• Overview
    • Beneficiaries
    • Our Mission

  • St. Louis isn’t just a place we live in. It’s the place we live for. Below you’ll find the four areas where we try to live out that commitment.

    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

    We look for programs that enhance St. Louis's reputation nationally and internationally, and make our town a richer place to live.

    WOMEN AND YOUTH

    From basic food and shelter to health and education, initiatives that improve the lives of women and children remain a top priority.

    ANIMAL WELFARE

    The Foundation seeks out groups whose efforts focus

    on rescue and rehabilitation, as well as the prevention

    of cruelty.

    ENVIRONMENT

    We support the preservation of parks and places of natural beauty, along with education and development

    of long-term environmental solutions.

  • Please pardon our progress as we continue to improve your applicant experience with a new grants management system. To begin, all applicants will first need to create a NEW account by clicking the “New Users” link below. Once your NEW account has been created, the NEW application may be started by clicking on “Start A LOI” link located under “Letter of Inquiry (LOI).”

    SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

    To apply for a grant from our foundation, an individual will need to complete a "Letter of Inquiry" (LoI).  All requestors must complete this LoI in order to be considered for a grant.  If the applicant's letter meets current criteria, the applicant will receive an invitation via email that includes a link to the second step of the application.  If the request does not meet our current criteria, the applicant will be notified in writing.

     

    To begin the LoI, you will first need to create a user account.  Once the account has been established, select the link for the LoI.  You will need the organization's 9-digit Federal Identification Number that was issued by the Internal Revenue Service that may be found on the 501(c)(3) determination letter.  Please note, that FEIN you will be required to use is that of the 501(c)(3) and not the regular assignment of the Tax ID number - it must be for the 501(c)(3).  We can only support organizations that are 501(c)(3) charities that are Publication 78 verified in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service.

     

    If your organization received their IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter recently and the system is not accepting your 9-digit number, please email a scan of the IRS 501(c)(3) letter to:info@crawfordtaylorfoundation.org.  Once we review the documentation, and it meets our requirements, a separate LoI link will be emailed.

     

    You may print out the LoI by selecting the "printer friendly version" at the top of the application page.

     

    If, at any time during the application you have a question, please select the "contact us" link at the top of the application page.  If you need technical help, please include the email address and password you used to set up your application.

     

    Please note, you may be asked to make a presentation to members of the Crawford Taylor Foundation Board. Board members may also request a visit to your organization's premises, additional follow-up meetings and reports on the progress of your program.

    DEADLINES FOR SUBMISSION

    Our Board of Directors meets to evaluate grant requests three times a year. Deadlines for submission are as follows:

    • February 1st (Spring meeting)
    • June 1st (Summer meeting)
    • October 1st (Winter meeting)

    Final decisions are made after the Board has carefully and impartially evaluated the merits of each individual request.

     

    Because we hope to support as many worthwhile causes as possible, the Board will only consider one request per year from any given charity.

    GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS

    We fund programs operating within the United States,

    preferring those that

    focus on the Greater

    St. Louis Area.

    AREAS FOR EXCLUSION

    The Foundation does not support the following types of organizations: political parties or candidates, religious groups promoting specific
    doctrines, and organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sex,
    sexual orientation, age or religion. Nor do we assist sports teams, beauty
    contests, conferences, media productions or any other for-profit ventures.

     

    True to our commitment to the greater St. Louis region, we decline to aid specific individuals or international organizations.

  • Here are questions other people have asked about us. The answers may help you, too.

    Submit a Question

    If you can't find the answer you're looking for here, don't hesitate to ask.

    QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CLICK A QUESTION BELOW FOR THE ANSWER

    What is the Foundation's purpose?

    In 1997, a local, St. Louis entrepreneur, Jack Taylor, created the Crawford Taylor Foundation.  His vision for the Foundation was to help make St. Louis a better region.  Throughout the years, the Foundation has supported many organizations in the St. Louis region, mainly organizations that improve the St. Louis community, address women and youth issues, animal welfare and the environment.  Today, there are three generations of the Taylor Family who make up the Board of Trustees.

    What efforts or organizations does the Foundation support?

    The Foundation's philanthropic and community relations mission is to insure that we maintain our leadership position as a valued and responsible citizen by enhancing the quality of life in the Greater St. Louis area. The Foundation only provides grants to qualified tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that are currently in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service and Publication 78 verified.  Also, the Foundation supports relief projects or causes the Taylor Family deems important as they arise, such as natural disasters.

    What areas will the Foundation not fund?

