grants

The greatest impact is made by supporting the success of others.

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Our Guiding
Principles

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Helping kids thrive

We support programs that build a well-rounded individual through life transforming experiences, expanding kids' horizons to envision what they can achieve, with adult and community support.

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Recognizing parents

We know that parents need support too. So we recognize programs that also assist parents in creating an environment of support, connection and communication.

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Creating a lasting impact

We prioritize programs that measure results and are proven to work. So that together with our partners, we make the greatest impact.

Who
we help

kids

Children can learn so much outside of the classroom. We support programs that build a resilient individual through life transforming experiences, stretching kids to envision what they can achieve with adult and community support. We look to level the playing field and work to ensure developmental opportunities exist for ALL children.

Programs that support and understand the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets for Adolescence Guide
Youth development programs that include mentorship and leadership development

Families

We help families of all sizes by supporting programs and organizations that help foster healthy relationships. Programs and organizations supported include:

Organizations in the community that build relationships and help develop parenting skills
Programs that assist families affected by addiction and mental health issues

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How
Grants
work

step 1

Letter
of Inquiry

Interested organizations must submit a one-to-three-page Letter of Inquiry covering their mission, who they serve, the problem they are addressing, outcomes they track, and the funding request. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis within two annual giving cycles — Spring (May 16–November 15) and Fall (November 16–May 15). LOIs should be sent via email to foundation@andis.org. Strong LOIs will be invited to submit a full application.

Step 2

Full
Application

Invited applicants must submit a full application by February 14 (Spring cycle) or August 15 (Fall cycle). Applications include organizational overview, program model and impact documentation, financial documents, and partnership information. Additional information may be requested during the review process.

Step 3

Decision
Process

The Andis Foundation Board of Directors will review completed applications and notify applicants of funding decisions in writing approximately eight weeks following the application submission deadline. Contact the Foundation office for status updates.

OUR FUNDING PRIORITIES

We fund programs that create measurable, long-term improvements in youth and family trajectory.

Racine County youth- and family-serving programs
Southeastern Wisconsin initiatives
Select statewide programs
Select national organizations with scalable, outcome-driven youth & family focused models
Industry-aligned organizations using barbering, grooming, or animal care as a youth development or family stability pathway

We do not fund events, sponsorships, galas, endowments, debt reduction, feasibility studies, or consultative support. If your request falls into one of these categories, please do not apply. Capital campaign support is rare and reserved for well-established partners with a mission-aligned project. We do not fund individual schools or districts, but may fund organizations providing support services to school communities. Requests must include a clearly defined purpose and line-item allocation.
Early-stage organizations with strong models, credible leadership, and clear mission alignment may be considered even when formal outcome data is limited. Continued funding will depend on progress toward financial sustainability and measurable impact.

STEP 1:

LETTER OF INQUIRY (LOI)

Spring giving cycle: submit between May 16 and November 15
Fall giving cycle: submit between November 16 and May 15

Submit a one-to-three-page LOI as an email attachment to foundation@andis.org, addressing the following:

Organization name, mission, and primary contact
Who you serve (age, geography, number served annually)
The measurable problem you are addressing
Outcomes you track or plan to track, with 2–3 specific metrics
Exact dollar amount requested and line-item use of funds
What percentage of the total project budget this represents

Incomplete, vague, or clearly generic LOIs will not advance. Organizations with strong alignment will be invited to submit a full application.

STEP 2:

GRANT APPLICATION BY ANDIS FOUNDATION INVITATION

Spring giving cycle: February 14
Fall giving cycle: August 15

Invited applicants must provide via email:

Organizational Overview
1. Mission statement, annual budget, most current impact report, board of directors list, and population served
Program Model and Impact
1. Description of the intervention, why it works, and how long and how often participants are engaged
2. 3–5 tracked outcomes with prior results and data collection methods (early-stage applicants may submit a tracking plan)
Financial Documents
1. Current balance sheet
2. Year-to-date income and expense statement
3. Prior fiscal year income and expense statement and balance sheet
4. Complete organizational budget and project budget if applicable
5. Detailed allocation of requested funds and sustainability plan
Partnership and Visibility
1. How Andis might reasonably engage with your organization to strengthen the relationship beyond the transaction
2. How your organization will recognize Andis Foundation support, including through social media and external communications
3. How Andis Foundation might recognize your organization and the partnership
Required Attachments
1. IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter

Final Note
The Andis Foundation invests in programs that shift life trajectories, not short-term activities. We expect clear purpose, honest financial reporting, and a genuine commitment to measuring what matters.