The Foundation reviews proposals by invitation only. Unsolicited proposals will not be considered. Organizations must be tax-exempt with 501(c)(3) status and operate in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices. The Foundation does not make grants to endowments or fundraising events.

Potential partner organizations (grantees) who feel they may have a project that addresses the grantmaking goals and those who wish to learn more about the Foundation are encouraged to contact Foundation staff either in writing - a brief letter of inquiry - or by phone to discuss and exchange ideas at any time. Foundation staff will conduct research on, initiate discussions and meet with potential partner organizations whose work promotes the Foundation's mission.

Once an idea or program has been reviewed and discussed with the Foundation and it has been determined that the idea or program seeks to promote the Foundation's mission, potential grantees will be given the Foundation's proposal guidelines and are invited to submit a full proposal. Foundation staff are available to answer questions and provide technical assistance to applicants as needed.

The Foundation's Board reviews grant proposals two times per year (April and November). Given this cycle, the proposal development and review process can take up to six months.

Once a grant has been approved, Foundation staff will work with partner organizations to refine the goals of the grant further, develop a timeline for reporting and payment schedules, and clarify relationships and mutual expectations. Some grants are multi-year while others require a short-term commitment. Partner organizations are expected to submit interim and year-end reports in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement.

The Foundation gives preference to programs and organizations that are:

• Committed to addressing the source of problems or "the root causes of human suffering" and have the capacity to make a long-term impact in the Foundation's areas of interest.
• Employing approaches to solving problems that are caring, thoughtful, reflective and sustainable.
• Capable of assessing the impact of their work–its successes and challenges–over time, to make necessary changes are result, and to share these findings with others.
• Collaborative effects that address the Foundation's grantmaking goals.
• Able to be replicated, serve as models, produce compelling research or have connections to regional or national movements.