Dr Scholl Foundation Grants Application: Full Details

You want to create meaningful impact, support innovative projects, and work within a clear, streamlined application process. The Dr. Scholl Foundation provides grants designed for nonprofits advancing education, healthcare, environmental stewardship, and cultural initiatives, especially those collaborating with local charities, partnering with local churches, or offering direct financial help.

To succeed, you’ll need to navigate their two-step cycle beginning with a Letter of Inquiry due January 31. But what exactly does it take to meet their eligibility standards, follow their timeline correctly, and deliver the required documentation?

Key Takeaways

• The Dr. Scholl Foundation grant application requires a two-step process: submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between October 1 and January 31, then a full application by March 1 if invited.
• Applicants must be U.S. nonprofit organizations with IRS 501(c)(3) status or provide affidavits for international NGOs; only one application per organization per year is allowed.
• The full application includes organizational background, project description, budget, evaluation plan, IRS determination letter, and supporting documents.
• Grants focus on education, social services, healthcare, cultural programs, and environment, supporting innovative, practical, and compassionate projects.
• Funding notifications occur in November, with payments in December; final project reports are due by December 1 of the following year for grant compliance.

Foundation Background and History

While the Dr. Scholl Foundation’s origins trace back to its establishment in 1947 by William M. Scholl, M.D., its philanthropic evolution reflects a legacy nearly 40 years older, grounded in the pioneering work of The Scholl Manufacturing Company.

Dr. Scholl’s international outlook anticipated the forces of globalization, using commerce as a bridge for cross-border connection. Today, the foundation functions as a private, independent grant-maker dedicated to strengthening community well-being through initiatives rooted in innovation, practicality, and compassion.

Since its inception, the foundation has invested in education, social services, healthcare, culture, and environmental projects—consistently supporting programs that uplift elders and empower people with disabilities, reinforcing its focus on meaningful, results-driven philanthropy.

Mission and Core Values

Because the Dr. Scholl Foundation’s mission alignment depends on core principles of innovation, practicality, hard work, and compassion, its funding priorities remain firmly anchored in these values.

The foundation focuses on supporting projects that advance community well-being and demonstrate true social responsibility across education, social services, healthcare, culture, and environmental initiatives.

By encouraging global dialogue and collaboration, the foundation ensures that submitted proposals align with its commitment to improving quality of life both nationally and internationally.

Your application should clearly show how your work reflects these principles, especially if it includes community food distribution or provides shelter assistance, to stand out for serious consideration.

Areas of Funding Focus

Education, social service, healthcare, civic and cultural advancement, and environmental sustainability stand at the heart of the Dr. Scholl Foundation’s funding focus.

You’ll find support for education initiatives aiming to innovate and improve learning outcomes, along with healthcare innovations that address critical medical needs.

The foundation also champions environmental projects that promote sustainability and cultural programs enhancing community engagement.

Grants target organizations that combine innovation, practicality, and compassion, whether U.S.-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status or international groups known to board members.

This focus guarantees impactful, feasible projects receive funding annually after thorough review.

Eligibility Requirements

You must be a U.S. nonprofit with IRS 501(c)(3) status, or a non-U.S. organization with a notarized affidavit, to apply.

Remember, you can only submit one application per grant year, so choose your strongest project.

The foundation funds one year of support at a time, so plan your budget accordingly.

Nonprofit Status Required

If you’re seeking funding from the Dr. Scholl Foundation, you must meet strict nonprofit eligibility criteria. Only organizations with valid IRS 501(c)(3) status qualify for U.S.-based applicants. International nonprofits need a notarized affidavit. This guarantees funds support charitable missions aligned with the foundation’s values.

Meeting these 501(c)(3) requirements is crucial for consideration.

Single Application Limit

Although the Dr. Scholl Foundation allows only one application per organization each grant year, this policy is designed to strengthen your application strategy and proposal preparation.

By limiting submissions, the Foundation encourages you to identify your organization’s greatest need and craft a focused, high-quality proposal. This approach reduces the review workload, ensuring thorough evaluation of each application.

To maximize your chances, invest time in refining your proposal preparation, emphasizing impact and clarity. This single application limit promotes quality over quantity, ultimately enhancing your opportunity to secure funding by submitting the strongest possible request.

One-Year Funding Only

When preparing your application, keep in mind:

1. You can request support only for a one-year period—multi-year funding isn’t accepted.
2. The foundation processes grants annually, so your proposed activities should fit within that timeline.
3. Align your budget and objectives carefully to demonstrate effective use of funds within one funding cycle.

Following these guidelines increases your chance of a successful grant.

Geographic Scope of Funding

Because the Dr. Scholl Foundation welcomes a global outreach, your organization is eligible to apply for funding regardless of location, as long as your project aligns with their mission.

The foundation supports projects worldwide, particularly in developing regions, without limiting the amount requested. To receive funding, your organization must be in a country where board members have relevant knowledge, ensuring thoughtful consideration.

This means geographic boundaries don’t restrict your funding eligibility; instead, your project’s impact and alignment with the foundation’s focus areas drive approval.

