Sunshine Lady Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,168,310 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-8 weeks for Micro Grants; 3-9 months for Program Grants
• Grant Range: $250 - $500,000
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Total Assets: $17,882,736 (2024)

Contact Details

Website: www.sunshineladyfoundation.org

Email: info@sunshineladyfoundation.org

Address: Lebanon, TN

Eligibility Screening: Required before application (contact through website inquiry form)

Overview

The Sunshine Lady Foundation was founded in 1996 in North Carolina by Doris Buffett, sister of billionaire investor Warren Buffett. A transformative 2004 visit to a graduation ceremony at Sing Sing Correctional Facility redirected the foundation's focus entirely toward prison education. Since then, the foundation has invested in quality higher education in prison and reentry programs across the United States. With total assets of approximately $17.9 million and annual giving of over $1.1 million, the foundation has awarded more than $100 million in grants since inception, supporting 705 total grants to 65 unique organizations. Currently led by Board Chair Diane Grimsley and Executive Director Mary Gould, the foundation prioritizes higher education programs that provide for-credit postsecondary credentials leading to degrees, certifications, or licensures for currently and formerly incarcerated individuals. The foundation operates with a hands-on, relationship-based approach described by Worth magazine as an "un-foundation"—uniquely person-to-person and focused on building trust and transparency with grantees.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Program Grants: $60,000 - $500,000 (annual or multi-year basis)

• Support annual budgets of qualifying higher education in prison or reentry programs
• Applications reviewed through biannual cycles (Spring and Fall)
• Board decisions made twice yearly (June and December)

Micro Grants: $250 - $5,000 (one-time awards)

• Available to current and former grantees only
• Supports unexpected needs such as books, student support, events, or emergency expenses
• Rolling basis applications accepted monthly until budget exhausted

Annual Tuition Fund: Variable amounts

• Supports tuition for currently incarcerated students
• Available for both Pell-eligible and non-Pell-eligible students
• Rolling basis applications

Capital Investment Grants: Variable amounts (no specified limit)

• One-time funding for infrastructure needs
• Examples include housing purchase/renovation, computer lab build-out, equipment purchases
• Priority given to distributing resources across many programs

Priority Areas

Higher Education in Prison Programs

• On-site, for-credit programs leading to postsecondary credentials
• Degree-granting programs affiliated with accredited institutions
• Programs providing associate, bachelor's, or graduate degrees
• Certificate and licensure programs

Community-Based Reentry Programs

• Programs prioritizing continuation of postsecondary education post-release
• Supportive housing initiatives for formerly incarcerated students
• Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and emergency funds for released students
• Tutoring, technical support, and experiential learning opportunities

Geographic Focus

• Primary concentration in Oregon, New York, and Missouri
• Additional grants throughout the United States
• All funded organizations must be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the United States
• Business investments or for-profit ventures
• Lobbying or political activities
• Religious purposes or faith-based programming
• Arts organizations
• Programs not focused on higher education or postsecondary credentials

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership Team

• Diane Grimsley, Board Chair
• Mitty Beal, Board Member
• Judy Wooten, Board Member
• Mary Gould, Executive Director

All board members volunteer their time without compensation.

Founder: Doris Buffett (1928-2020) founded the organization in 1996 and personally funded it through her generosity. Doris retired from active involvement in 2016 but her philanthropic ideals continue to guide the foundation's work.

Leadership Philosophy

Warren Buffett described his sister Doris as a philanthropist who "combines a soft heart with a hard head" and noted that "some people write a large number of checks; others invest a large amount of time and effort." This hands-on, investment-oriented philosophy continues to characterize the foundation's approach.

The foundation emphasizes values of simplicity, common sense, building strong relationships based on trust and transparency, addressing systemic barriers causing inequality, and supporting collaborative organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Sunshine Lady Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. All potential grantees must first complete an initial eligibility screening through the foundation's website inquiry form.

Eligibility Screening Process:

1. Submit inquiry through website contact form (www.sunshineladyfoundation.org/inquire-about-funding)
2. Programs determined to be a potential match will be invited for an initial call with the Executive Director
3. During the call, staff learn more about the program and determine alignment with foundation priorities
4. Prospective grantees are reviewed by the Board of Directors
5. Invitations to apply for funding are extended to selected programs

Eligible Organizations:

• For-credit postsecondary in-prison education programs affiliated with accredited institutions of higher education
• Community-based reentry programs with 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in the United States

Decision Timeline

Program Grants:

• Screening and initial calls: Rolling basis
• Board review and invitation to apply: No later than March (Spring cycle) and September (Fall cycle)
• Funding decisions: No later than June (for March applications) and December (for September applications)
• Total timeline: Approximately 3-9 months from initial inquiry to decision

Micro Grants:

• Review period: At least 2 weeks
• Decisions made on rolling basis monthly
• Quick turnaround due to time-sensitive nature of requests

Tuition Fund and Capital Investment Grants:

• Review period: Up to 2 months
• Applications accepted on rolling basis

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose acceptance rates or success statistics. With 705 total grants awarded to 65 unique organizations over 19 years of grantmaking, the foundation appears to favor building long-term relationships with a focused group of grantees rather than making one-time awards to many organizations.

