Rigorous criteria. A process built for partnership.

Eligibility signals, stated plainly

We say no to most inquiries—clearly, with reasons. Use these criteria to self-screen before you write to us.

Organizational standing

Outcome framework in place

Community-anchored work

Registered nonprofit or fiscal-sponsored project operating for at least two years with audited financials or equivalent accountability documentation.

Active measurement infrastructure: defined indicators, baseline data, and a reporting cadence already in use—not a plan to build one after funding.

Programs designed with and accountable to the communities they serve—not delivered to them. Local partnerships and advisory structures are strong signals.

A credible path to scale

Education, community, advancement

What we do not fund

Work must operate within educational access, community development, or social advancement—and ideally connect more than one. Single-issue programs outside these areas are not funded.

Capital campaigns, endowments, individual scholarships, political advocacy, or organizations in their first operating year. Unsolicited full proposals are not reviewed.

Evidence that the model can grow beyond its current geography or cohort—replication plans, policy levers, or existing replication partnerships.

Engagement before proposal

We test alignment early so neither side invests time in a mismatch. The formal proposal follows a substantive conversation—not the other way around.

Alignment conversation

If the inquiry signals fit, we schedule a working session—not a pitch. We examine outcome frameworks, community partnerships, and scale assumptions together.

Invited full proposal

Invited organizations submit a structured proposal with budget, measurement plan, and partnership documentation. Review cycles run quarterly.

Decision with written rationale

Every organization receives a written response—funded or not. Declined proposals include specific reasoning you can act on.

If the criteria fit, the next step is a conversation.

Send a letter of inquiry to inquiries@chiangmatthewsfoundation.org, or use the contact form. We read every submission and respond with a clear decision.