The Clowes Fund aims to support organizations and programs focusing on socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, with a keen interest in assisting immigrants, refugees, and asylees integrate into U.S. society and its economy. They prioritize efforts that address economic, linguistic, legal, and mental challenges during this integration process, alongside facilitating access to job skills training and support services to enable full participation in community economic life. This includes youth development efforts aimed at preventing school dropouts and assisting their return to education or pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.
The Clowes Fund grant program is designed with a two-fold application process aimed at supporting nonprofit organizations engaged in immigrant services or workforce development. The Fund distinguishes between Introductory Grants and Continuation Grants based on the applicant's previous grant history with the Fund. Introductory Grants provide up to $40K over 2 years for organizations, often with operating budgets less than $2.5 million, focusing on immigrant services or workforce development. Continuation Grants, on the other hand, offer $60K, $90K, or $150K over 3 years for organizations expanding their efforts into arts education or K-12 education, in addition to the primary focus areas. This structured approach ensures targeted support for socioeconomically disadvantaged communities through specific, impactful areas: economic, linguistic, legal assistance, mental and emotional support, job skills training, and educational advancements.