The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to small nonprofit organizations across the United States, focusing on initiatives where a relatively modest amount of funding can make a significant impact. The Foundation welcomes applications from organizations that provide community services, including museums, cultural and performing arts programs, educational and skills-training initiatives, hospitals, programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities, and environmental and wildlife protection projects. The grant amounts typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, and funding may be used for both operational support and specific programs. However, the Foundation does not support individuals, and applications are limited to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or similar qualifying institutions like schools or government entities.

The application process requires a number of specific documents and summaries. Applicants must submit an organization profile, including contact details, proof of nonprofit status, a summary of the organization’s purpose, and how the grant would be used. This summary acts as an "elevator pitch," providing the Foundation's directors with a clear and concise overview of the organization and its needs. Applicants must also submit a formal letter of request, recent financial statements (three years of IRS Form 990s), and an itemized program budget if the funding is intended for a specific project. The letter of request should expand on the organization’s purpose, how it serves the community, and what makes it unique compared to similar organizations. Applications must be submitted electronically through the Foundation’s portal, where organizations can also track the status of their applications.

The Foundation operates on a biannual funding cycle, reviewing applications in two rounds each year. For the Spring Award Round, applications submitted between May 11th and November 10th will receive status updates by the end of April, with final decisions sent by the end of May. For the Fall Award Round, applications received between November 11th and May 10th will be reviewed, with status updates provided by the end of October and final decisions sent by November. Organizations are advised to submit applications early to avoid last-minute issues, but there is no priority based on submission timing. It is important to note that applicants cannot apply for consecutive rounds and must wait for at least one cycle before reapplying if they are not awarded a grant.

The Foundation does not hold in-person meetings or provide feedback on applications due to the volume of requests it receives. However, organizations can find examples of successful and unsuccessful summaries on the Foundation’s website to guide them in crafting their application. The Foundation places a strong emphasis on clear, jargon-free communication and expects all required information to be complete and accurate at the time of submission. Additionally, publicly supported organizations like schools or local government entities that may not have 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply, as long as they provide a signed statement from an administrator explaining their means of support.

The Foundation does not prioritize specific funding areas or provide multi-year commitments. Instead, applicants are encouraged to focus on programs where small grants can have a large, lasting impact. While the Foundation does not advise on the size of the funding request, applicants should ensure that their request aligns with the typical award range and the overall size and scope of their organization’s budget.