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Ticket To Dream Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.9M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.9 million (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis; applications kept on file
  • Grant Range: Average ~$59,000 per award
  • Geographic Focus: Nationwide (all 50 states)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://www.tickettodream.org
  • Phone: 916-292-XXXX
  • Email: Contact via website at tickettodream.org/contact-us
  • Partner Application: Available through website for eligible organizations

Overview

Ticket to Dream Foundation is a nationwide nonprofit organization founded to ensure foster children have everyday essentials and opportunities to thrive. With over $75 million worth of essential items distributed to date, the foundation has impacted over 4 million foster youth across all 50 states. Operating through a network of 220+ foster care partner organizations, they distributed $11.9 million in grants in 2023 alone, averaging approximately $59,000 per award across 201 recipients. The foundation combines both monetary grants and in-kind donations to address critical gaps in foster care services, focusing on providing essentials, experiences, and life skills that help foster youth succeed.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Essentials for Kids: Funding for clothes, shoes, school supplies, holiday gifts, and wholesale purchases
  • GoPlay Program: Grants for extracurricular activities and event tickets
  • Take Flight: Support for youth aging out of foster care including housing, education, and employment assistance
  • Ally Program: Additional flexible support for partner organizations

Priority Areas

  • Foster youth everyday essentials and basic needs
  • Educational support and tutoring
  • Extracurricular activities and enrichment programs
  • Technology access for education
  • Housing and transition support for youth aging out of care
  • Mentorship and life skills programs

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations that have been operating for less than 2 years
  • Organizations serving fewer than 50 foster, kinship, or aged-out youth
  • Organizations not in good standing with US Department of Treasury
  • Organizations with state investigations within the past 5 years

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by Founder Dale Carlsen, described as a world-class entrepreneur who brings business acumen and connections to the organization. CEO Gina Davis, an expert in cause marketing and donor outreach, has created three award-winning charity programs and is credited with leading the organization "with grace, tenacity & vision" to impact the lives of over 4 million foster youth.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations seeking to become partners must submit an application through the Ticket to Dream website. The application process requires organizations to meet specific minimum requirements and undergo thorough vetting. All approved partners gain access to one or more of Ticket to Dream's programs and must comply with all recapping procedures and requirements.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Must be a US 501(c)(3) organization
  • Must have had charity status for at least 2 years prior to application
  • Must work directly with a minimum of 50 foster, kinship, or aged-out youth
  • Must be in good standing with US Department of Treasury
  • Must be clear from state investigations for a minimum of 5 years

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The foundation prioritizes meeting the needs of current partners first, then reviews applicants as capacity expands or more donations become available in specific areas. Applicants will not receive a follow-up response unless additional information is needed, there is a partner opening, or a one-time donation becomes available. All applications are kept on file for future consideration, and organizations do not need to apply more than once.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation maintains a network of 220+ active partners nationwide from their applicant pool.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations do not need to reapply. All applicants are kept on file for future consideration as capacity expands or regional needs arise.

Application Success Factors

  • Demonstrate direct service: Clearly show how your organization directly serves at least 50 foster, kinship, or aged-out youth
  • Geographic alignment: Applications may be prioritized based on regional donation availability and existing partner coverage
  • Compliance readiness: Demonstrate strong organizational capacity to meet recapping and reporting requirements
  • Program fit: Clearly articulate which Ticket to Dream programs align with your organization's services
  • Track record: Emphasize your organization's stability and impact over the required 2+ year operational history
  • Scale of impact: Organizations serving larger numbers of foster youth may receive priority consideration

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Ticket to Dream operates on a partner model rather than traditional grant cycles - building a long-term partnership is the goal
  • Applications remain active indefinitely; patience is important as they expand capacity
  • The foundation prioritizes existing partners before onboarding new organizations
  • Both monetary grants and in-kind donations are available, with average grants around $59,000
  • Strong emphasis on compliance and reporting - organizations must demonstrate administrative capacity
  • Geographic location matters - areas with more corporate donations may see faster partner onboarding
  • Focus on demonstrating direct service to foster youth rather than indirect support services

References

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