The Sarah Scaife Foundation offers grant opportunities for public policy programs addressing major domestic and international issues. The foundation does not provide grants to individuals, nationally organized fundraising groups, or organizations that are not publicly-supported non-profit charitable organizations. Applications for event sponsorships, endowments, capital campaigns, building projects, and support for government-dependent organizations or government agencies are routinely declined.

To apply for a grant from the Sarah Scaife Foundation, organizations must submit a cover letter signed by the organization's president or authorized representative, along with a grant proposal narrative that includes an executive summary. Other required documents include a financial report on previous grants received from the foundation (if applicable), the organization's current annual budget, project/program budget and timetable (if applicable), audited financial statements, Form 990, most recent Annual Report, list of officers and directors with their affiliations, list of key/major supporters, and the most recent IRS determination letter evidencing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Organizations that have previously received a grant from the foundation or have been pre-vetted by the foundation staff can use the online submission portal. However, unsolicited grant applications from organizations without prior grants must be submitted in hard copy. The foundation meets four times a year to consider grant applications but accepts applications at any time. All applications should be addressed to Michael W. Gleba, Chairman and CEO of the Sarah Scaife Foundation at One Oxford Centre, 301 Grant Street, Suite 3900 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-6402.