The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
Dreyfus Foundation grants for schools and youth programs
Grants of about $1,000 to $20,000 from a national family foundation that funds schools and youth programs where a small amount makes a big difference. For nonprofit schools, including church schools that don't file a 990.
- Amount
- Typically $1,000 to $20,000 (no more than $20,000, or a quarter of your average yearly income over 3 years)
- Can a for-profit school apply?
- No: for-profit schools excluded
- Deadline
- Nov 10, 2026 (30 days left)
- Who this fits
- Private schoolFor nonprofit schools and youth programs anywhere in the US. Schools and faith-based groups that don't file a Form 990 can still apply; LLCs can't. A fiscal sponsor is allowed.Religious schools: yes
- New schools
- Not stated for new schools
- Where
- National: schools in any US state
- Last checked
- Oct 9, 2026on mvdreyfusfoundation.org
Unconfirmed: check with the funder
We couldn’t confirm these on an official page. Treat them as open questions, not facts.
- Typical award for a small school (the foundation doesn't share success rates)
How to apply
- Step 1: Check that your school is a nonprofit, or line up a fiscal sponsor
- Step 2: Keep the request under $20,000 and under a quarter of your average yearly income
- Step 3: Apply online by November 10 for the Spring round (or by May 10 for the Fall round)
Funders change their requirements. Check the official page before you apply. Getting ready? See what funders usually ask for.
Who can apply
“IRS-qualified non-profit organizations located within the United States”
The foundation names “schools and hospitals” and “educational, skills-training and other programs for youth” among what it supports. Its FAQ says schools and faith-based organizations that don't file 990s can apply, but “Individuals and businesses (LLCs) can not.” A group without its own 501(c)(3) can apply through a fiscal sponsor.
- IRS-qualified nonprofit (or a fiscal sponsor)
- Request no more than $20,000 or a quarter of your average yearly income over 3 years
Timing
Two rounds a year. Requests sent May 11 to November 10 (11:59 p.m. Eastern) are decided in the Spring round, with decisions by the end of May; requests sent November 11 to May 10 go to the Fall round. The foundation says this schedule hasn't changed since 2013.