Lawrence Foundation Grant: Full Details

Like a quiet force behind many impactful initiatives, The Lawrence Foundation Grant directs strategic support where it’s most needed. If your work addresses urgent environmental or human service challenges in the U.S., including programs supporting people with disabilities or re-entry opportunities for felons, this grant can be a powerful resource.

Navigating their eligibility rules, deadlines, and funding priorities takes more than a quick review; you’ll need to demonstrate measurable impact and long-term sustainability to stand out.

Key Takeaways

• The Lawrence Foundation awards program and operating grants, typically $5,000–$10,000, to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries for environmental and human services projects with no geographic restrictions.
• Applications must be submitted online via the Common Grant Application by the strict deadlines: April 30 for the June cycle and October 31 for the December cycle.
• Eligible organizations include those addressing environment, human services, disaster relief, and other causes, with indirect costs allowed up to 50% of the grant.
• No Letter of Inquiry is required; applicants provide contact info, organization description, funding needs, tax-exempt status, and requested amount in a simple online form.
• Grants are highly competitive with only 5–10% of over 1,500 annual requests funded; notifications are sent by June or December, and grants are issued shortly after.

Overview of The Lawrence Foundation

A catalyst for meaningful social and environmental change, The Lawrence Foundation stands as a testament to private philanthropy’s ability to tackle complex societal challenges. Founded in 2000 by Jeff Lawrence and Diane Troth using proceeds from Intel’s acquisition of Trillium Digital Systems, the foundation has built a legacy of strategic, high-impact giving.

With assets exceeding $4 million, it reviews more than 1,500 grant applications each year but funds only 5–10%, prioritizing environmental initiatives and human services such as financial support, health services, and food aid.

Since its inception, the foundation has approved more than 825 grants totaling over $6 million, consistently emphasizing collaboration, measurable outcomes, and sustainable solutions.

Mission and Philanthropic Focus

You focus your support on organizations tackling environmental issues and advancing human services for those who need them most, including low-income individuals and elders. This targeted approach ensures your grants fuel sustainable solutions and meaningful community impact.

Environmental Commitment

While the world faces mounting environmental challenges, The Lawrence Foundation stands committed to empowering organizations that deliver sustainable solutions and promote meaningful change.

You’ll find their grants support nonprofits advancing sustainability practices—from wildlife and marine conservation to broader environmental advocacy—with no geographic restrictions, meaning their impact spans both the U.S. and developing nations.

Strategic collaboration is central; the foundation actively convenes diverse stakeholders, fostering partnerships that amplify environmental outcomes.

With over $6 million awarded to date, their investments prioritize transparency, accountability, and measurable results—helping grantees address today’s most urgent environmental issues through innovation and lasting, scalable initiatives.

Human Services Focus

Building on its dedication to pressing global concerns, The Lawrence Foundation extends its commitment beyond the environment to address fundamental human needs, channeling resources toward organizations that strengthen communities and uplift vulnerable populations.

You’ll find their human services grants prioritize service innovation and community partnerships, fostering impactful, sustainable solutions that improve community well-being. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries aligned with these priorities can secure support.

The foundation emphasizes collaboration among diverse stakeholders to effectively confront urgent human services challenges, promoting resilience and long-term positive change within the communities they serve. Over $6 million has been awarded to date.

Grant Eligibility Criteria

Because the Lawrence Foundation prioritizes supporting U.S.-based charitable activities, eligible applicants must be nonprofit organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, or libraries within the United States. Make sure your grant application tips include eligibility verification to avoid delays. Individuals, for-profits, and non-U.S. organizations without proper status can’t apply.

Areas of Interest and Funding Priorities

The Lawrence Foundation focuses its funding on a select set of key areas, primarily environmental initiatives, human services, and disaster relief efforts. This ensures that your project aligns with these priorities to increase your chances of success.

Your proposal should emphasize community engagement and sustainable practices, highlighting how your work contributes to lasting positive impact.

The foundation supports both program and general operating expenses, offering flexibility, including acceptance of indirect costs up to 50%.

While the foundation is based in Santa Monica, CA, it funds U.S.-based organizations nationwide, so geographic location won’t limit your application.

Target grants typically range from $5,000 to $10,000.

Types of Grants Offered

You can apply to The Lawrence Foundation for two main types of grants: program grants, which support specific projects, and operating grants, which fund your organization’s general expenses.

