The John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation was formed in memory of John Edward Fowler to provide financial support to organizations within the Washington DC metropolitan area. While specific details about its mission beyond this context are not provided, the foundation's actions reflect a commitment to empowering underserved and at-risk communities through various forms of direct service and needs-based giving.
The John Edward Fowler Memorial Foundation awards approximately $3 million annually, focusing on the Washington DC metropolitan area. First-time grants typically are under $10,000, with larger amounts awarded for ongoing relationships or capital projects, primarily to prior grantees. The Foundation favors smaller, grassroots, neighborhood-based organizations that are majorly privately funded, provide hands-on direct services, and demonstrate sound management, fiscal responsibility, and volunteer engagement. Fowler prioritizes organizations that address actual needs through creative and innovative solutions or traditional need-based methods. Their giving historically targets empowering underserved and at-risk populations, with focus areas including adult literacy, at-risk children, childhood education, homelessness, hunger, job training & placement, and medical and legal services.
Organizations rooted in local communities, particularly small, grassroots groups, that obtain a majority (50% or more) of their funding from private sectors often stand a better chance of securing grants. The Foundation typically refrains from providing grants to individuals, large-scale health organizations, government bodies, public schools, or charter schools. Grants are not allocated for medical research, general arts initiatives, event sponsorships, or to broad-based "umbrella" agencies. However, arts programs focusing deeply on education and serving at-risk children and youth may be considered exceptions. Preference is given to organizations that offer direct services and demonstrate strong leadership, financial integrity, and active volunteer participation.