In 2024, the foundation made 21 awards totaling $1,168,310. In 2023, there were 26 awards.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation builds multi-year relationships with grantees. Program Grants can be awarded on an annual or multi-year basis, suggesting that successful grantees are encouraged to continue the relationship. Micro Grants are specifically available to current and former grantees, indicating ongoing support for organizations in the foundation's portfolio.

Information about reapplication policies for organizations whose initial applications are declined is not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

Investment-Oriented Approach The foundation views each grant as an investment with expected successful returns. Prospective grantees should clearly articulate measurable outcomes and demonstrate how funding will benefit the people being served.

Alignment with Core Mission Programs must focus specifically on for-credit postsecondary education leading to degrees, certifications, or licensures. The foundation prioritizes programs affiliated with accredited institutions of higher education. Reentry programs must demonstrate a clear focus on continuation of postsecondary education post-release.

Examples of Successful Grant Recipients

• Cornell Prison Education Program: Launched with Sunshine Lady Foundation support, this program elevated Cornell's early prison course offerings to a regular degree-granting program at Auburn Correctional Facility. The program remains primarily funded by the foundation.

• West Virginia University Higher Education in Prison Initiative (HEPI): Awarded $120,000 over two years (2024-2026) to invest in tutoring positions, book clubs, technical support, coursework for incarcerated students, plus graduate assistantships, scholarships, and emergency funds for released students.

• University of Scranton Prison Education Program: Received $80,000 over two years to defray costs of textbooks and provide support for tutors and program expenses.

• Hudson Link New Beginnings: Reentry initiative providing critical support including supportive temporary housing, employment assistance, educational support, and community reintegration services for released students.

Relationship-Based Grantmaking The foundation emphasizes building "strong, enduring relationships with grantees based on mutual trust and transparency." Organizations should be prepared for hands-on engagement with foundation staff and a collaborative partnership approach rather than a transactional grant relationship.

Demonstrated Collaboration The foundation values collaborative organizations that work effectively with corrections systems, educational institutions, and community partners. Programs should demonstrate strong partnerships with accredited colleges and universities.

Focus on Overlooked Populations The foundation has historically focused on supporting overlooked populations. Programs should demonstrate commitment to affirming the dignity, humanity, and potential of currently and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Scale and Sustainability The foundation tends to fund larger prison education or university programs for its Program Grants, though Micro Grants have supported smaller initiatives. Applicants should demonstrate program sustainability and capacity to use funding effectively.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No unsolicited applications: You must go through the eligibility screening process first. Focus your initial inquiry on demonstrating clear alignment with the foundation's mission of supporting for-credit postsecondary education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

• For-credit credentials are essential: The foundation exclusively funds programs leading to degrees, certifications, or licensures from accredited institutions. Programs offering non-credit courses, life skills training, or vocational training without postsecondary credentials will not qualify.

• Long-term relationship model: With only 65 unique organizations funded over 19 years, the foundation clearly prefers building sustained partnerships. Emphasize your program's long-term sustainability and openness to multi-year engagement.

• Investment mindset: Frame your proposal as an investment opportunity with clear, measurable returns in terms of student outcomes, completion rates, and post-release success. Be specific about expected outcomes.

• Multiple funding streams available: Beyond Program Grants, consider Micro Grants (for current/former grantees), Capital Investment Grants for infrastructure needs, and Tuition Fund support for individual student needs.

• Geographic sweet spots: While the foundation funds nationally, primary concentration areas are Oregon, New York, and Missouri. Programs in these states may have strategic advantages.

• Be patient with timeline: Program Grant cycles can take 3-9 months from initial inquiry to decision. Plan your funding needs accordingly and don't expect quick turnarounds for major grants.

References

• Sunshine Lady Foundation official website - Grantmaking page. https://www.sunshineladyfoundation.org/grantmaking. Accessed January 2026.

• Sunshine Lady Foundation official website - About Us page. https://www.sunshineladyfoundation.org/about-us. Accessed January 2026.

• Sunshine Lady Foundation official website - History page. https://www.sunshineladyfoundation.org/history. Accessed January 2026.

• Sunshine Lady Foundation - Inside Philanthropy profile. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-s/sunshine-lady-foundation. Accessed January 2026.

• The Sunshine Lady Foundation Inc - Candid Foundation Directory. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=SUNS021. Accessed January 2026.

• Sunshine Lady Foundation Inc - Instrumentl 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/sunshine-lady-foundation-inc. Accessed January 2026.

• "WVU Higher Education in Prison Initiative selected for Sunshine Lady Foundation Award." West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. January 2024. https://eberly.wvu.edu/news-events/eberly-news/2024/01/01/wvu-higher-education-in-prison-initiative-selected-for-sunshine-lady-foundation-award. Accessed January 2026.

• "University Receives Support for Prison Education Program." University of Scranton Royal News. December 2024. https://news.scranton.edu/articles/2024/07/news-grant-sunchine-lady-found-prison-ed-prog.shtml. Accessed January 2026.

• "Sunshine Lady Foundation Grantee: Cornell Prison Education Program." Sunshine Lady Foundation website. https://www.sunshineladyfoundation.org/grantees/cornell-prison-education-program. Accessed January 2026.

• Sunshine Lady Foundation Inc - ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/561977987. Accessed January 2026.