    The Crawford Taylor Foundation does not support multi-year grants. As a rule; the Foundation does not fund ongoing operating or salary costs; or budget deficits of an organization. Also; the Foundation does not sponsor or make contributions to the following types of organizations or types of funding: individuals; political parties (candidates or political activities); international organizations; religious organization where the primary purpose is promotion of specific religious doctrine; athletic teams; talent or beauty contests; organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, sexual orientation, age, or religion; for-profit organizations; fundraising for individual's sponsorships; conference or media productions; controversial organizations; non-charitable organizations (according to IRS Codes).

    Does the Foundation have a matching gifts program?

    The Crawford Taylor Foundation does not currently participate in any matching gift programs.

    How long is my grant award for?

    Foundation grants are awarded for a 12-month period. Organizations will be eligible for consideration again the same cycle (Spring, Fall, Winter) as their last award.

    How do I apply for a grant from the Foundation?

    Our grant process begins with the completion of our online Letter of Inquiry (LoI).  The link to the LoI is located on our website: www.crawfordtaylorfoundation.org.

    How does the Foundation award grants?

    The Crawford Taylor Foundation grant making process is conducted by the Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each request.  Requests may be submitted during open cycle periods (closed from submission deadline thru the meeting review period). The Crawford Taylor Foundation Board meets three times each year to consider requests. Board meetings take place in spring (May), fall (October), and winter (December/January).  Requests for the spring meeting must be received by February 1st, by June 1st for the fall meeting and October 1st for the winter meeting.

    How will I know the status of my application?

    Requestors will be notified by email with their status. Once a Letter of Inquiry (LoI) is submitted online, the requestor will receive an email confirmation that the LoI has been received.

    Upon initial review, the LoI will be accepted or declined and you will be notified either way by email. If the LoI is accepted, you will be invited to submit a formal online application.  Once your formal online application has been submitted, you will receive an email confirmation.  The next notification will occur approximately 3-4 weeks after the next regularly scheduled Board meeting and it will be by regular mail with the board's decision.

     

    Letter of
    Inquiry
    -online-    		 > > > Invitation
    for formal
    Application
    -online-    		 > > > Board
    Meeting    		 > > > Notification
    -regular mail-

     

    Please note that requests may require a presentation to be given to Crawford Taylor Board members.  In addition, Board members may request a site visit, additional follow up meetings, and reports that show how the program/project is progressing.

    May I set up an appointment to discuss project or program ideas?

    We ask that you complete and submit your Foundation Letter of Inquiry (LoI).  Once the LoI has been reviewed and you have been invited to submit a formal application, we will determine if a meeting would be appropriate.

    I would like to send you a video/CD/DVD about our organization and current program needs. Where do I send it?

    As long as your organization meets the Foundation's guidelines and you have completed and submitted an online Letter of Inquiry and you have been invited to submit a formal application, you may send an informational DVD.  Please note that DVDs will not be returned.

    Our organization does not have a formal connection with the Crawford Taylor Foundation. Will that impact our chances of receiving a grant?

    As long as your organization meets the Foundation's guidelines, you may submit a Letter of Inquiry.  The Crawford Taylor Foundation considers each request on its own merit regardless of a connection.

    How often can an organization request funding from the Foundation?

    Grants are for a period of one year, and requests may be made once a year.

    Do I send my sponsorship proposal to the Foundation?

    The Foundation does not traditionally support sponsorships.

    How may I obtain a copy of the Foundation's logo for our brochure/website?

    The Foundation does not typically provide their logo for publication. We appreciate being recognized as a donor in simple typed format as "Crawford Taylor Foundation."  We do ask for approval for all press releases regarding our grants.  Press releases may be emailed to us at foundation@CrawfordTaylorFoundation.org.

    My organization has received funding for several years from the Foundation, but this year its application has been declined. Why?

    The Foundation considers grant requests on an individual basis at regular meetings each year. Unfortunately, the Foundation does not guarantee funding for certain organizations; each application is treated as a new request for funding. Organizations are not guaranteed funding.

    My charitable organization is not located in Missouri but a neighboring state. May I still apply?

    As long as your organization meets the Foundation's guidelines, you may apply for a grant from the Crawford Taylor Foundation.  Please note that the majority of the Foundation's support is geared towards the Greater St. Louis area in Missouri.

    Don't see your question answered here? Want more information? Please contact the Foundation. Our email is: info@crawfordtaylorfoundation.org.

    Download PDF

    Print or view the

    full version of FAQs