The George Family Foundation invites prospective new grantees to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to begin the application process. This initial introduction helps the Foundation understand applicant organizations and assess how their work aligns with the Foundation’s mission and current philanthropic priorities. The Foundation reviews proposals twice a year, with different focus areas considered at each board meeting. For Authentic Leadership, Youth Development, and Spirituality and Inner Life, the LOI application window is from September 1 to January 5, with invitations for full proposals sent in early March and decisions made at the June Board meeting. For Whole-Person Health and Wellbeing and Environment, the LOI application window is from March 1 to June 5, with invitations sent in mid-to-late August and decisions finalized at the December Board meeting.

Applicants can submit their LOI through the Foundation’s online portal. Only organizations that are most closely aligned with the Foundation’s mission, aspirations, and priorities will be invited to submit a full proposal. Notifications regarding proposal invitations are issued after decisions are made in March and August, corresponding with the different board meeting schedules. Final funding decisions are made at the June or December Board meetings depending on the focus area. Currently, the Foundation is not seeking new LOIs for its Community focus area or for the Next Generation Fund.

The George Family Foundation primarily funds 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. While it occasionally supports select national organizations, funding generally targets those operating within Minnesota, Dallas, the Northern San Francisco Bay Area (including Marin County), and the Vail Valley. The Foundation prioritizes projects that address deep and meaningful needs uniquely suited to the applying organization’s capabilities. However, it does not fund capital improvements, endowments, or scientific research.

Questions about the LOI process can be directed to Andrea Ricci, the Foundation’s Grants and Operations Manager. The Foundation's address is 1818 Oliver Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55405, and the phone number is (612) 377-3476. The Foundation emphasizes respect for applicants' time by ensuring that only the most aligned applicants are invited to proceed to the full proposal stage. Organizations will receive feedback on the status of their application after the appropriate board meeting review