How to Apply for a Grant
Funding High Impact Projects and Organizations
We only consider applications sponsored by graduates of the Stanford GSB who are involved with Project Redwood.
Are you a nonprofit interested in applying for a grant?
Are you a GSB graduate interested in sponsoring a nonprofit?
Non-Profit Organization Application Information
A potential applicant must define a robust project aligned with our mission before seeking Project Redwood funding. The schedules, criteria, and requirements described below are subject to change in future grant award cycles.
What Prerequisites Must Be Met to Apply for a Grant?
Sponsorship
Project Redwood considers applications sponsored by Stanford GSB graduates who are involved in Project Redwood. If you are a GSB graduate and want to learn more about Project Redwood, click here to learn more about becoming involved. Sponsors assist potential grantees in preparing their applications and serve as primary contacts between the applicants and our Grant Review Committee during evaluation. If a project is funded, the sponsor’s role continues through completion, and often beyond.
501(c)(3) Status
Applicants must be tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States, or have applied for such status.
Financial
Project Redwood generally awards grants to organizations with annual revenues under $4 million, where our support represents a meaningful portion of the project budget. Exceptions may be made if a larger organization proposes a new initiative for which our grant would be essential and would fund a substantial share of the project budget.
Each application must include a copy of the organization’s most recent audited financial statement or IRS Form 990.
Grant Limits
Project Redwood limits each organization to one grant per year, with a maximum of four years of funding.
How Are Grant Applications Evaluated?
Project Redwood provides catalytic capital to non-profit organizations around the world that align with our mission to fight poverty. Many organizations receive a grant from Project Redwood in more than one year, up to a maximum of four grants, and may be eligible for an unrestricted grant after completing one or more successful project grants.
Given Project Redwood’s goal of helping organizations over a multi-year engagement to achieve a sustainably higher impact, applicants are asked to provide information about their finances and organization. These materials are used to evaluate their performance and capacity to grow and achieve an elevated level of impact.
In addition, Project Redwood evaluates proposed projects based on the following criteria:
- Alignment with Project Redwood’s Mission: Does the project align with the Project Redwood mission of alleviating poverty through education, job training, job creation, or entrepreneurship, areas where Project Redwood seeks to create lasting impact?
- Measurable Impact: To what extent will the project develop human potential and local resources, expand educational access and outcomes, or increase income, wealth, or standard of living for a significant population served by the grant?
- Achievability: Can the project be carried out as planned with the applicant’s resources, skills, identified funding, Project Redwood’s non-financial support, and established community or strategic partnerships? Does the plan identify and mitigate potential risks?
- Enduring Effect: Does this project expand the organization’s impact by developing new capabilities that will endure beyond Project Redwood’s involvement? Are there strategies to scale, replicate, or extend benefits to additional communities or organizations?
What Is the Process for Reviewing Grant Applications?
The grant cycle begins in January, with awards announced in June. The review process includes the following steps:
Grant Preview Form
In early January, a call for new applicants is sent to Stanford GSB graduates who are interested and involved in Project Redwood, along with instructions and a Grant Preview Form. We also conduct a virtual presentation on the grant-making process for interested applicants and sponsors.
The Grant Preview Form, required of prospective applicants who have not been funded by Project Redwood recently, is due in late January. If all prerequisites are satisfied and the Grant Preview Form describes a robust project, the sponsor and applicant are invited to submit a full Grant Application.
Grant Application and Due Diligence Form
Invited organizations, with sponsor support, complete a Grant Application that details how their project addresses poverty and meets Project Redwood’s evaluation criteria. Invited applicants also complete a Due Diligence Form that describes several key characteristics of their organization. The Grant Review Committee may request additional information in a virtual conversation as it assesses and summarizes each project during March and April. Grantees that have completed multiple projects with Project Redwood may be considered for an unrestricted grant.
Vote
In early May, the Grant Review Committee presents a slate of projects to current Project Redwood donors and volunteers, who vote to express their preferences.
Board Decision
In May, the Project Redwood Board of Directors makes final award decisions, considering the Grant Review Committee’s recommendations, the volunteer and donor vote, grant portfolio balance, and available funds.
Grant Agreement
Approved grantees sign agreements and receive funds in June.
