Grantmaking Guidelines

Grants are made only to U.S. public charities and are not made to individuals. The majority of the Foundation’s grantmaking is by invitation only. Although there are no geographic restrictions, grants often reflect the needs of the communities in which Trustees reside.

The William Bingham Foundation limits capital grants for new construction to projects that seek U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at least at the Silver level or an alternative certification program. Grants for renovation are limited to projects that seek LEED, or similar certification. The Foundation supports higher education grants to Colleges and Universities that have signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.

Application Procedures

The Foundation accepts applications by invitation only. Organizations that have been invited by the Foundation to submit a full proposal are required to contact the Foundation to obtain the appropriate forms and application deadlines.

Inquiries may be made to Foundation Staff.

Grantee Reporting

For Our Grantees: Please contact the Foundation for instructions on submitting your final report.


Outreach Initiative

The William Bingham Foundation’s (WBF) Outreach Committee selects an area of interest and focus each year. Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, demonstrate experience with the proposed focus area, and have the organizational capacity to conduct programs. The Foundation does not accept applications from programs designed to influence public policy. Nonprofit organizations that have received grants from the William Bingham Foundation previously are not eligible to apply. The foundation awards one grant up to $30,000.

2022 Focus Area

Each of us is part of a larger society and is responsible for undertaking actions that will create a better quality of life and foster a sense of community. The 2022 Outreach Initiative focus area is civic engagement.

Who is eligible to apply?

The 501 (c)(3) organization must be located in Northeast Ohio. Its mission supports equitable civic engagement efforts that are fair and accessible. It offers programs that strengthen and expand public participation in the voting process in a nonpartisan way through educational efforts and advocacy.

If your organization fits the above criteria, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Submit a two-page letter of intent (LOI) on or before May 6, 2022.
  2. Outreach Committee reviews submitted LOIs
  3. Committee selects one applicant to submit a full application on or before May 31, 2022.
  4. Application is reviewed and considered for funding by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees
  5. Grant award announced no later than August 1, 2022.

If you have questions, please send them to info@wbinghamfoundation.org with the subject line “Outreach Initiative 2022.”


Visit Candid Learning for resources on
proposal writing and to learn about other grantmakers and their funding interests.