Applying for Grants

Step 1: Qualifications

Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and be located within our local communities of Lincoln, NE; Battle Creek, MI; and Provo, UT. The trust shall distribute funds with priority given to the three areas of focus:

  • Education
    • Supporting public schools, pre-k thru 12
  • Human Services & Community
    • Concentrating on the basic needs of people within our communities
  • Aviation & STEM
    • Associated with the education of aviation careers and STEM activities

The Duncan Aviation Family Trust does NOT provide funds for the public promotion of organizations, individuals, churches, or religious causes. We also do not financially support post-proms, school clubs, or athletic teams.

Step 2: Submit Grant Application Letter

Members of the Duncan Aviation Family Trust Philanthropy Committee will review your request at their next quarterly meeting. The committee typically meets quarterly. Whether your organization receives grant approval or not, you will be notified of this decision in a timely manner.

All grant applications must be submitted online. Please have the following information ready when filling out the application:

  • Organization name, address, phone number, and contact;
  • Organization’s background information and mission;
  • Total amount of funding requested; and
  • The objective(s) and the underlying need, problem or opportunity.

Submit your application online

Step 3: Consideration

Acceptance for funding will be prioritized according to how closely the request fits with our mission statement. In some cases, a meeting or site visit may be requested for new applicants.

Organizations may apply for or receive funds only one time per year.

Supporting Communities through Endowment

In 2023, the decision was made for the next several years to invest half of the trust’s annual designated charitable funds into an endowment plan. While developing sustainable endowment funding will allow for more impactful donations in the future, doing so temporarily decreases the funds available for immediate annual giving. As a result, some organizations that we have worked with for years will see a decrease in readily available donations.