Education funders that accept unsolicited proposals and publish clear eligibility requirements are harder to find than you'd think. These two do both, at very different scales.

What we know: The foundation has made 69 grants totaling about $4.1 million since 2023, with a foundation-wide median of $10,000. Giving concentrates in New York (17 grants) and Delaware (15 grants), with top recipients including Jewish Federation of Delaware and Tulane University. The application asks for a concrete plan, expected outcomes, budget, and two recommendation letters.

Realistic fit: small to mid-size nonprofits or schools with a specific charitable project and local community benefit, especially in the Mid-Atlantic or Southeast.

What we know: This is a narrowly themed annual cycle. The foundation funds programs engaging young people in Buddhist teachings, meditation, mindfulness, and leadership development. It does not fund individuals, fiscally sponsored organizations, capital projects, or programs outside the U.S. The foundation prefers proposals with other funding sources and sustainability potential.

Realistic fit: established U.S. Buddhist centers, temples, or dharma-focused nonprofits already running youth programming.

The Lenz Foundation's September 24 deadline gives you three months to prepare, and awards are announced by mid-November. The I Could Do Great Things application is low-friction but benefits from strong recommendation letters, so line those up before you submit. If you know a youth-serving nonprofit with a mindfulness or Buddhist education focus, send them the Lenz opportunity directly.