The Rockefeller Foundation - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $275,477,614 (2023)
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed (invitation-only)
Decision Time: 1-4 months
Grant Range: $10,000 - $500,000 (typical); up to tens of millions
Geographic Focus: International and United States
Total Assets: $6.4 billion (2023)
Number of Grants: 1,029 grants awarded in 2023

Contact Details

Website: www.rockefellerfoundation.org Phone: 212-869-8500 Address: 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018-2702 EIN: 13-5562162

Note: The Rockefeller Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. Organizations are invited to apply by Program Officers.

Overview

Founded on May 14, 1913, by Standard Oil magnate John D. Rockefeller and his son, The Rockefeller Foundation has distributed the equivalent of over $22 billion throughout its history. With current assets of $6.4 billion, it ranks as the 30th largest foundation globally. In 2023, the Foundation awarded $275.5 million across 1,029 grants, reaching more than 530 million people through its programs and partnerships. The Foundation's mission is to promote the well-being of humanity around the world. Under the leadership of President Dr. Rajiv J. Shah since 2017, the Foundation has launched a five-year, $1 billion strategy focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. In 2024, The Rockefeller Foundation received the Climate and Health Champion Award for its technical and financial support towards Uganda's climate and health response, recognizing its commitment to addressing climate change impacts on vulnerable populations.

Funding Priorities

Invitation-Only Grantmaking

The Rockefeller Foundation operates through a proactive, invitation-based approach. Program Officers identify and invite organizations to submit proposals rather than accepting applications from the general public. The Foundation employs a "scientific approach to philanthropy" focused on solving problems at their root using innovations, grants, contracts, and partnerships.

Priority Areas

Food Security The Foundation's Good Food Strategy invests $105 million over three years to increase access to healthy and sustainable foods for 40 million underserved people globally. The Foundation committed $100 million to Food is Medicine (FIM) programs, with $3.5 million announced in 2024 to expand FIM programs across the United States. Focus areas include sustainable and regenerative agriculture, nutrition, and equitable economic opportunity throughout food production and distribution systems.

Health Equity The Health initiative aims to "reimagine health for a changing world" with current focus on climate-related health issues. Strategies include protecting lives from climate-related health threats, ensuring climate response is equitable and people-centered, and mobilizing stakeholders for climate-related action. The Foundation works to improve public health systems globally.

Clean Energy Universal energy access serves as a pillar of the Foundation's strategy, with initiatives investing in solar, wind, and renewable energy sources to provide clean energy solutions. In recent years, the Foundation announced over $11 million to advance climate solutions in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, and communities across the United States.

Economic Mobility The Foundation supports U.S. Economic Opportunity programs providing technical assistance for underserved rural regions and mid-sized cities to attract federal economic opportunity funding. The Foundation focuses on creating meaningful economic opportunity and advancing innovation in finance systems to support vulnerable populations.

Grant Size and Structure

Most Rockefeller Foundation grants range from $10,000 to $500,000, though grants can extend into the tens of millions for major initiatives. The average grant size is $268,000. Grant types include project grants, multi-year funding commitments, and partnership initiatives.

What They Don't Fund

Unsolicited proposals: The Foundation does not accept applications from organizations that have not been invited by a Program Officer
Individual applications: Grants are only available to nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or universities
Lobbying activities: As a private foundation, RF is strictly prohibited from engaging in or funding lobbying activities as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code
Political campaign activity: No support for activities to influence elections or voter registration initiatives
Travel for government officials: Cannot support travel costs for U.S. Government Officials or high-net-worth individuals
Internal organizational activities: Board meetings, internal strategy sessions, capstone projects, training programs, or large-scale conferences (for Bellagio Center convenings)

Governance and Leadership

President

Dr. Rajiv J. Shah has served as President of The Rockefeller Foundation since March 1, 2017, after being unanimously selected by the Board of Trustees in January 2017. Dr. Shah previously served as Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under President Obama. He has emphasized the Foundation's commitment to democratic values and global engagement, stating: "More than ever, the world needs individuals and institutions working toward shared prosperity and security, and The Rockefeller Foundation is dedicated to doing its part."

On climate change, Shah has stated that it "poses a singular threat to humanity, and to The Rockefeller Foundation's 109-year mission of promoting its well-being throughout the world," requiring the Foundation to "directly confront climate change while redoubling efforts in traditional program areas: health, power, food, and equity."