All grants come as unrestricted funds, giving you flexibility to allocate the money where it’s needed most. Typical awards range from $5,000 to $10,000, with larger amounts possible after you build a relationship with the foundation.

Program Grants

When you seek support from the Lawrence Foundation, you’ll find they offer program grants that typically range from $5,000 to $10,000 and are awarded as unrestricted funds, giving your organization flexibility in how to use the grant.

You can direct these funds toward your most pressing needs, maximizing program impact and grant utilization. The foundation values clear, strategic use of resources, so focus your proposal on measurable outcomes.

While multi-year grants aren’t typical, you may reapply annually. If your work aligns with their priorities, a program grant from the Lawrence Foundation can help you achieve real, lasting change.

Operating Grants

Operating grants from the Lawrence Foundation give your organization the flexibility to strengthen its core functions and sustain impactful work.

These grants come with significant operating grant benefits:

1. Funding flexibility with unrestricted funds allows you to allocate resources where most needed.
2. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $10,000, with potential for larger awards after building a relationship.
3. Grants support both general operations and specific projects, enabling strategic focus.
4. Though multi-year grants aren’t typical, year-by-year funding may be available based on ongoing needs.

This structure encourages effective, adaptable support for your mission.

Unrestricted Funding

Although unrestricted funding options vary among foundations, the Lawrence Foundation distinctly offers grants as unrestricted funds, granting your organization the autonomy to allocate resources wherever they’re most needed.

This flexibility—a core unrestricted funding benefit—empowers you to pursue strategic allocation, whether addressing urgent operational gaps or seizing unexpected opportunities for impact.

With no strings attached, you’re free to direct funds toward salaries, overhead, or programmatic priorities, maximizing your agility in a dynamic nonprofit landscape.

The foundation’s approach reflects a commitment to trust and effectiveness, allowing you to focus on mission-driven results rather than restrictive compliance with funder mandates.

Typical Grant Amounts and Funding Terms

Grant awards from The Lawrence Foundation typically range between $5,000 and $10,000, offering most organizations flexible, unrestricted funds to support their work.

These grants are rarely multi-year, but you may secure annual funding if the foundation is familiar with your impact.

Funding terms analysis shows indirect costs—up to 50%—are allowed, so you can allocate more resources directly to your mission.

If you build a strong relationship, grant amount variations may include larger awards, but these are exceptions, not the rule.

The application process is competitive, so align your request with the foundation’s environmental and community priorities for the best chance.

1. Typical grant: $5,000–$10,000, unrestricted use.
2. Indirect costs: Up to 50% permitted if related to the funded project.
3. Funding terms: No multi-year promises, but repeat annual grants are possible.
4. Larger awards: Rare; generally reserved for established partnerships.

Grant Application Process

To apply, you submit your information—including contact details, organization description, funding needs, tax-exempt status, and requested amount—exclusively through the Common Grant Application website by the April 30 or October 31 deadline.

After each cycle closes, the foundation reviews all eligible applications—typically 1,000–1,500—collectively, then makes funding decisions based on available resources and alignment with its priorities.

You’ll be notified of your status via email or through your application portal, and grant checks are issued by June 30 or December 31 depending on the cycle you applied for.

Application Submission Details

Each year, The Lawrence Foundation opens two grant cycles for online application submission via the Common Grant Application website, eliminating the need for a Letter of Inquiry.

To align with the foundation’s application guidelines and improve your chances, follow these submission tips:

1. Register or log in to the Common Grant Application platform before deadlines: April 30 for the June cycle and October 31 for the December cycle.
2. Provide a concise, clear description of your organization and funding needs.
3. Confirm your 501(c)(3) status or provide fiscal sponsor documentation.
4. Monitor your application status through your online account and submit optional reports as needed.

Review and Notification Process

After each grant cycle closes, all applications are reviewed together by an independent panel consisting of Jeff, his children, Lori, and a rotating guest grantmaker, each bringing different perspectives and focus areas.

They assess your proposal using clear review criteria, looking for alignment with the foundation’s mission and measurable impact.

You’ll get an email notification by June or December, letting you know if your grant is funded. You can also check your application status anytime via your Common Grant Application account.

If selected, expect some follow-up discussion before your grant check arrives by June 30 or December 31.

No formal report is required, but optional updates are welcome.

Important Grant Cycle Dates and Deadlines

Because The Lawrence Foundation runs two distinct grant cycles annually, you should plan your application carefully around their exact open and close dates.

