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Lord Sees Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.7M

Lord Sees Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,708,229 (FY 2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Average $29,969 (57 grants awarded)
  • Geographic Focus: National (operates across multiple U.S. states)
  • Assets: $76.6 million (2024)

Contact Details

Website: https://thelordsees.org
Email: admin@thelordsees.org
Address: 7122 S Sheridan Rd Ste 2-252, Tulsa, OK 74133
EIN: 84-2821432

Overview

The Lord Sees Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2020 and based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Named after the Biblical concept of "El Roi" (God who sees), the foundation manages $76.6 million in assets and distributed $1,708,229 in grants during fiscal year 2023. The foundation's mission is to prioritize and bless the work and expansion of God's kingdom on earth, with particular focus on serving "the servants of God's kingdom whose circumstances may have them feeling rejected or abandoned." Led by President Richard A. Manganaro, the foundation operates across numerous U.S. cities and states including major areas like Dallas, San Diego, Phoenix, and states such as California, Texas, and Florida. The foundation received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in March 2020 and has awarded 57 grants with an average grant size of approximately $30,000.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Lord Sees Foundation does not operate distinct grant programs but rather accepts applications on a rolling basis through their website submission portal. Based on available data, the average grant size is $29,969, though specific minimum and maximum grant amounts are not publicly disclosed.

Application Method: Online application through website (rolling basis)

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on:

  • Churches and Church Ministry: Support for Christian congregations and church-based programs
  • Missions: Christian missionary work both domestic and international
  • Humanitarian Causes: Christian-focused humanitarian relief and development work
  • Organizations Serving the Marginalized: Particular interest in supporting those who feel "rejected or abandoned"
  • Kingdom Expansion: Projects that advance Christian ministry and evangelism

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly listed. However, the foundation requires all applicants to be U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or work through a U.S. fiscal sponsor with 501(c)(3) status. The foundation's explicit Christian mission suggests non-Christian or secular organizations would not align with their funding priorities.

Governance and Leadership

Richard A. Manganaro - President
Lee D. Rettedal - Treasurer (compensation: $5,690 in 2024)
Chris Buskirk - Secretary

The foundation maintains a lean governance structure with minimal staff compensation, directing the majority of resources toward grantmaking activities. In 2024, charitable disbursements represented 44.2% of total expenses ($1.32 million out of $2.99 million in total expenses).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Lord Sees Foundation accepts grant applications through an online submission process on their website at thelordsees.org. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Required Application Materials:

  1. Financial Documents:

    • Balance sheet and profit and loss statements for current months, or alternate financial records if not available
    • Budget template detailing expenses that support the grant request (total must equal or exceed requested amount)
    • All funding sources for the organization, including other grants, number of private donors with cumulative donations, and corporate donors with cumulative totals for the calendar year
    • All other sources of funding for the specific project including grants, private and corporate donations (amounts only, no names required)

  2. Tax Documentation:

    • Name of U.S. nonprofit organization providing 501(c)(3) letter of determination from IRS
    • PDF upload of the 501(c)(3) letter from IRS (federal documents only; do not send state or local documents)
    • Note: If awarded, grant funds will be distributed to the designated U.S. nonprofit

  3. Spiritual Impact Statement:

    • Description (1,000-character limit) explaining how the grant fits into the foundation's mission
    • Focus on the spiritual impact the grant will have on the people served

  4. Optional Supporting Materials:

    • Photos, newsletters, or additional information about the organization
    • Note: These materials should support, not replace, the application form. The foundation notes that "more information does not necessarily make for a better application"

Decision Timeline

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific decision timelines, notification methods, or review schedules. Applicants should expect to be notified directly via the contact information provided in their application.

Success Rates

The foundation has awarded 57 grants based on available data, but does not publicly disclose the number of applications received or success rates. This information is not available in public filings or on their website.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not published specific reapplication policies or waiting periods for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

While the Lord Sees Foundation has not published extensive guidance on what makes applications successful, the following factors can be inferred from their stated mission and application requirements:

Alignment with Spiritual Mission: The foundation emphasizes that applicants must clearly articulate how their work advances God's kingdom and creates spiritual impact. The required 1,000-character spiritual impact statement is a critical component that should focus on transformation rather than just activities.

Serving the Marginalized: The foundation's stated interest in supporting "servants of God's kingdom whose circumstances may have them feeling rejected or abandoned" suggests preference for organizations working with marginalized or overlooked populations.

Financial Transparency: The detailed financial documentation requirements indicate the foundation values fiscal responsibility and transparency. Applicants should provide clear, comprehensive financial information including multiple funding sources.

Reasonable Budget Requests: With an average grant size around $30,000, applications should likely request amounts in a similar range unless exceptional circumstances warrant a different amount. The budget must be detailed and directly tied to the grant request.

Christian Focus: All funded work must have an explicitly Christian orientation and mission. The foundation's Biblical naming and mission statement make clear this is not a secular humanitarian funder.

Quality Over Quantity: The foundation explicitly notes that "more information does not necessarily make for a better application," suggesting they value concise, well-articulated proposals over lengthy submissions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Christian mission is essential: This foundation exclusively funds Christian ministry and humanitarian work with spiritual impact; secular organizations should not apply
  • Average grants around $30,000: While no published ranges exist, historical data shows average awards of approximately $30,000
  • Rolling applications accepted: No fixed deadlines; applications can be submitted year-round through their online portal
  • Spiritual impact statement is critical: The 1,000-character explanation of spiritual impact is a required field and likely carries significant weight in decision-making
  • U.S. 501(c)(3) status required: All grantees must be U.S.-based tax-exempt organizations or work through a U.S. fiscal sponsor
  • Financial documentation is extensive: Be prepared to provide detailed financial records, budgets, and funding source information
  • Focus on the marginalized resonates: Organizations serving populations that feel "rejected or abandoned" appear to align closely with the foundation's stated priorities

References

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