Keller Family Foundation Grants

The Keller Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization that provides grant funding through a structured, semi-annual review process. The Foundation evaluates proposals during two primary meetings typically held in the spring and fall, aligning with its commitment to deliberate and trustee-led decision-making. While proposals may be submitted and reviewed throughout the year, formal funding decisions are only made during these scheduled meetings, reinforcing a cyclical and recurring grantmaking structure. The Foundation’s primary purpose is to support nonprofit organizations and institutions that qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as well as government agencies. Its funding priorities are concentrated geographically and programmatically, with a strong preference for organizations operating within the Greater New Orleans region. Although applications from outside this area may be considered, they are typically only reviewed if at least one trustee has substantial familiarity with the applying organization, indicating a relationship-based evaluation component. Programmatically, the Foundation focuses on initiatives related to education, civic affairs, and social services. These categories represent the core areas in which the Foundation seeks to create impact. While some flexibility exists, funding is generally not extended to projects that fall outside these domains unless exceptional circumstances apply. Additionally, the Foundation explicitly excludes funding for individual educational expenses, purely religious purposes, and fundraising events such as galas or ticketed activities, reflecting clearly defined restrictions on allowable use of funds. The application process is divided into two stages. Stage 1 requires submission of an initial application by either February 10 or August 15 at midnight, depending on the funding cycle. No documents are required at this stage, and submissions must be completed through the Foundation’s online system, as hard copy applications are not accepted. Following review, applicants are notified by March 1 or September 3 whether they have been invited to proceed to Stage 2. Stage 2 involves submission of a full proposal by March 31 or September 20 at midnight. Only organizations that receive an invitation may submit at this stage. The Foundation may conduct interviews during the review process, but only by invitation, indicating a selective and curated evaluation approach. Applicants are expected to ensure that their contact information is current to receive timely notifications and instructions. The Foundation enforces a strict policy limiting organizations to one application per calendar year, regardless of whether the prior application was approved or declined. This rule underscores the competitive nature of the funding process and encourages applicants to submit well-prepared proposals. While specific evaluation criteria are not publicly detailed, the structured multi-stage process and trustee-led review suggest that alignment with mission, geographic relevance, and organizational credibility are key considerations in funding decisions.

Do not submit hard copies; ensure accurate email; one application per year