What types of institutions are eligible for funding?

The Davis Educational Foundation supports regionally accredited baccalaureate degree granting public and private colleges and universities in New England.

What are the Davis Educational Foundation’s funding objectives?

The foundation seeks to strengthen the undergraduate programs of public and private, regionally accredited, baccalaureate degree granting colleges and universities in New England. The foundation is interested in supporting more effective teaching and learning and in helping institutions control costs.

In order to achieve these objectives, the foundation has funded:

Projects that improve the curriculum, the learning environment, assessment of undergraduate learning outcomes, faculty development, incentive systems, and administrative structures.

Collaborative efforts among colleges and universities to reduce costs and improve learning.

Studies and planning efforts central to the foundation’s concerns and interests.

What is not eligible for funding?

The Davis Educational Foundation does not fund endowments or scholarships nor does it make grants to capital campaigns.

The foundation recognizes that project-specific proposals may coincide with the timing of an institution’s capital campaign. Such proposals, that otherwise meet the foundation’s objectives and criteria, are eligible for consideration.

Does the Davis Educational Foundation fund indirect expenses?

Indirect and overhead expenses are not eligible for funding.

Does the Davis Educational Foundation offer individual scholarships or fellowships?

No.

Does the Davis Educational Foundation make multiple-year awards?

Yes. The foundation recognizes that the objectives it strives to achieve frequently require multi-year initiatives. Many of the foundation’s grants are for two or three year periods.

When are the submission deadlines?

March 15, May 15, and October 1. Applications must be received in the foundation's office by the deadline date.

How do I apply?

Review the Davis Educational Foundation’s objectives and submission guidelines to determine eligibility. The foundation does not use a pre-proposal or letter of inquiry process but will respond to questions.

You may download a copy of the objectives and submission guidelines and an application form from this website. You may also request a copy by emailing the foundation at info@davisfoundations.org or calling (207) 781-5504. Please specify your interest in the Davis Educational Foundation.

What happens once a proposal is submitted?

Proposals are reviewed and processed promptly. Applicants can expect to hear from foundation staff, generally within two weeks of the submission deadline, with clarifying questions, requests for additional information, or to request a site visit. The site visit is an important component of the selection process.

Tell me more about the site visit.

Trustees often request a site visit to further inform their decision-making. Foundation staff and the applicant staff work together to assemble a two to three hour on-site visit for the foundation’s trustees to learn more about the proposed project and ask questions. Generally, site visits are conducted within two to four weeks of the submission deadline.

When will we know whether our request is approved?

Institutions that meet the March 15 deadline can expect final notification in early May; those who submit for the May 15 deadline receive notice in early July; and October 1 applicants are notified in early December.

What are the Davis Educational Foundation’s reporting requirements of grantees?

The foundation requires annual interim reports for multi-year grants and a final report at the end of the grant period. Please see the Grantee Resources page of this website for more details.

What is the background of the trustees?

Collectively, the trustees are dedicated to the mission and well-being of higher education. As individuals, they have served as leaders and presidents of some of New England’s most well-regarded colleges and universities. The trustees’ names are listed on this website and are included in the annual report.