Board Chair

Admiral James Stavridis joined The Rockefeller Foundation Board of Trustees in 2018 and became Board Chair in June 2021, continuing in this role through 2024.

Board of Trustees

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of no fewer than 12 members, with the Foundation's president serving as an ex-officio member. Recent trustees include:

The Rt. Honourable Gordon Brown (joined March 2024) - Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Juan Manuel Santos (joined June 2020) - Former President of Colombia (2010-2018)
Adam Silver (joined June 2020) - Commissioner of the National Basketball Association
Dr. Agnes Binagwaho (joined November 2019)
Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli (joined November 2019)
Paul Polman (joined 2019)
Mellody Hobson (joined 2018)
Sharon Percy Rockefeller (joined November 2017)
Ravi Venkatesan (joined 2014) - Former Chairman, Bank of Baroda

Key Staff

Organizations work closely with assigned Program Officers who serve as the primary representative within the Foundation throughout the grant application and implementation process. The Office of Grants Management (OGM) conducts due diligence investigations and compliance reviews, while Grants Managers review compliance with U.S. tax law and Foundation policy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Rockefeller Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. The application process begins when a Program Officer identifies an organization whose work aligns with Foundation priorities and invites them to submit a proposal.

Once invited, applicants work through a structured three-stage process:

Stage 1: Concept Note (1-2 months) The assigned Program Officer develops a concept note outlining anticipated impacts, outcomes, and strategic alignment for senior leadership review and approval before proposal development begins.

Stage 2: Proposal Development (10 days) Working collaboratively with the Program Officer, organizations provide detailed project information. The primary organizational contact receives portal access to upload required documentation including:

Pre-Grant Questionnaire (completed in portal)
Letter of Request (signed by authorized official on organizational letterhead)
Grant Proposal (5-10 pages covering rationale, outcomes, activities, evaluation, risk management, budget)
Project Lead Biographies
Project Budget and Budget Narrative
Cybersecurity Questionnaire (if applicable)
Statement of Responsibility (for studies involving organisms or human subjects)

Stage 3: Due Diligence and Award (1-5 days, followed by 1 month) The Office of Grants Management conducts compliance and capacity reviews while senior management assesses strategic alignment. Applicants may receive clarifying questions through their Program Officer or directly from their assigned Grants Manager.

Required Proposal Elements

The formal proposal should address:

Executive summary and project name
Issue rationale and context
Outcomes, impacts, and theory of change
Outputs and key activities with accomplishment status
Knowledge management and communications plans
Impact monitoring, evaluation, and learning approach
Risk identification and mitigation strategies

Note: Not all sections are required for all applicants

Decision Timeline

The average grant takes 1-4 months from Proposal to Award through the three-stage process. Once approved:

Portal Setup: Banking contact registers in the Tipalti payment platform
Grant Agreement: Contract issued via Conga for electronic signature
First Payment: Released after countersigned agreement acceptance
Ongoing Payments: Released upon receipt and approval of required reports

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. Given the invitation-only model where Program Officers proactively identify and invite organizations to apply, the selection process occurs before formal proposal submission. The Foundation awarded 1,029 grants in 2023, demonstrating significant philanthropic activity among invited applicants.

Reapplication Policy

Since the Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, there is no traditional reapplication process. Organizations invited to submit proposals work closely with their assigned Program Officer throughout the process. If a proposal is not approved, the Program Officer would communicate next steps and potential future opportunities based on strategic alignment.

Application Success Factors

Working with Your Program Officer

The Program Officer serves as your primary contact and advocate within the Foundation. They will:

Invite you to submit a proposal when they identify strong strategic alignment
Guide you through the proposal development process
Develop the concept note that gains senior leadership approval
Serve as your point of contact throughout the grant lifetime

Strategic Alignment

The Foundation emphasizes:

Root cause solutions: Using innovations, grants, contracts, and partnerships to solve problems at their source
Novel applications: Finding new ways to apply existing ideas or technologies
Partnerships: Working across sectors and political lines with "likely and unlikely partners"
Climate integration: Putting climate at the forefront of programmatic strategies while addressing traditional focus areas
Serving the underserved: Benefiting "those often left behind" in the U.S. and globally

Proposal Quality Indicators

From the Foundation's guidance materials, successful proposals demonstrate:

Clear executive summary and project rationale
Well-defined outcomes, impacts, and theory of change
Specific outputs and key activities with measurable accomplishment status
Thoughtful knowledge management and communications plans
Robust impact monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches
Comprehensive risk identification with mitigation strategies
Detailed budget with narrative justification

