Imago Dei Fund

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $18.7 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Greater Boston/US, East Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia

Contact Details

• Website: www.imagodeifund.org
• Email: contact@imagodeifund.org
• Phone: Not provided
• Mailing Address: PO Box 170025, Boston MA 02117

Overview

The Imago Dei Fund is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2010 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. With total assets of $61.3 million and annual charitable disbursements of $18.7 million (2024), the foundation is motivated by faith and a commitment to the inherent dignity of all people. Their mission focuses on "co-creating a more just, free and sustainable world where all human beings can thrive and flourish, together." The foundation takes a holistic approach to philanthropy, investing in organizations and leaders who are addressing gender-based injustice while practicing philanthropy rooted in trust and relationships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific grant programs or funding amounts. Their grantmaking is guided by four key lenses and focuses on specific geographic regions.

Priority Areas

Grantmaking Lenses:

• Centering rights, needs, and agency of women and girls
• Supporting community-driven change
• Valuing faith actors
• Committed to care for creation

Geographic Focus:

• Greater Boston Area and United States
• East Africa
• Haiti
• Southeast Asia

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by founders Emily Nielsen Jones and Ross Jones. Key staff members include:

• Andrew S Jones - Impact Partner
• Jennifer Oakley - Program Partner
• Leah B Questad - Foundation Administrator
• Kristie M Obrien Oberlies - Program Partner
• Sheila M Leddy - Program Partner

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships with organizations aligned with their mission and geographic focus areas.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not available - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's faith-motivated approach and focus on trust-based philanthropy, organizations that may attract their attention would likely:

• Work directly on gender-based injustice issues, particularly focusing on women and girls
• Operate in their specified geographic areas (Greater Boston, East Africa, Haiti, Southeast Asia)
• Demonstrate community-driven approaches to change
• Have faith-based connections or values alignment
• Show commitment to environmental sustainability alongside social justice work

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Imago Dei Fund operates as a private foundation without a public application process
• With $18.7 million in annual giving, they are a significant funder in their focus areas
• Their emphasis on "trust and relationships" suggests grants are made to known partners
• The foundation takes a holistic view combining faith, gender justice, community leadership, and environmental care
• Organizations working on women's and girls' issues in their target geographies may benefit from relationship-building efforts
• Their core values of dignity, faith, trust, love, humility, stewardship, and community should be reflected in any outreach

References

• Imago Dei Fund Official Website. Accessed January 2026. www.imagodeifund.org
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Imago Dei Fund. Form 990 Data 2024. Accessed January 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/261578446
• GuideStar Profile - Imago Dei Fund. Accessed January 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/26-1578446