fund individuals, political activities, fundraising events, or endowments without practical application.
Applicants must submit detailed documentation through the Submittable portal during the appropriate application window. For 2025, the second grant cycle for fields like human services and arts runs from June 1 to June 30. Required documents include the organization’s EIN, leadership contacts, Board of Trustees details, Form 990, two years of financial statements (audited or reviewed), operating budgets, project-specific budgets and funding breakdowns, and a narrative that reflects alignment with MWSF's mission.
Following submission, applications are reviewed during July and August. Site visits for selected applications will be conducted by the end of July. Recommendations for funding are made by October 15, with decisions announced by November 15. Approved grantees receive funds in December and are expected to enter into a Grant Agreement outlining deliverables and payment schedules. Grants under $50,000 may be disbursed in full, while larger awards are released in stages based on milestone achievements.
The foundation maintains strict application policies: once submitted, applications cannot be changed, and any questions must be addressed during the review period. Collaboration among team members is supported through the Submittable platform, although concurrent editing is limited.
For inquiries or clarification, applicants may contact the MWSF via phone at 908-440-7149. While an email is not provided, applicants are encouraged to monitor the foundation’s website for updates and future opportunities.
Only one app per org prioritized; site visits for select apps; past applications can be updated and reused
