The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust provides grants to support charitable organizations within the United States. Managed by a Board of Advisors, the Trust focuses on backing well-managed organizations that significantly impact their target communities and contribute to the broader public good. While the Trust does not discriminate based on ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, or religion, it strictly adheres to the guidelines outlined in the will of S. Sidney Stern, the founder. Funds are limited to projects within the U.S., and grants are not awarded to individuals, political candidates, lobbying efforts, or programs aimed at influencing legislation.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must be recognized as tax-exempt under federal law, and, if applicable, under California law. Additionally, the organization must be sanctioned by GuideStar Charity Check/Candid. This certification ensures the organization is legitimate and compliant with nonprofit standards. Grant applications are accepted throughout the year, with no specific deadlines, and are reviewed during the Board’s regularly scheduled meetings. Approved grants come with terms that must be adhered to, and any significant changes to the project’s purpose after funding is received require prior written approval from the Board.

Applications must be submitted by mail to the Trust’s address in Pacific Palisades, California, and must include several specific components. These include a cover letter, a description of the organization and its activities, a detailed budget for both the organization and the specific project, a list of the Board of Directors, and documentation of other funding sources. Financial transparency is important, so the most recent financial statement and IRS tax-exemption letter must be provided. If the organization operates in California, additional documentation related to the California Franchise Tax Board's tax-exemption status is required.

The proposal itself must include information about the population served, how the requested funds will be used, and whether the funds will support general operations or a specific project. The organization must also submit a list of corporations and foundations that have provided funding in the past fiscal year and indicate the percentage of its budget that comes from government funding.

Although the Trust does not guarantee future funding beyond the initial grant, it remains involved by receiving regular reports on the financial status of the Trust. Furthermore, the use of the Trust’s name in publicity materials requires prior approval from the Board of Advisors. Organizations considering applying should carefully ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements and follow the detailed proposal guidelines to enhance their chances of success.