Grant Info

Please review the information provided here about our mission and focus. Then consult our grant guidelines and follow these instructions on how to apply.

The Webber Family Foundation offers grants to organizations that are aligned with its mission of helping lower-income youth perform at the highest levels of achievement in academics and the arts. Currently there are three areas of focus:

  1. School readiness/early literacy
  2. Out-of-school time programs for grades 6-12
  3. Charter schools

Each is discussed below in more detail. The report: Achievement Trap: How America is Failing Millions of High-Achieving Students from Lower-Income Families published by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in September 2007 may be useful in better understanding the Foundation’s areas of focus.

School readiness/early literacy

The objective of this initiative is to increase the number of lower-income students who enter Kindergarten as high-achievers (at or above grade-level norms). Grants will fund preschool programs that provide structured, school- or center-based education for children ages 3-5, with a focus on early literacy and parent engagement.

Out-of-school time programs for grades 6-12

The objectives of this initiative are to increase the number of lower-income students who 1) enter high school as high-achievers; 2) are prepared for and enroll in selective colleges; and 3) develop artistic skills and talents without regard to financial barriers. Grants will fund long-term, intensive programs that serve lower-income students in grades 6-12 who are exceeding grade-level norms. Specific interests include:

  • Enrichment programs that help students fulfill their potential through academics and/or the arts. This initiative does not include development of leadership and/or social skills, mentoring (except in the context of academics or the arts), nor remedial programs to help struggling students achieve grade-level expectations. In the arts, grants will fund programs that allow students to study music, dance, visual arts, and/or theater in depth. Artistic skill development – not exposure – is the goal.
  • College preparation and guidance programs that encourage high-achieving, lower-income students to attend selective colleges.

Charter schools

The objective of this initiative is to expand the capacity of outstanding charter schools that serve predominantly lower-income students. Grants will fund schools serving grades 6-12 that produce exceptionally well-prepared graduates.