Grants
We fund organizations that improve the lives of blind and visually-impaired people by fostering their independence, academic and professional success, and full participation in society.
Reader’s Digest Partners for Sight Foundation has a new funding strategy, processes and deadlines. Changes reflect all we’ve learned from partner feedback, internal discussions, our historical funding impact analysis, and the current BVI funding climate faced by our partners.
The RDPFS grant process begins with a discussion to determine if your project fits our current funding priorities. Please contact the Executive Director as your first step: [email protected]. For information on past grantees, visit our Partners Page.
Foundation Grantmaking Goals
B = BALANCE funding of vital Existing programs and New programs
R = RECOGNIZE expertise of Key Partners in delivery of vital, existing programs
I = IMPACT MEASUREMENT, specifically on Direct and Indirect service metrics, receives renewed focus through designated funding
M = MANAGE risk to Foundation in funding new programs that may not meet annual goals nor be sustainable
Three Grant Types, Eligibility and Guidelines
Grant Types:
Track #1 Proven Program Grants with Key Partners
Track #2 Single Program Grants
Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants
Eligibility and Guidelines:
- Eligibility: US 501 (c) 3 non-profits serving the BVI community in the US, no political influence/lobbying
- Grantees may receive either a Track #1 or Track #2 grant in a fiscal year
- Executive Director to provide submission guidelines for Letters of Inquiry (LOI) and Proposals. Unsolicited LOIs or Proposals not accepted
- Board approves grants semi-annually, in October for Track #1 Proven Program Grants with Key Partners and March for Track #2 Single Program Grants
- Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants will be considered throughout the year
- Annual grantmaking target is $600,000, at the discretion of the Board
New Grant Process Details by Grant type
Track #1 Proven Program Grants – October Decisions
RDPFS will dedicate a significant portion of our annual grantmaking to proven, existing programs with Key Partners. This is a deliberate, new addition to our prior strategy.
Total Available: $300,000
Primary Goals: Maximize RDPFS funding impact, specifically on direct and indirect service metrics, while recognizing Key Partner expertise in delivering needed programs
- Four (4) grants of $75,000 to Key Partners
- FY2026 Key Partners selected by Board in March and notified by Executive Director
- Invited Key Partners submit full proposals after discussion with Executive Director
- Key partners propose funding for one or more existing programs where RDPFS may maximize direct and indirect service impact – with recognition that BVI services are highly customized to each individual
- Up to 20% of the grant toward organizational/program administration expenses – at RDPFS discretion
- Executive Director provides guidelines for Grant Proposal and Budget
Schedule for Track #1 Proven Program Grants with Key Partners
| Activity | Key Partner Selection | New Grant Process/Invitations announced | Discussion with Executive Director | Proposal Due | Funding Decisions |
| Timing | March | May | Summer | August 30 | October Board Meeting |
Track #2 Single Program Grants – March Decision
Requests for both existing and new single programs. Existing programs need not be expansions. Total Available:: $280,000 Primary Goals: Identify the strongest single programs with the greatest number of people impacted and/or greatest potential for future impact.- Grants amounts typically in the $25,000 – $50,000 range
- First-time grantees may be lower, $10,000 – $15,000
- Organizations meeting general grant requirements are welcome to reach out to Executive Director
- Executive Director invites qualifying organizations to submit a Letter of Inquiry
- Organizations are selected and notified to submit full proposals
- Executive Director provides guidelines for Letters of Inquiry, Grant Proposal and Budget
- Up to 15% of the grant could be used for organizational/program administration – at RDPFS discretion
Schedule for Track #2 Single Program Grants
| Activity | New Grant Process announced | Discussion(s) with Executive Director | LOI Due | Notified to submit Proposal | Proposal Due | Funding Decisions |
| Timing | May | Summer | September 1 | October 30 | November 30 | March Board Meeting |
Track #3 Small Discretionary grants
Requests accepted throughout the year for small $5,000 – $10,000 grants for sponsorships, etc. at the Executive Director’s discretion. Email requests: [email protected]
Total Available: $20,000