Grant Guidelines

The IECA Foundation provides a limited number of grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations across the US helping underserved youth and young adults map pathways to success.

The Foundation uses funds from IECA members, donors, and event sponsors to support programs that help underserved youth and young adults make informed educational choices. Just as IECA consultants provide objective assessment, personalized counseling, and family engagement, the Foundation funds initiatives that employ similar strategies to create positive, lasting change.

By identifying and supporting small, impactful projects often overlooked, the Foundation builds effectiveness through community wisdom, expert advice, and generous giving. Focused on programs that deliver measurable results, IECAF aims to unlock students’ potential, foster their aspirations, and promote lasting success in their communities.

Qualifications

1) Your organization must be a nonprofit recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS and serve youth and young adults within the United States.

2) Your organization's annual budget is $1 million or less.

3) Faith-based organizations must be open establishments and not require religious participation.

Selection Process

The IECA Foundation supports nonprofit organizations in the United States that are eligible for funding. The IECA Foundation does not provide grants to for-profit organizations, individuals, schools, or organizations outside of the US. The Foundation does not support any program that discriminates on the basis of race, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin. 

IECAF does not typically fund: 

  • Salaries or staff positions

  • Professional development

  • Scholarships 

  • Requests for unrestricted/general operating support

IECAF gives priority to project-based or program-specific requests. While those are preferred, other well-defined proposals may also be considered. 

*Funds must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the grant application. References to the IECA Foundation will be made in recipient's promotional materials that list sponsoring organizations. Organizations who have previously received funding from the IECA Foundation who have failed to list the Foundation as a partner or sponsor will be ineligible for another grant.

Deadlines for Submission 

The deadline for submitting a grant application is November 27, 2025 at 12:00 ET (midnight). All applications will be carefully considered and reviewed by the Foundation’s Grants Committee. All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by early March, 2026. 

FAQs

What programs do you fund?

We seek to fund programs where our dollars will directly serve students. 

What is your average grant?

$5000

What is the size of the organizations you fund?

We fund programs where our grants will make a meaningful difference to the success of the program.  Just as our grants are intended to help underserved students succeed, we welcome the opportunity to benefit under-noticed or newer organizations that share our goals.

What limits do we place on repeat grants?

We will fund an organization more than once. We ask that recipients not request funds two years in a row, but wait at least one more year before requesting subsequent funding.

What are additional essential requirements?

Funds must be used exclusively for the purposes outlined in the grant application. 

References to the IECA Foundation will be made in recipient's promotional materials that list sponsoring organizations.