Fellowship Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,000,000+ (combined domestic and international)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: 1-4 months (estimated)
• Grant Range: Up to $25,000 (international); $100-$2,035,535 (domestic)
• Geographic Focus: International development (Latin America, Africa, Asia) and domestic (MD/DC/VA)

Contact Details

• Website: intlfoundation.org
• Address: 2145 North 24th Street, Arlington, VA 22207
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed

Overview

Fellowship Foundation Inc, operating as The International Foundation for its grant-making programs, is a 501(c)(3) public charity founded in 1949 with assets of $8 million and annual revenue of $9.4 million. The organization maintains dual identities - it's known for organizing the National Prayer Breakfast (until 2023) and political-religious fellowship activities, while also operating serious professional grant-making programs. With a 4-star Charity Navigator rating (95% score), the foundation employs 82 staff and has awarded over $1.9 million in international development grants since 2015, plus nearly $3 million in domestic grants in 2023 alone. The foundation focuses on addressing pressing human needs through community-based approaches in developing countries.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• International Development Grants: Up to $25,000 for 1-year projects (applications open May 16 annually, rolling basis)
• Domestic Grants Program: $100 - $2,035,535 (application process not publicly available)

Priority Areas

International Program (Four Focus Areas):

• Agriculture: Supporting smallholder farmers with resources and technology for sustainable harvests
• Education: Extending education systems' reach, particularly for women and girls in remote areas
• Health: Community primary health programs, maternal/child health, family planning
• Water & Environment: WASH programs, water quality/access, eliminating exposure to toxics and disease

Domestic Program:

• Education
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
• Human Services

What They Don't Fund

• Projects outside their geographic focus areas
• Organizations not headquartered in the United States (for international program)
• Non-501(c)(3) organizations
• Multiple proposals from same organization within calendar year

Governance and Leadership

President: Katherine Crane (joined board 2008, became president after 2016)

Key Associate: Doug Burleigh (helps organize prayer events, son-in-law of former leader Doug Coe)

The organization operates collaboratively rather than hierarchically, with each small group preparing annual plans and budgets reviewed by committee. The Board of Directors provides financial oversight and ensures compliance. The foundation maintains both religious/political fellowship activities and professional grant-making operations, with the grant programs operating independently with transparent criteria and processes.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

International Development Grants (Public Process):

1. Eligibility Quiz: Complete brief online evaluation (required first step)
2. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): Submit short LOI in Q&A format covering organization background, proposed project, and intended use of funds
3. Full Proposal: If invited, submit detailed application including program information, anticipated impact, financial documentation, measurable goals, and implementation capabilities
4. Review: Grants Committee review followed by Board of Directors approval

Domestic Grants: This funder does not have a public application process for domestic grants. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion or existing relationships.

Decision Timeline

• Application cycle opens: May 16 annually
• Review process: Rolling basis during open cycle
• Decision time: 1-4 months (estimated based on comparable foundations)
• Note: Currently mid-cycle, only reviewing invited proposals

Success Rates

Not publicly available. Recent activity shows 16-19 grants awarded annually in international program.

Reapplication Policy

Previous grantees must receive official confirmation that prior grant has been successfully closed and submit end-of-project report with complete financial summary before reapplying. Only one proposal per organization per calendar year allowed.

Application Success Factors

The foundation specifically looks for:

• Holistic, community-based approach to addressing needs
• Active collaboration with local partners (community-based, governmental, or non-governmental organizations)
• Demonstrated experience delivering measurable, impactful programs in at least one focus area
• Strong alignment with both geographic and programmatic priorities
• Clear strategy for project execution and evaluation
• Measurable outcomes with timeline and means for verification
• Commitment to sustained results beyond the grant period
• US-based headquarters with proven track record in target regions

Common reasons for non-selection include weak alignment with priorities, lack of local partnerships, and insufficient demonstration of measurable impact potential.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Complete the eligibility quiz first before investing time in a full application - this is a required gateway
• International grants are capped at $25,000 for one-year projects - budget accordingly
• Strong emphasis on local partnerships is critical - highlight existing relationships with community-based organizations
• Must be US-headquartered but working internationally - perfect for US nonprofits with global programs
• Only one application per year allowed - make it count
• Application window opens May 16 annually - prepare materials in advance
• Focus on measurable outcomes and sustainability - the foundation values community-based approaches with lasting impact

References

• The International Foundation official website (intlfoundation.org) - Accessed March 2026
• IRS Form 990 data via ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - 2022 filing
• Charity Navigator profile for Fellowship Foundation Inc (EIN 530204604) - Accessed March 2026
• Instrumentl Foundation Directory - Fellowship Foundation profile
• Cause IQ nonprofit database - Fellowship Foundation Inc data
• Various news articles about The Fellowship and National Prayer Breakfast activities
• GuideStar nonprofit profiles database - Accessed March 2026