How do I apply for a grant to receive funds from The Bear Family Foundation? Complete the online application and submit. Applications will only be submittable September 1, 2026, through September 18, 2026..
My funding request does not fall under one or more of your requirements. How do I submit it? We do not accept any grants that fall under the non-funded category.
I am raising money for a cause. Am I eligible for a grant? The Bear Foundation does award grants to organizations with individual fundraising activities; therefore, we are able to fund your effort with an active 501 (c) (3) issued by the United States Internal Revenue Service. You will still need to complete and submit the online application during the application submission dates.
When does the Bear Family Foundation hold its annual meeting? The annual Bear Family Foundation meeting takes place at the end of the year. All nonprofits who submitted a grant application will be notified on the status of their request by end of year.
When is the money awarded and distributed to the non profits. Organizations who are approved to receive funds from The Bear Family Foundation will be awarded those funds, via check, in full, by December 31 of the process year.
I am an individual seeking financial assistance. Am I eligible for a grant? We do not provide funding to individuals. Projects submitted by a religious based organization that benefit those they serve may be considered.
How are the Bear Family Foundation and The Lewis Bear Company related? The Bear Family Foundation and the Lewis Bear Company are separate organizations. They each have independent approaches to charitable giving, along with individual giving from members of the Board of Directors.
What if our organization needs a commitment from The Bear Family Foundation prior to the annual meeting? Submit your grant during the online submission dates and send an email to BearFamilyFoundation@gmail.com with your request that requires attention and a financial commitment prior to the annual foundation meeting. Include specific dates and reasons for a need for an early commitment from The Bear Family Foundation. Funds WILL NOT be distributed before the distribution date at year end, even with an early acceptance agreement. Be sure your non profit has the ability to uphold its commitment to the organization without the specified direct funds prior to year end.
At times, the funds requested are part of a much larger fund drive. If the application is approved for a specific project within the organization, The Bear Family Foundation restricts the money to be used towards the success of the project being considered. Depending on purpose, the foundation may require a specific performance area for the funds.