Guidelines

Through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we cultivate specific projects and partner with organizations whose efforts are aligned with our program priorities and the requirements of the RFP. This proactive approach helps us maximize effectiveness and impact.

The Foundation does not encourage unsolicited proposals for funding within an area of focus where there is an existing RFP in process.

Please note that all grantseeking organizations must meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for a grant from The TK Foundation:

  • Must be a registered non-profit organization
  • Must be seeking funding within our priority areas of Youth Development or Maritime
  • Must serve the community without discrimination on the basis of age, color, citizenship, disability, disabled veteran status, gender, race, religion, national origin, marital status, or sexual orientation
  • Must keep records and documents available for regular independent audits
  • Must comply with applicable laws regarding registration and reporting
  • Youth Development projects must be in a geographical area of interest for the Foundation: North America, Latin America/Caribbean, South Africa, or Europe

Additional requirements may apply to specific grant opportunities — please refer to the RFP documentation for each of our current grants to learn more.

Maritime

Photo courtesy of ISWAN

The TK Foundation promotes knowledge of the seas and oceans, and strengthens maritime safety and security for the betterment of all. We do this by supporting programs that include:

  • Maritime education and training
  • Maritime activities that benefit disadvantaged populations
  • Maritime heritage and collaboration

To learn more about the TK Foundation’s maritime grant availability, click here. To learn about maritime research grant opportunities, click here.

Youth Development

The TK Foundation enables disadvantaged youth to maximize their capabilities through pathways such as education, training and life skills with a view to becoming self-sufficient. We do this by supporting programs that:

  • Improve educational achievement of disadvantaged youth
  • Prepare disadvantaged youth for succeeding in the workforce

To learn more about the TK Foundation’s youth development grant availability, click here.

Connecting Maritime and Youth Development

Youth Sailing RFP

The TK Foundation supports nonprofit youth sailing programs that reach motivated disadvantaged youth and offer them an up-close and personal relationship with the ocean, opportunities to challenge themselves in an ocean environment, teach responsible seamanship and stewardship, and help them develop essential life skills.

Applications will open on November 15, 2023 (GMT-7) and close on January 12, 2024 (GMT-7). Please email Austin Muckenthaler for more information.

Past Grants

2018 – 2020 Global Update

2017 – Download Summary

2016 – Download Summary 

2015 – Download Summary