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 evaluates our funding strategy, processes and deadlines each Spring.
The RDPFS grant process begins with a discussion to determine if your project fits our current funding priorities: please contact Grants and Communications Manager, Elizabeth Atkinson at [email protected]. For information on past grantees, visit our Partners Page.
The best timing, for inclusion in the next grant cycle, to reach out and schedule a meeting is April-August.
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 through designated funding
I = IMPACT MEASUREMENT, specifically on Direct and Indirect service metrics, receives renewed focus
M = MANAGE risk to Foundation in funding new programs that may not meet annual goals nor be sustainable
Four Grant Types, Eligibility and Guidelines
Grant Types:
Continuation Grants
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
- Unsolicited Proposals not accepted
- RDPFS does not provide general operating grants
- Grantees may receive either a Track #1 or Track #2 grant in a fiscal year
- RDPFS Staff to provide submission guidelines for Proposals following initial conversation
- Board approves grants semi-annually, in November for Continuation and Track #1 Proven Program Grants with Key Partners and January for Track #2 Single Program Grants
- Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants – considered throughout the year until funds are exhausted
- Annual grantmaking target is $600,000, at the discretion of the Board
New Grant Process Details by Grant type
Continuation Grants
November Decisions
RDPFS may invite select FY2026 grantees to apply for continuation funding for FY2027. Grantees will be evaluated based on progress toward their stated goals, and staff will share guidelines to submit a streamlined continuation request — if selected to apply.
- Funding Available: Up to $175,000
- Primary Goals: These grants are designed to support programs that have demonstrated strong Year 1 progress and continued alignment with RDPFS funding priorities.
Schedule for Continuation Grants
| Activity | Determine Invitees | Discussion with Executive Director | Submission deadline | RDPFS Staff review | Funding Decisions |
| Timing | June | July | August 28 | September | November |
Track #1 Proven Program Grants – November Decisions
RDPFS will continue to dedicate a portion of our annual grantmaking to proven, existing programs with invited Key Partners.
- Funding Available: Up to $150,000
- Primary Goals: Maximize RDPFS funding impact, specifically on direct and indirect service metrics, while recognizing Key Partner expertise in delivering needed programs
- Maximum of two (2) grants of $75,000 to Key Partners
- FY2027 Key Partners selected by Board in March and notified by RDPFS staff
- Invited Key Partners submit full proposals for existing programs after discussion with RDPFS staff
- To broaden funding across partners, organizations that received a Track 1 grant in FY2026 are not eligible for a Track 1 grant in FY2027
- Up to 20% of the grant attributable toward organizational/program administration expenses – at RDPFS discretion
- RDPFS staff provides guidelines for Grant Proposal and Budget
Schedule for Track #1 Proven Program Grants with Key Partners
| Activity | Determine Invitees | Discussions with Partners | Proposal deadline | RDPFS Staff review | Funding Decisions |
| Timing | March | Summer 2026 | August 28 | September | November |
Track #2 Single Program Grants – January Decision
Requests for both existing and new single programs. Requests accepted from prior and first-time potential partners.
- Funding Available: Up to $350,000
- Primary Goals: Identify the strongest single programs with the greatest number of people impacted and/or greatest potential for future impact.
- Grant amounts typically in the $25,000 – $50,000 range
- Organizations meeting general grant requirements are welcome to reach out to RDPFS staff
- Staff invites qualifying organizations to submit a Proposal, and provides guidelines for Grant Proposal and Budget
- Up to 15% of the grant attributable toward organizational/program administration – at RDPFS discretion
Schedule for Track #2 Single Program Grants
| Activity | New Grant Process announced | Discussions with RDPFS staff | Proposal deadline | RDPFS review and follow up | Funding Decisions |
| Timing | April | Summer 2026 | August 28 | Fall-Winter 2026 | January |
Track #3 Small Discretionary Grants
Requests accepted throughout the year for small $5,000 – $10,000 grants, at the Executive Director’s discretion and until funds are exhausted. Email requests to Elizabeth Atkinson at [email protected].
- Funding Available: Up to $20,000
FY2026 discretionary funds have been fully allocated and are no longer available. Discretionary funding will reopen in FY2027, beginning July 1.