Chatlos Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,390,950 (2023 990-PF)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 180 days (6 months)
• Grant Range: $250 - $50,000 (category-specific ranges vary)
• Geographic Focus: United States (national scope)

Contact Details

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

Overview

The Chatlos Foundation Inc is a private foundation established on 27 June 1953 by William F. Chatlos to support Bible colleges, seminaries, and evangelical organisations committed to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With assets of $51,699,741 (2023), the foundation distributed $1,390,950 in grants during 2023. The foundation operates with a distinctly Christian evangelical mission, focusing on supporting organisations that demonstrate both spiritual impact and operational excellence. Their funding philosophy emphasises strengthening Christian education, evangelism, and humanitarian efforts that align with biblical principles.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a rolling application process with grants distributed across five primary categories:

• Bible Colleges/Seminaries: $5,000 - $20,000 (represents approximately 33% of total giving)
• Religious Causes: $5,000 - $15,000 (represents approximately 30% of total giving)
• Medical Concerns: $5,000 - $15,000 (represents approximately 26% of total giving, with preference for organisations serving low-income and underinsured populations)
• Liberal Arts Colleges: $2,500 - $7,500
• Social Concerns: $2,000 - $5,000

On an initial basis, the foundation tends to fund requests for amounts less than $10,000. Overall, grants range from $250 to $50,000, though larger grants often support organisations with which the foundation maintains ongoing relationships.

Priority Areas

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

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals (including scholarships or personal support)
• Churches for regular operating expenses
• Political organisations or campaigns
• Secular educational institutions
• Arts and cultural programmes without evangelical focus
• Medical research
• Environmental causes
• For-profit entities
• Organisations which discriminate on the basis of race, colour, gender, creed, age, or national origin

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of Trustees 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 whilst maintaining high standards of accountability.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organisations must submit applications through the foundation's online portal at www.chatlos.org or via postal mail. The process includes:

1. Initial eligibility screening (organisations must be US-based, recognised as tax-exempt by the IRS, and in existence for 2 or more years)
2. Funding Request package including Grant Request Letter, Simple Project Budget, and completed Chatlos Foundation Application for Funding
3. Required documentation including IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
4. Financial statements and organisational budget
5. Statement of faith alignment
6. Board of directors list

The foundation does not require, request, or desire to receive Letters of Intent or Inquiry.

Decision Timeline

The application review process takes approximately 180 days (6 months):

• Initial review: Preliminary Review Committee meets monthly
• Full evaluation: Board of Trustees meets in February, June, and October
• Notifications sent in writing
• Funded organisations receive payment within 30 days of approval

Success Rates

Whilst specific success rates are not publicly disclosed, the foundation indicates they receive numerous applications and fund organisations that best demonstrate alignment with their mission and capacity for impact.

Reapplication Policy

Grantees may receive only one grant per 12-month period. Organisations may resubmit six months after a denial. The foundation expects the projects it funds to become independent of The Chatlos Foundation.

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
• Organisational stability: Show evidence of sustainable leadership and operations
• Strategic planning: Present clear goals and realistic implementation timelines
• Collaborative approach: Demonstrate partnerships with other Christian organisations
• Accountability structures: Show board governance and financial oversight systems

The foundation particularly values organisations that can demonstrate multiplication effects - training leaders who will train others, or creating sustainable programmes 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-centred objectives
• Provide evidence of financial accountability and stewardship
• Consider applying for amounts under $10,000 for initial requests
• Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no specific deadlines
• Allow approximately 180 days for the full review process

References

• Chatlos Foundation Official Website (www.chatlos.org) - Accessed May 2026
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023) via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer
• Inside Philanthropy: Chatlos Foundation Profile - Accessed May 2026
• Foundation Directory Online Profile (Candid) - Accessed May 2026