Frequently asked questions

The MAXIMUS Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Past grantees remain eligible for consideration and need not submit an application.

MAXIMUS employees who have donated to the MAXIMUS Foundation in the past calendar year may nominate an eligible organization for consideration. MAXIMUS employees wishing to do so may contact the MAXIMUS Foundation.

Nominated nonprofits will receive a personalized link to an application. We strictly require a 501(c)3 determination letter, audited financials from within the past two years, and alignment with the MAXIMUS Foundation's mission.

We support three primary focus areas in our grantmaking:

Youth and Children Development: Priority is given to programs that serve disadvantaged or low-income youth. Program areas may include but are not limited to:

• Child Abuse Prevention and Supportive Services

• Child Hunger and Nutrition Services

• Enrichment and Education Programs

Community Development: Support is given to programs that focus on community development and redevelopment through supportive services to low-income households and communities. Program areas may include but are not limited to:

• Homelessness Prevention and Supportive Services

• Veterans Supportive Services

• Jobs and Training Programs

Healthcare: Support is given to healthcare programs that promote access and services to low-income individuals and families, including but not limited to programs that support:

• Physical and Developmental Disabilities

• HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care

• Chronic Care

The Foundation supports IRS-registered, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States that extend the mission of the company and share our commitment in helping disadvantaged populations and underserved communities.

Grants are not considered for individuals; advertising, ticket events or dinner programs; political causes or candidates; endowments; or capital campaigns.

There is no steadfast rule as to how much the Foundation may award an organization.

Yes, the Foundation may make an award for general operating funds. Grant fund use will be discussed between the Foundation and the nonprofit at the time of the award.

In an effort to ensure the broadest response to the needs of our communities, the Foundation will award an organization only once a year.

The caring and compassionate staff here at MAXIMUS have a history of coming to the aid of individuals and families who are the victims of natural and other disasters. During those difficult times, the Foundation has organized special collections and raised funds for disaster relief initiatives.

The Foundation makes annual awards during the spring each calendar year.

The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

If you have a relationship with a MAXIMUS employee, you may request they contact the Foundation with a nomination. Please note that employees are eligible to nominate an organization if they are currently employed by MAXIMUS and have contributed at least $1 in the last year to the Foundation's grant program. Additional information for employees can be found in the next section of the FAQ.

Congratulations on being nominated by a MAXIMUS employee! Your notice includes a personalized link for your application. Please note that you must meet our eligibility requirements, including a 501(c)3 determination letter, recently audited financials from within the past two years, and share the mission of the Foundation through your work.

Applications from nominated organizations are accepted on a rolling basis. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed and considered for the following grant cycle, based upon the current cycle's status. For your awareness, the board typically meets between October and early December to determine the cycle's list of finalists. Employees vote on this finalist list at the end of January or early February. The board meets again in the spring to make final grant decisions.

As a result, consider the following general submission guidelines:
Applications received between January and October of calendar year 1 are reviewed in the fall of calendar year 1 and are eligible to receive a grant award in calendar year 2. Applications received during November and December of calendar year 1 will not be considered for a grant until calendar year 3.

No, the Foundation does not accept proposals via email, postal service or fax.

No. We require a federal tax-exempt letter (your “501(c)(3) letter”). If you need a copy of your 501(c)(3) letter, contact the IRS at 877.829.5500.

Given the growing competition for grant awards, organizations may not apply under another’s 501(c)(3) distinction.

Online application submission must include all necessary documents. You may save the application and return to it for submission when all of the necessary documents are ready. 

Audited financials from within the past two years are strictly required.

All organizations will receive notification that your application has been received upon which the Foundation staff and Board of Directors will review your materials. Within a calendar year of your submission, you will be informed of the Board's decision to include you as a prospective grantee for future possible funding, or if your application was denied for inclusion. Only awarded nonprofits will be contacted about their funding award following the spring grant cycle.

If your organization's nominated application was rejected, you may only be re-considered if:

• You are nominated again by a MAXIMUS employee, and
• Your organization has undergone changes to strengthen your alignment with the Foundation.

We are re-building our online grant management system to adapt to our revised giving approach. Directions will become available following the system implementation.

Organizations that are awarded a grant will be provided an online impact report. Grants will be awarded in the spring of each calendar year. Impact reports will be provided during the grant cycle with a corresponding due date.

Grants awarded prior to July 2019 are past due and required prior to future grant consideration.

If you wish to submit an impact report, you may do so by completing the impact report (Word doc) and emailing it to maximuscharitablefoundation@maximus.com. 

The MAXIMUS Foundation Impact Report (Word doc) requests information about the effects, if any, from your MAXIMUS Foundation grant. Questions include:

• Outputs: How many individuals/populations were served? Where? For how long? did you change the use of the funds? If so, why and what was done?
• Outcomes: What challenges did you face? What successes did you experience? Please attach and annual report if available.
• Looking Forward: As applicable, describe any plans for moving forward. What, if anything, will you do differently? What are the organization's two most significant financial challenges and how are you planning to address them?
• Stories of Impact: Please share a personal story of success. We work to share the success of our grantees with the public, our Company, and our partners.

Current MAXIMUS employees who have donated at least $1 in the past calendar year may nominate an eligible nonprofit for consideration. To do so, please contact the MAXIMUS Foundation for next steps.

You may find your current rate of payroll deduction by visiting Deltek Time & Expense and selecting the Self-Service tab. Under Payroll & Benefits, select Payroll Checks and look under Deductions on your paystub for "Charitable Foundation."

All eligible MAXIMUS employees will receive an online survey via email by February each year to submit their vote. To be eligible, you must be a current MAXIMUS employee who donated at least $1 via payroll to the MAXIMUS Foundation in the previous calendar year.