Frequently asked questions
Funding nonprofits that promote personal growth and community development
Grants are awarded only to organizations that attest that they do not discriminate by race, ethnicity, creed, religious affiliation, gender or national origin. Grants are not generally awarded to: individuals; advertising, ticket events or dinner programs; political causes or candidates; endowments or capital campaigns.
General information & eligibility requirements
- What types of organizations are eligible to apply to the Foundation?
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.
- What are the funding priorities for the Foundation?
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
- Are there specific geographic boundaries?
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.
- Does the Foundation award grants for capital campaigns, endowment funds, special events or to individuals?
Grants are not considered for individuals; advertising, ticket events or dinner programs; political causes or candidates; endowments; or capital campaigns.
- What is the average grant size?
There is no steadfast rule as to how much the Foundation may award an organization.
- Does the Foundation award grants for general operating funds?
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.
- Does the Foundation provide continuous or “multi-year” funding?
In an effort to ensure the broadest response to the needs of our communities, the Foundation will award an organization only once a year.
- Does the Foundation provide emergency funding support?
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.
- When are grants awarded?
The Foundation makes annual awards during the spring each calendar year.
Application process
- Do I need to submit a Letter of Inquiry?
The Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
- I received a notice from the Foundation that a Maximus employee has nominated me for consideration. What do I do?
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 receive by August 31 will be considered in the following year's grant cycle. For example, if your organization is nominated by an employee and you submit your application by August 31, 2019, you may be considered for the 2020 award cycle. If you submit your application after August 31, 2019, you will not be eligible for consideration until the 2021 award cycle.
- May I apply for a grant via email or fax?
No, the Foundation does not accept proposals via email, postal service or fax.
- May we send a copy of our state Tax Exemption Certificate as proof of our tax-exempt status instead of the IRS letter?
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.
- May we apply under a parent company’s Tax Exemption Certificate?
Given the growing competition for grant awards, organizations may not apply under another’s 501(c)(3) distinction.
- May I submit an application if I am missing information requested (e.g. financial audit), and submit the missing information once received?
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.
- If my organization does not have a financial audit, what kind of financial information should be submitted?
Audited financials from within the past two years are strictly required.
- Once a proposal has been submitted, when will I be notified of the funding decision?
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.
- May I reapply if my organization was turned down in the past? If so, when?
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.
- How do I continue working on an application I already started?
We are re-building our online grant management system to adapt to our revised giving approach. Directions will become available following the system implementation.
Past grantees
- If I am awarded a grant, are there specific guidelines for submitting interim and final grant reports?
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 due by December 31 of the corresponding year.
For grants awarded prior to July 2019:
- Spring grants have an impact report deadline of January 31 of the following year. For instance, grants awarded in spring 2018 have a report deadline of January 31, 2019.
- Fall grants have an impact report deadline of August 31 of the following year. For instance, grants awarded in fall 2017 have a report deadline of August 31, 2018.
If you are a past grantee and wish to submit your impact report, you may do so by completing the impact report (Word doc) and emailing it to maximuscharitablefoundation@maximus.com.
- What does the Impact Report entail?
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.
Maximus employees
- I wish to nominate a nonprofit organization. What do I do?
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.
- How do I find out if I donated in the past year?
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."
- I donated in the past calendar year. When can I vote on award recipients?
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.