The
Dow Corning
Foundation

About the Dow Corning Foundation

Established in 1981, the Dow Corning Foundation is an endowed fund supported by contributions from Dow Corning Corporation and Hemlock Semiconductor Group.

Our mission

• Improve scientific literacy by increasing access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at the pre-university level.
  
• Improve vitality and quality of life in communities where our employees work and live.
  
• Increase awareness and use of innovative technologies designed to make our world more sustainable.

The Dow Corning Foundation is a Michigan not-for-profit corporation registered with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) Private Foundation.

How we demonstrate our commitment to mutually beneficial growth in society

The Dow Corning Foundation invests approximately $1 million per year into local communities.

Through our Donor Advised Funds, established with the Bay, Midland and Saginaw area community foundations, we provide resources that are used in the Great Lakes Bay Region of Michigan to support local and regional projects and programs that align with the foundation’s mission.

Grant amounts

The Dow Corning Foundation considers grant requests from nonprofit organizations and educational institutions for amounts of $5,000 or more. Average grant size is $25,000 to $75,000.

Grant criteria – grant eligibility

		2013 Grant Status Update

Grant requests must meet the following general criteria:

• Projects must benefit the U.S. communities in which our employees live and work.
  
• Projects must align with one or more of our three mission areas – community vitality, education and/or sustainability. See examples.
  
• The impact, measurability and sustainability of the project are considered during the evaluation process; however, innovative pilot projects may be funded as well.
  

The Dow Corning Foundation Grant Application Process

Turnaround time

Both the Dow Corning Foundation and the advisory committee for the foundation’s Donor Advised Funds meet on a quarterly basis to discuss funding opportunities.

Dow Corning Foundation grant-review timeline:

• STEM-related grants - March
• Quality-of-life grants - June
• Innovative/sustainable technologies grants - September
• All types of grants - December

In most cases, a decision will be made at that time. Occasionally, however, a request will be tabled for further information or consideration. Please include any firm deadlines in the appropriate place on the application.

If you qualify for both the Dow Corning Foundation and the Donor Advised Funds

Please do not apply to both for funding. The Dow Corning Foundation and the Donor Advised
Funds will refer grant requests to one other, when applicable. If you have questions regarding which fund to apply to, you may email us at foundation@dowcorning.com. You also may contact your local community foundation:

• Bay Area Community Foundation
  
• Midland Area Community Foundation
  
• Saginaw Community Foundation

Reporting requirements

All approved grant recipients must submit annual progress reports to receive further pledge payments on multi-year grants. In addition, all grant recipients also must submit a final report within three months of the completion of the project.

How to apply for a Dow Corning Foundation grant

If your project meets the above criteria and you would like to be considered for funding, use our easy online tool to create an account and apply for a grant online.

Federal Tax ID or EIN number required.

		Apply

This easy-to-use grant application and management tool:

• Ensures that your grant request is submitted correctly
• Saves you time if your project does not qualify for one of our grant programs