Objectives: The Rockefeller Brothers Foundation (RBF) was created in 1940 with the aim of advancing social change and to contribute to a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The Foundation grants financial support to non-profit organisations without geographical restrain given that proposed projects expand or reinforce one of the core activities of the Foundation. Although unsolicited proposals are accepted and reviewed by the Foundation, only a small percentage of them receive funding,
Areas of Funding: The RBF funds projects in 3 main areas; Democratic Practice, Peace-building, and Sustainable Development. The Foundation helps organisations to develop their projects worldwide although there are 4 geographical areas considered as priority; New York City, Southern China, the Middle East, and the Western Balkans.
Geographic Focus: Various, see below for RBF’s special geographic focus areas.
Thematic Programmes:
1) Democratic Practice; this programme has two main goals. The first goal is to strengthen democratic practice in the United States. As such, projects funded in this programme seek to broaden participation in the practices and institution of democratic governance in the States. The second goal is to strengthen the vitality of democracy globally. Accordingly, organisations working in developing countries to advance democratic practices in a sustainable way might apply to this programme. Guidelines can be found here.
2) Peace-Building; this programme aims to advance just and durable peace by supporting activities in the fields of conflict prevention, conflict management and transformation, transnational justice. The programme is currently focusing a significant portion of its grant-making efforts in the wider Middle East. Guidelines can be found here.
3) Sustainable Development; this programme seeks to advance global stewardship that is ecologically based and sound. In particular, this programme funds activities targeting issues such as global warming, the loss of biodiversity, and the degradation of Earth’s life support systems. Guidelines can be found here.
Geographic Programmes:
1) New York City; proposed activities must promote New York City to become the 21st century urban model of sustainability. For instance, proposals could encourage immigrant civic and political participation, support individual achievement and artistic expression. Guidelines can be found here.
2) Southern China; proposed projects must seek answers for the current problems faced by this region whose rapid development has been accompanied by challenges such as environmental degradation, increased social disparities, and increased urban/rural divide. Guidelines can be found here.
3) The Western Balkans; proposed activities must engage with post-conflict transitions to market economy and democracy. The main goal of this programme is to strengthen the civil society, especially in Montenegro, Kosovo, and Serbia with the intent of promoting development and also to create the conditions for the accession to the European Union. Guidelines can be found here.
How to Apply Information: The Foundation accepts unsolicited proposals although the likelihood of an unsolicited request becoming grant is low. Proposals are accepted online via the Foundation’s website. Applicants shall ensure that their proposals are written in line with most recently funded projects and also in relation to the Foundation’s funding areas.
Information regarding what to include in the proposal can be found here.
Applications are accepted throughout the year. Applicants will receive a first answer from the selection committee within 3 months.
