Application Guidelines

The Alexander and Margaret Stewart Trust makes grants to organizations, primarily in Washington, D.C., that provide care or treatment of economically deprived D.C. residents suffering from cancer or childhood afflictions.

Cancer: Under the Will of Mary E. Stewart, grants are made for care and treatment of D.C. residents afflicted with cancer. The Trust occasionally may fund the purchase of equipment used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. It rarely funds the education of students or doctors engaged in cancer research. The Trust is supporting research of emerging cancer therapies, but does not accept proposals for such research, working instead with experts to fund research at selected institutions.

Child Health: Under the Will of Helen S. Devore, grants are made for the care of children, resident in D.C., who are physically or mentally ill or handicapped, and for education or prevention of diseases common to childhood. This includes societal behavioral patterns that have a negative impact on the welfare of children. The Trust is supporting some research of pediatric afflictions, but does not accept proposals for such research, working instead with experts to fund research at selected institutions

There is no funding for endowments, building programs or capital campaigns. Awards are not made for scholarships to individuals or to institutions on behalf of individuals. The Trust makes grants only to organizations that are able to produce evidence of tax exemption under Internal Revenue Service Code Section 501(c)(3) and public charity status under Section 509.

Awards are granted for one year at a time and may be extended upon re-application. For applicants seeking Trust funding for the first time, or for Stewart Trust existing grantees seeking funding for new projects, before submitting a proposal, please submit a one-page "concept paper" for consideration by the trustees. The trustees will then inform the potential applicant of whether formal submission of a proposal would be appropriate.

The Stewart Trust has two policies regarding funding of programs of grantees: (1) The Trust will provide funding for up to 50% per year for the planned expenditures for an on-going program. (2) For new or "start-up" programs, the Trust will fund up to 100% of planned expenditures for the first year, up to 75% for the second year, and up to 50% for the third year and beyond. Under both policies, the grantee will be asked to show how the remaining funds will be provided by foundations, other private sources, or the organization's own operating budget. The Trustees welcome evidence that a requested program has ongoing community support and acceptance.

The Trustees will review your application and notify you if they need any additional information or if they wish to schedule an appointment for a site visit.

Grant applications, and the "concept papers " from new applicants mentioned above, may be submitted at any time during the year. Those in the hands of the Trustees by the close of business on September 15th are generally assured of a decision before the end of the year.