What Are the Key Dates for 2026?
- January 6 – Announcement of the 2026 grant-making cycle
- January 23 – Grant Preview Forms due (prospective applicants who have not been funded by Project Redwood recently)
- February 13 – Grant Applications and Due Diligence Forms due (returning grantees)
- March 27 – Grant Applications and Due Diligence forms due (invited applicants)
- April – Grant Review Committee evaluations
- May – Volunteer and donor vote
- May 28 – Project Redwood Board grant funding decision
- June – Grants announced and awarded
What is the Role of the GSB Sponsor After Funding?
Project Redwood and its GSB sponsors maintain close relationships with grantees, providing value-added, non-financial support to both the project and the organization throughout the grant period, and often beyond. During the grant year, grantees submit a mid-year progress report and a final report at year-end. In addition, they may be asked to provide follow-up information on project impact one to two years later.
Grantees and sponsors participate in Project Redwood’s Community of Grantees and Sponsors, a network of social entrepreneurs who share knowledge, experience, and expertise.
How Do I Get Started?
Grant Preview Forms are distributed to the Project Redwood community; interested individuals then share the information with organizations they plan to sponsor.
Where Can I Get More Information?
Do you have questions or want to learn more about Project Redwood’s grant program, eligibility, or sponsorship? Please contact us.
Information for GSB Alumni Sponsors
Being a sponsor is one of the most rewarding ways for a GSB graduate to engage with Project Redwood and advance our mission. A sponsor serves as the primary link between Project Redwood and a social-impact organization we support, guiding that relationship throughout the life of the grant. Acting as both advocate and advisor, a sponsor has the unique opportunity to work directly with extraordinary leaders dedicated to the global fight against poverty.
What Types of Projects Fit Project Redwood's Mission?
Sponsors help ensure that proposed projects align with Project Redwood’s mission. They provide initial vetting and introduce potential grantee organizations to the Grant Review Committee. To do so effectively, sponsors must be familiar with the operations and aspirations of the potential grantee, particularly with respect to Project Redwood’s basic grant requirements:
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- The project helps people help themselves, improving economic outcomes for underserved communities through education, job training, job creation, or entrepreneurship.
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The project has clear goals and measurable outcomes that demonstrate its impact in lifting people out of poverty.
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The project demonstrates effective poverty-reduction strategies.
- The organization holds 501(c)(3) certification as a United States nonprofit (or has applied for such status).
How Do Sponsors Support the Application Process?
Sponsors collaborate with organizations and project leaders to prepare application materials for the Grant Review Committee, including:
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Grant Preview Form and supporting documents, which determine whether the organization is an appropriate candidate meeting Project Redwood’s requirements and criteria.
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Grant Application, Due Diligence Form, and related documents, if the Grant Preview Form is approved.
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Responses to any follow-up questions from the Grant Review Committee.
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What Assistance is Needed After the Grant Process?
When a grant is awarded, sponsors facilitate ongoing communications between the grantee and Project Redwood. Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the completion of the grant agreement contract and confirming receipt of funds.
- Supporting the preparation of interim and final project progress reports for the Evaluation and Impact Committee.
- Encouraging participation in periodic conference calls with Project Redwood’s Community of Grantees and Sponsors to share experiences and discuss common issues.
What Other Support Can Sponsors Provide?
- Facilitating introductions to helpful individuals and organizations.
- Providing leadership coaching.
- Advising on fundraising strategies.
- Serving on the grantee’s board.
- Offering general consulting support.
Every sponsor–grantee relationship is unique and tailored to the experience, skills, and availability of the individuals involved. Project Redwood also encourages co-sponsorship, allowing sponsors to share the work and the rewards of supporting projects.
How Can I Learn More About Becoming a Project Redwood Sponsor?
You are invited to explore the opportunity of sponsoring a project with Project Redwood. We also encourage co-sponsorship, which allows sponsors to share both the responsibilities and the rewards of supporting grantees. Sponsor Information Sessions and co-sponsorship opportunities provide newer sponsors with valuable learn-as-you-go experience.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor and helping projects secure a Project Redwood grant, please contact us.
Let’s Talk!
Curious to learn more about the Project Redwood grant application process?