ABOUT THE ROBLEE FOUNDATION

The Roblee Foundation, established in 1971, is based in St. Louis, and accepts applications for grants in the greater St. Louis, Missouri region and Miami/Dade County in Florida. However, grants may be made in other areas of special interest to the Board.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote change by supporting organizations that address significant social issues, improve quality of life, and help individuals fulfill their potential.

The Foundation arises out of a Judeo-Christian framework and values ecumenical endeavors. The Foundation particularly supports programs which work to break down cultural, racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual barriers. It supports projects designed to elevate children as a societal priority.

Most grants range from $1,000-$15,000. In special circumstances, grants may be made up to $30,000 in one year.
Grant proposals are accepted in the following focus areas:

EDUCATION
To improve the educational delivery system and support systemic change (birth to 12th grade):

• Teacher training
• Parental involvement
• Addressing how students learn

COMMUNITY
To support particular educational and outreach needs:

• Promotion of understanding and cooperation between different cultures, ethnic/racial groups, religions, and sexual orientations.
• Teaching tolerance and global understanding
• Literacy
• The development of leadership and civic responsibility

To support Community Initiatives which:

• Empower and build communities
• Build neighborhood support systems

FAMILY SUPPORT ISSUES
To Strengthening Families through:

• Parenting skills and parenting education
• Family literacy
• Family support programs

To Empower Women through:

• Reproductive freedom
• Welfare to work programs
• Prevention of violence, abuse and poverty
• Economic independence

To support Children and Youth programs that:

• Promote development of resiliency
• Promote early childhood services which:
  • Support childcare centers and the professional development of their workers
  • Encourage early stimulation
  • Encourage school readiness
• Promote youth development programs, such as:
  • After school programs
  • Service-learning opportunities
• Prevent and treat:
  • Teen pregnancy
  • Substance abuse
  • Violence and abuse
• Improve the Foster care system through:
  • Recruitment, training, and support of foster care parent
  • Systemic improvement

The Foundation accepts proposals for the following types of support:

• Project and program funds. (We have traditionally emphasized programs that support advocacy, prevention, and systemic improvements, but we will support treatment and crisis intervention when the approach is innovative or there is an unusual need.)
• Capacity building and technical assistance
• Startup funds and planning grants
• Policy development and advocacy
• Scholarship programs
• Capital and endowment campaigns

The foundation does not award grants to individuals. Unsolicited proposals for support of the arts, medical research, environmental concerns, or other projects outside the above stated program areas or geographic regions will not be considered. Requests for annual giving are discouraged.