Use this flexibility to propose innovative, mission-driven work on a global scale.

Grant Size and Financial Details

You can request a grant of any size from the Dr. Scholl Foundation, with no minimum—grants reach up to $1,000,000, though most awards typically range between $5,000 and $25,000 annually.

The Foundation deliberately keeps its total budget undisclosed, ensuring flexibility and encouraging creative grant allocation strategies tailored to project needs. Only one application per grant year is permitted, fostering equal opportunity among organizations seeking funding.

Awarded grant payments are typically disbursed in December, following application approval and a rigorous funding impact assessment by the Foundation’s staff and directors.

Application Procedure Overview

To apply for a grant from the Dr. Scholl Foundation, start by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through their portal between October 1 and January 31.

You’ll get feedback within five business days. If approved, you’ll be invited to submit a full application by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

Remember, only one application per organization is accepted each year.

Use smart submission strategies and application tips: prepare early, review requirements carefully, and submit promptly after LOI approval.

This organized approach boosts your chances of success.

Letter of Inquiry Submission

You can submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the Dr. Scholl Foundation starting October 1, and the submission window closes on January 31 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

LOIs are reviewed on a rolling basis, with feedback usually provided within five business days to help you quickly move to the next step.

Letter of Inquiry Deadline

Although the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission window opens on October 1, you must assure your LOI is submitted by the firm deadline of January 31 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

Timely submission guarantees your chance to move forward in the grant process. Here are three key letter preparation and submission tips to keep in mind:

1. Prepare your LOI carefully, focusing on concise, clear descriptions of your project to capture reviewers’ interest quickly.
2. Submit only one LOI per organization for each grant year to maintain eligibility.
3. Take advantage of the rolling review by submitting early, as you’ll get feedback within five business days.

Submission Window Details

When the Dr. Scholl Foundation opens its portal on October 1, you can begin your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission.

The window closes sharply on January 31 at 4:00 p.m. CST—don’t miss it. Submit early for a five-business-day review turnaround.

Use these submission tips: double-check your eligibility and guarantee only one LOI per organization.

Heed these timeline reminders: late entries won’t be considered. If approved, you’ll get an invite to submit your full application by March 1.

Stay organized, meet every deadline, and keep your proposal focused for the best shot at funding.

Grant Application Process

Getting started with the Dr. Scholl Foundation grant writing process means following a clear, two-step approach. Use these proposal tips to boost your chances:

1. Submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between October 1 and January 31.
2. If invited, complete the full application by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST.
3. Remember, only one application per organization is accepted each year.

Stay organized, meet deadlines, and prepare to submit a final report by December 1 of the following year if awarded.

This process guarantees focused, quality submissions and increases your odds of success.

Submission Deadlines and Timeline

You’ll need to submit your Letter of Intent between October 1 and January 31 to be considered for a grant.

If approved, you’ll get an invitation to submit your full application by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

Expect to hear about your grant status by mid-October, with funding decisions finalized soon after.

Letter of Intent Deadline

Although you can submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) at any point between October 1 and January 31, prioritizing an early submission gives you ample time to receive feedback, which the Dr. Scholl Foundation provides within five business days.

This aligns with the LOI guidelines emphasizing the LOI importance for a successful application.

Keep in mind:

1. Submit your LOI by January 31 at 4:00 p.m. CST to maintain eligibility for full application invitation.
2. Only one LOI per organization is allowed per grant year to guarantee focus and quality.
3. Upon LOI approval, you must submit the full application by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST.

Application Submission Timeline

Because the Dr. Scholl Foundation’s application timeline hinges on a two-step submission process, you need to plan carefully. First, submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) between October 1 and January 31. Upon approval, you’ll be invited to complete the full application by March 1 at 4:00 p.m. CST. Timely submission is essential to progressing through the process and securing funding. Note only one application per organization is allowed annually, ensuring equitable opportunities. The submission process is straightforward but demands strict adherence to deadlines.

Notification and Funding Dates

Notification of funding decisions for the Dr. Scholl Foundation follows a clear notification timeline to keep you informed and on track. Here’s what to expect:

1. Funding notifications happen in November, giving you ample time to prepare for your grant year.
2. Grant payments are issued in December of the same year, ensuring timely funding to support your project.
3. Final reports for awarded grants are due by December 1 of the following year, completing the accountability process.

Stay attentive to these key dates to align your application and reporting with the foundation’s schedule.

Review and Selection Process

When you submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to the Dr. Scholl Foundation, it undergoes a rolling review with feedback within five business days, guaranteeing efficient communication aligned with established review criteria.

The foundation accepts only one application per organization each grant year to encourage focused, high-quality proposals.

Final grant decisions result from a comprehensive assessment by staff and directors, reflecting selection transparency throughout the process.

This thorough evaluation upholds fairness and assures your project meets the foundation’s standards before funding, which is typically disbursed in December following the March 1 application deadline.

Reporting and Grant Management

You can monitor your grant status anytime through the Dr. Scholl Foundation account portal, where you’ll see if your application is in draft, submitted, or complete status.