Building Relationships

The Foundation values engagement and relationship building. Organizations should:

Monitor Foundation priorities and strategic initiatives
Demonstrate understanding of the Foundation's approach to systems transformation
Show capacity for partnership and collaboration across sectors
Align work with the Foundation's focus on food, health, energy, and economic opportunity

Recent Funding Examples

The Foundation's recent grants illustrate priority areas:

Food is Medicine: $3.5 million to expand FIM programs across the United States (February 2024)
Climate Adaptation: Support for United Nations capacity building for developing countries in the Global South (July 2024-December 2025)
U.S. Economic Opportunity: Technical assistance for underserved rural regions and mid-sized cities (May 2024-August 2025)
Climate Solutions: Over $11 million for climate solutions in low- and middle-income countries

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Invitation-only model: You cannot apply directly to The Rockefeller Foundation. Focus on building your organization's visibility in the food, health, energy, or economic opportunity sectors and demonstrating alignment with the Foundation's systems transformation approach.
Collaborative process: If invited to apply, you'll work closely with an assigned Program Officer throughout the 1-4 month process. This is a partnership, not a transactional application.
Climate-centered approach: All work should consider climate impacts and solutions. The Foundation has made climate "the forefront of programmatic, operational, and investment strategies."
Systems transformation focus: The Foundation seeks root cause solutions that transform entire systems rather than incremental improvements. Emphasize how your work creates systemic change.
Scale and reach: With 530+ million people reached through 2024 programs, the Foundation prioritizes work with significant impact potential. Demonstrate scalability and broad reach.
Partnership capacity: Success requires ability to work across sectors and with diverse partners. Highlight collaborative experience and partnership networks.
Timeline expectations: Once invited, move efficiently through the three-stage process. The average timeline of 1-4 months requires responsiveness to Program Officer guidance and requests.

References

The Rockefeller Foundation Official Website - www.rockefellerfoundation.org (Accessed November 2024)
"Toolkit for Prospective and Active Grantees" - The Rockefeller Foundation, May 2024. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/toolkit-for-prospective-and-active-grantees/
"Our Grants" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/our-grants/
"FAQs" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/about-us/rock-faqs/
"Board of Trustees" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/about-us/leadership-and-board/board-of-trustees/
"2023 Impact Report" - The Rockefeller Foundation, 2024. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/reports/impact-report-2024/
"Statement by Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation, on the Eve of the 2024 U.S. Election" - The Rockefeller Foundation, November 2024. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/statement-by-dr-rajiv-j-shah-president-of-the-rockefeller-foundation-on-the-eve-of-the-2024-u-s-election/
"The Climate Crisis and Our Work to Make Opportunity Universal and Sustainable" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/our-work-climate-making-opportunity-universal-sustainable/
"Rockefeller Foundation Invests $3.5 Million To Support American Farmers, Improve Nutrition & Address Chronic Disease" - The Rockefeller Foundation, February 2024. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/rockefeller-foundation-invests-3-5-million-to-support-american-farmers-improve-nutrition-address-chronic-disease/
"The Rockefeller Foundation Commits USD 105M to Making Healthy and Sustainable Foods More Accessible Around the World" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/the-rockefeller-foundation-commits-usd-105m-to-making-healthy-and-sustainable-foods-more-accessible-around-the-world/
"Rockefeller Foundation" - Inside Philanthropy. Available at: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-r/rockefeller-foundation (Accessed November 2024)
"Rockefeller Foundation | New York, NY | 990 Report" - Instrumentl. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/rockefeller-foundation (Accessed November 2024)
"Rockefeller Foundation, 11 Other Agencies Honored with 2024 Climate and Health Champion Awards" - Makerere University School of Public Health, August 2024. Available at: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/news/rockefeller-foundation-11-other-agencies-honored-2024-climate-and-health-champion-awards
"The Rockefeller Foundation Announces Over USD 11 Million Towards Climate Solutions" - The Rockefeller Foundation. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/the-rockefeller-foundation-announces-over-usd-11-million-towards-climate-solutions/
"Rockefeller Foundation" - Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockefeller_Foundation (Accessed November 2024)
"The Rockefeller Foundation Proposal Guidance v2024" - The Rockefeller Foundation, June 2024. Available at: https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/The-Rockefeller-Foundation-Proposal-Guidance-v2024.pdf