Grants to Individuals

Aiming to have a broad effect on organizations or communities, some grantmakers choose to fund individuals. It’s true that grants to individuals make special demands on foundations, both legally and administratively, but sometimes they're the only way to achieve an important objective.

In this guide, grantmakers talk about the rigors and rewards of investing in people. Learn how to design and manage a grants-to-individuals program, including developing a theory of change, using the right funding mechanism, and finding the right people to support.
 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Five funders, five programs, five theories
• From purpose to program: theories of change
• Grants to individuals and the law

SAMPLE QUOTES

"We looked at all the barriers that make it difficult for talented people from poor backgrounds to compete and then tried to eliminate them."

— A grantmaker on systematically designing a program to
reach and support candidates from marginalized group

"If you invest in people, then you ought to ask them what would help them and not make assumptions....If you’re giving money to people because you respect what they’ve done, respect the fact that they know best what they need."

— A social entrepreneur on the importance of foundations
incorporating applicants’ ideas into their programs

"We create opportunities for people. Would there have been the same impact if we had just sent him a check? 99.9 percent chance, no! We’re concerned with creating a legacy."

— A grantmaker on program components that helped
a grantee get exposure for his work