Fidelity Foundation was established in 1965 with the main purpose to help nonprofits build their organizational capabilities. The Fidelity Foundation considers projects from organizations of regional or national importance throughout the United States. Thus, the Foundation seeks to work with organizations on strategic, creative, innovative projects that add value and increase the grantee’s impact and efficiency.

Fidelity Foundation concentrates its charitable giving on nonprofit organizations operating in the following sectors:

– Arts and culture;
– Community development and social services;
– Health;
– Education.

The educational sponsorship is mainly provided through Fidelity Investments Matching Gifts. The Foundation matches charitable contributions of qualifying full-time employees to educational institutions. So far, the Foundation has provided $42 million.

Each grant applying nonprofit organization should fill in a Letter of Inquiry. After submitting the letter of Inquiry, within 4-6 weeks, the nonprofit organization might be invited to submit a grant proposal. The letter of inquiry consists of description of the organization’s activities, budget, description of organization’s financial condition, points of interest specific to the organization’s needs, etc. Fidelity Foundation accepts letters of inquiry year round, there is no deadline.

Once the grant is provided, the nonprofit organization should provide regular reports on the progress and a full Post-Grant Report one year after receiving funding.

More information about the specifics for applying is available at: http://www.fidelityfoundation.org/guidelines/.