The Ross Foundation is currently accepting proposals for innovative programs and projects in the areas of education, arts and cultural enrichment, community beautification and improvement, historical preservation, mental health and the developmentally disabled, and forestry research and conservation management. Eligible organizations must demonstrate tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or public charity status under Sections 509(a)(1) or (2) of the Internal Revenue Code. Funding is not provided for political lobbying, advocacy, legislative activities, grants to individuals, operating expenses of established agencies, grants to foreign organizations, grants for foreign expenditure or debt reduction drives.

The application process consists of two steps. The first step is the submission of a pre-proposal form which can be made at any time during the year. The pre-proposal should include general information about the organization applying and a brief description of the proposed project. If the pre-proposal aligns with the interests of the Ross Foundation Board of Trustees, applicants will be asked to prepare a full proposal. Full proposals are reviewed three times a year by the Trustees and approved grants will have funds available on specific dates throughout the year.

Grantees will be required to make a final report that complies with reporting guidelines set forth by the Ross Foundation. Monitoring may occur through telephone correspondence or site visits.