Chatlos Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $7-10 million
Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
Decision Time: 3-4 months
Grant Range: $10,000 - $50,000 (typical), up to $100,000 (exceptional cases)
Geographic Focus: United States (strong Southeast presence)

Contact Details

Website: www.chatlos.org
Phone: (407) 862-5077
Email: info@chatlos.org
Address: Chatlos Foundation Inc, PO Box 915048, Longwood, FL 32791-5048

Overview

The Chatlos Foundation Inc is a private foundation established in 1953 by William M. Chatlos to support Bible colleges, seminaries, and evangelical organizations committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With assets exceeding $140 million, the foundation distributes approximately $7-10 million annually in grants. The foundation operates with a distinctly Christian evangelical mission, focusing on supporting organizations that demonstrate both spiritual impact and operational excellence. Their funding philosophy emphasizes strengthening Christian education, evangelism, and humanitarian efforts that align with biblical principles.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Operating Support: $10,000 - $50,000 (for established ministries)
Capital Projects: $25,000 - $100,000 (for buildings, equipment, technology)
Educational Programs: $10,000 - $40,000 (for Bible colleges and seminaries)
Missionary Support: $10,000 - $30,000 (for evangelical outreach programs)
Application method: Online application portal with quarterly review cycles

Priority Areas

Bible colleges and Christian seminaries
Evangelical missionary organizations
Christian social services and humanitarian efforts
Youth ministries and campus outreach
Bible translation and distribution
Christian media and broadcasting
Prison ministries
Organizations addressing human trafficking from a faith perspective

What They Don't Fund

Individuals (including scholarships or personal support)
Churches for regular operating expenses
Political organizations or campaigns
Secular educational institutions
Arts and cultural programs without evangelical focus
Medical research
Environmental causes
For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors committed to the founder's vision of evangelical Christian philanthropy. The board includes business leaders and ministry professionals who evaluate grant applications based on both ministry impact and financial stewardship. The foundation maintains a small professional staff to manage operations and grant administration.

Key leadership includes individuals with extensive experience in Christian ministry and nonprofit governance, ensuring grants align with the foundation's biblical mission while maintaining high standards of accountability.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations must submit applications through the foundation's online portal at www.chatlos.org. The process includes:

Initial eligibility screening questionnaire
Full application with detailed project description
Required documentation including IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
Financial statements and organizational budget
Statement of faith alignment
Board of directors list

Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines typically falling in March, June, September, and December.

Decision Timeline

Initial review: 2-3 weeks after deadline
Full evaluation: 6-8 weeks
Final decision: 3-4 months from submission
Notifications sent via email and postal mail
Funded organizations receive payment within 30 days of approval

Success Rates

While specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, the foundation indicates they receive hundreds of applications each quarter and fund organizations that best demonstrate alignment with their mission and capacity for impact.

Reapplication Policy

Unsuccessful applicants may reapply after 12 months. Organizations that receive funding must wait at least one year before submitting a new request, though multi-year commitments may be considered for exceptional programs.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated preferences and funding patterns:

Clear evangelical mission alignment: Applications must demonstrate explicit commitment to spreading the Gospel
Measurable kingdom impact: Provide specific metrics for spiritual and community transformation
Financial transparency: Include detailed budgets and demonstrate good stewardship
Organizational stability: Show evidence of sustainable leadership and operations
Strategic planning: Present clear goals and realistic implementation timelines
Collaborative approach: Demonstrate partnerships with other Christian organizations
Accountability structures: Show board governance and financial oversight systems

The foundation particularly values organizations that can demonstrate multiplication effects - training leaders who will train others, or creating sustainable programs that continue beyond the grant period.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Explicitly articulate evangelical Christian mission and biblical foundation
Demonstrate both spiritual and practical impact metrics
Include testimonies and transformation stories alongside statistics
Show how the grant will advance Gospel-centered objectives
Provide evidence of financial accountability and stewardship
Consider applying for amounts between $10,000-$50,000 for highest likelihood of success
Submit applications well before quarterly deadlines to ensure complete review

References

Chatlos Foundation Official Website (www.chatlos.org) - Accessed December 2024
Foundation Directory Online Profile - Accessed December 2024
IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023)
Guidestar Nonprofit Profile - Accessed December 2024
Ministry Watch Database - Accessed December 2024