When your project wraps up, be sure to submit a detailed final report by December 1 via the portal, covering both outcomes and how funds were spent.

If you have any unused funds, you must disclose them in writing to the Foundation within one year of the grant period ending to maintain full compliance.

Grant Status Updates

Although you can’t view grant decisions until mid-October, you can track your grant application status anytime through the account portal, where each application is labeled as draft, submitted, or complete.

The portal’s application tracking tools keep you informed every step of the way.

1. Check your portal for real-time updates on your grant application status.
2. Use the dashboard to monitor progress and required actions.
3. Contact the foundation office if personnel changes affect your account access.

Stay organized and in control with these simple steps.

Final Report Submission

Meeting the Dr. Scholl Foundation’s final report requirements is a pivotal step in responsible grant management. Your final report, detailing the use of funds, project outcomes, and any unspent amounts, is due December 1 of the year following your award.

You must submit it via the account portal, ensuring transparent documentation and review—failure to do so jeopardizes future funding eligibility. The portal lets you track your final report through draft, submitted, and complete statuses, offering real-time clarity.

Disclose unused funds in writing within one year. Precision in this submission process demonstrates accountability and positions your organization for continued consideration.

Unused Funds Disclosure

When grant funds remain unused at the end of your project, disclosing these amounts in writing within one year to the Dr. Scholl Foundation is essential to uphold financial accountability.

This process guarantees transparency and preserves your eligibility for future funding. You must:

1. Submit a written disclosure of unused funds within one year of the grant period ending.
2. File a Final Report by December 1 each year detailing all grant fund usage.
3. Use the foundation’s account portal for submitting both reports promptly.

Failure to comply with these requirements may jeopardize future grant opportunities and undermine your organization’s financial accountability.

Account Portal and Application Access

To submit your Letter of Inquiry (LOI) and grant application to the Dr. Scholl Foundation, you must first create an account on their secure portal. Through this portal, you can manage your account access and conveniently track your application status, seeing if it is in draft, submitted, or complete. If you encounter login issues or personnel changes, contact the Foundation directly at 847-559-7430 for assistance. Remember, only one application per organization is allowed each grant year, and final reports must be submitted via the portal by December 1 of the following year.

Contact Information and Support

Because questions, technical issues, or personnel changes can arise at any stage of the Dr. Scholl Foundation grants application process, you have immediate access to multiple contact methods and support resources to keep your application on track.

The foundation’s office is directly available by phone at 847-559-7430 for personalized inquiries and support. Their website features a dedicated “Contact Us” section, where you can find further guidance on the application process beyond what’s offered in their comprehensive FAQs.

You’re also encouraged to monitor your application’s status and manage updates through the secure account portal.

1. Direct Communication: Call the foundation office at 847-559-7430 for timely answers to your questions or to resolve technical issues—no waiting for email replies.
2. Online Resources: Use the website’s “Contact Us” section and FAQs for instant access to information on procedures, eligibility, and common concerns, streamlining your application experience.
3. Portal Management: Track your application, submit reports, and update contact details in the account portal, but remember to notify the office promptly if personnel changes affect your access to guarantee uninterrupted support.

Additional Resources and Guidelines

Although the application process itself is straightforward, you’ll find additional resources and guidelines essential for preparing a strong submission and ensuring compliance throughout the grant cycle.

To optimize your chances, use the foundation’s application tips and resource links provided on their website, which guide you through each step from the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission starting October 1 to the March 1 full application deadline.

Remember, only one application per organization is accepted annually, emphasizing the need for a focused, well-prepared proposal.

Final reports and disclosures of unused funds are due by December 1 to maintain transparency and eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Not to Say When Applying for a Grant?

Don’t make grant application mistakes like requesting multi-year funding, overstating achievements, ignoring eligibility rules, or submitting multiple applications. Stay specific, realistic, and aligned with funders’ goals to strengthen your funding proposal tips and succeed.

What Is the First Step in Applying for a Grant?

You start the grant application process by submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the foundation’s online portal between October 1 and January 31. This step guarantees your grant eligibility and triggers further review. Only if approved, you’ll proceed to the full application. This structured approach keeps the application process fair and efficient.

Can Foundations Give Grants to Individuals?

Foundations generally don’t grant funds directly to individuals due to individual grant eligibility and foundations’ funding policies prioritizing 501(c)(3) nonprofits. You should review each foundation’s guidelines to confirm specific eligibility criteria.

How Do I Contact Dr Scholls?

You get quick, direct customer service for grant inquiries by calling Dr. Scholl Foundation at 847-559-7430, ensuring your questions about applications or account issues are immediately addressed with expert clarity and support.

Conclusion

You hold the key to accessing transformative change by applying for the Dr. Scholl Foundation grant. With your innovative ideas shining like a guiding light, you can breathe new life into education, healthcare, culture, or the environment, directing your community toward a brighter future. Don’t let this chance slip like shadow—submit your Letter of Inquiry between October and January, and step boldly into the next phase by March 1. Your compassion and practicality can ripple wide, reflecting the foundation’s mission with every grant awarded.