Grant Making
Investing in Leadership Education, Research, and Innovation
Important information
Key Dates
Rolling Application Process
Year Round
Review Cycle
Quarterly
Decision
Usually within the quarter; some may extend to the next quarter
OUR COMMITMENT
Elevating Humanity Through Leadership and Learning
The C. Charles Jackson Foundation is a funding foundation supporting nonprofit partners and educational institutions whose leadership education and research align with our leadership philosophy and frameworks. We fund work that delivers outcomes along the progression:
Awareness
Learning
Application
Influence
Change
Whether through programs, research, tools, infrastructure, or knowledge sharing. Inquiries are by invitation only; interested organizations may email a 250–400 word abstract to grants@ccj.foundation.
What We Fund
We fund programs and research that strengthen leadership learning and practice across the lifespan. Strong proposals usually demonstrate clear design, strong alignment, measurable outcomes, and field-advancing potential.
Examples Include:
Leadership Center Development
Launching/expanding a center; building capacity.
Programs & Curriculum
Design, delivery, refinement aligned to our philosophy and frameworks.
Research & Assessment
Competency models, evaluation, measurement.
Educator Supports
Tools, resources, mentoring programs, lecture series.
Technology & Infrastructure
Platforms and materials necessary to deliver outcomes.
Knowledge Sharing
Artifacts that help others implement what works.
For examples of past grants and the range of initiatives we’ve supported, visit our Grants Library.
Who We Fund
We fund U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations (and international programs via a U.S. 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor) whose leadership education or research aligns with our leadership philosophy and frameworks and delivers measurable outcomes.
Eligibility Checklist
U.S. 501(c)(3); international via a U.S. fiscal sponsor.
Leadership education or research consistent with our philosophy and frameworks.
Not Funded
- Scholarships
- Lobbying/political activity
- Debt service
- For-profit distribution
- General administrative support (rarely funded unless strategically tied to outcomes)
We intentionally avoid over-restricting; applicants self-assess fit using our philosophy and frameworks.
How to Apply
Review Our Philosophy
If aligned, email a 250–400 word abstract to grants@ccj.foundation.
If You’re Invited to Apply
We’ll send the application packet (application form, budget & budget narrative, 501(c)(3) letter, required attachments)
Rolling intake; quarterly reviews. Some decisions may extend to the next quarter.
Evaluation Framework
Review & Selection Criteria
Our selection process evaluates both alignment and likelihood of meaningful, measurable impact.
Alignment & Fit:
Clear mapping to our leadership philosophy and frameworks; how external arenas and internal/temporal dimensions inform the design.
Scale of Request vs. Impact:
Size of grant relative to expected outcomes and return on resources.
Evidence & Outcomes (high-level):
Measurable movement from awareness → learning → application → influence → change (details live in the invited application).
Uniqueness & Field Contribution:
Novelty/transferability; potential to advance leadership-education research; willingness to share learnings/tools.
Equity & Access:
Design for reach, inclusion, accessibility, and completion.
Budget Clarity & Value:
Transparent budget, credible costs, and a clear line of sight to outcomes; indirects 0% or minimal unless strongly justified.
Eligibility & Recognition:
U.S. 501(c)(3); international via U.S. sponsor; ability to credit CCJF.
For examples of past grants and the range of initiatives we’ve supported, visit our Grants Library.
Grantee Expectations
Reporting & Knowledge Sharing
Written Reports
Two written reports (mid-point and final) summarizing results, evidence, and spend; include brief stories/artifacts we can share (e.g., toolkits, rubrics, case vignettes).
Public Summary & Credit
Grantees credit CCJF and share a short public summary we can post.
Support Provided
Templates provided upon invitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are grants invitation only?
Yes. If you are interested see How to Apply; we’ll respond with next steps.
Who is eligible?
U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations; international programs via a U.S. 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
What theoretical foundations inform how the Foundation thinks?
We review funding through an ALI-informed leadership philosophy (see Our Philosophy), including external arenas and internal/temporal dimensions.
How do I know if my project would be considered?
Review What We Fund & the Selection Criteria; align your abstract to those criteria and measurable outcomes.
Do you fund multi-year grants?
We typically fund annual grants; multi-year efforts can be phased and re-applied for in subsequent years.
Will you consider multiple institutions working together?
Yes—collaborative proposals are welcome.
How can I get feedback on my grant idea?
Submit a 250–400 word abstract; we’ll provide brief feedback by email.
Do you fund scholarships?
No.
Do you fund international grants?
Yes—via a U.S. fiscal sponsor.
Do you fund indirect costs?
Case-by-case; we typically prioritize 0% or minimal unless strongly justified.
Is there a reporting requirement?
 Mid-point and final reports are required as well as the willingness to share learnings with peer institutions.