Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation (Montana)

The application process for grants is ongoing. Applicants must first submit the foundation's preliminary application form. Applicants will be notified of qualifying status within 45 days by the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Executive Director and will be provided an email link to the full application form.

To help those in its communities that need it most, the Foundation has selected four areas of focus for grant allocation: (1) Education; (2) Health and Human Services; (3) Arts and Culture; (4) Community Service. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation supports organizations that have accurately identified needs and have successfully and consistently worked to provide life-changing opportunities within these focus areas. Special emphasis is placed on organizations primarily serving youth and those that exhibit strong community support. (1) Education taps the immeasurable potential of the mind. Reaching children through early childhood education, after-school learning programs, post-secondary scholarships and graduate fellowships help young people get the start they deserve. Providing college scholarships and advanced-degree scholarships helps build a strong educational foundation for future leaders. (2) Health and Human Services ensure the vitality of the human body and the human spirit. The foundation targets health care programs that ensure access to basic health care services to the most vulnerable members of its communities. Groups that successfully provide physical or psychological care for those in need have garnered the foundation's support, as well as experiential programs that offer disabled or disadvantaged people the chance to do something they may not have otherwise. (3) Arts and Culture represents the innovation and creativity of a society. Cultural endeavors bring people together from all walks of life to share their creative talents, intellects, passions, customs and bold initiatives to explore new ways of doing things. In the areas of theatre, art, and music, Washington Foundation grants have helped organizations reach a broader audience, have infused new life into programs and have created long-lasting cultural traditions within communities. (4) Community Service touches the lives of everyone where they work, play and live. Despite individual differences, people are linked by common interests to do more for the places they call home. The Foundation invests in organizations that fortify this connection. When everyone is involved in the improvement of their community, the community progresses in a positive direction. The Foundation places particular emphasis on those organizations and programs that provide a direct service to economically and socially disadvantaged youth and their families, at-risk or troubled youth, and individuals with special needs. Preference is given to applicants who are able to demonstrate that a majority, if not all, of foundation funds will be used for direct services. The foundation prefers giving to organizations with no or low administrative costs. The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation prefers that organizations show evidence of substantial financial support from their community, constituency groups or other funding sources prior to applying.

History of Funds:

Since its inception, foundation giving and the Washington Family's personal contributions to charitable causes total more than $77 million. Examples of funded projects and organizations are provided at http://www.dpwfoundation.org/areasOfFocus.php.

Average Award:

Varies

Name: Mike Halligan, Executive Director

Department: Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, Inc.

Street: P.O. Box 16630

City: Missoula

Zip: 59808-6630