Submission timing is critical—late entries aren’t reviewed, so align your work with these key application timelines for the best chance at funding.

1. June Cycle: Opens April 1, closes April 30 at 23:59:59 Central Time.

2. December Cycle: Opens September 1, closes October 31 at 23:59:59 Central Time.

3. Submit Online: Use the Common Grant Application—no Letter of Inquiry needed.

4. Review Window: Applications are gathered and reviewed collectively after each grant cycle closes; no late submissions are accepted.

Stick to these dates to make certain your proposal receives full consideration.

Application Review and Selection Process

While you prepare your application, understand that the Lawrence Foundation collectively reviews between 1,000 and 1,500 proposals after each grant cycle closes, but only funds about 20 projects per cycle, resulting in a success rate near 5-10%. Peer evaluation and scoring criteria are central to the process, ensuring fairness and alignment with the foundation’s mission.

Grant notifications arrive by June or December, with checks issued by June 30 or December 31. No formal report is required, but optional updates are welcome.

Communication and Notification Procedures

As soon as you submit your grant application to the Lawrence Foundation through the Common Grant Application website, your organization enters a transparent, centralized communication process where every update is delivered directly to your inbox and dashboard.

You’ll benefit from clear application timelines and notification methods designed to keep you informed. Here’s how communication and notification work:

1. Receive funding decisions via email by June or December, depending on your grant cycle.
2. Check your application status anytime through your Common Grant Application account.
3. Engage in additional discussions through the portal if needed.
4. Expect grant checks issued by June 30 or December 31.

Reporting and Post-Award Requirements

Even though The Lawrence Foundation doesn’t require formal grant reports, you’re welcome to submit optional updates that showcase how you’ve used the funds and the impact achieved.

This approach to grant reporting allows you to communicate progress without being bound by strict post-award requirements. You can also check your grant’s status anytime via your Common Grant Application account.

After grants are awarded, usually by June 30 or December 31, there may be additional discussions to clarify any funding aspects.

Keeping open communication guarantees you stay aligned with the foundation’s expectations throughout the post award process.

Funding Restrictions and Exclusions

If you’re seeking support from The Lawrence Foundation, keep in mind that grants are only available to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status—individuals and for-profit businesses aren’t eligible.

Here are key funding limitations and application exclusions:

1. No grants to non-U.S. organizations or those without 501(c)(3) status.
2. Funding is restricted to environmental, human services, and related priorities.
3. Program Related Investments aren’t offered.
4. Certain purposes are excluded, though exceptions may apply.

Be sure your project fits these guidelines to avoid application exclusions.

Contact Information and Support for Applicants

When you need to get in touch with The Lawrence Foundation, their mailing address is PO Box 3209, Santa Monica, CA 90408.

For grant application support, use the Common Grant Application website—register if you’re new, log in if you already have an account. All communication and status updates happen through your portal, so check it regularly.

The foundation encourages you to review their guidelines and reach out for help if needed. You’ll find helpful applicant resources on their site, making the process clear and straightforward.

Don’t hesitate to use these tools for a smoother experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Eligible for a Grant?

You’re eligible if you’re a US-based 501(c)(3) public charity, public school, or library. Make sure your work meets grant eligibility criteria and funding qualifications in environment, human services, or disaster relief.

Can a Normal Person Get a Grant?

You can’t apply for a Lawrence Foundation grant as an individual because their grant application requires a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status or equivalent fiscal sponsorship to be eligible among their funding sources. Organizations only qualify to apply.

What Not to Say When Applying for a Grant?

In a grant application, avoid vague mission statements, requesting funds outside the foundation’s priorities, inflating budgets without justification, submitting incomplete information, or missing deadlines—these funding mistakes reduce your chance of success. Be clear, concise, and aligned.

Is It Hard to Get Approved for a Grant?

It is hard to get approved because the application process is competitive, with only about 5-10% of applicants funded. Meeting the foundation’s specific funding criteria and submitting a strong, aligned application are essential to increasing your chances.

Conclusion

You can access grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 by applying through the Common Grant Application before April 30 or October 31. The Lawrence Foundation prioritizes projects with measurable impacts addressing urgent environmental and human service challenges, making it a strategic resource for U.S.-based nonprofits focused on innovative, sustainable solutions. Since 2000, it has steadily supported communities with assets of over $4 million dedicated to meaningful change.