Bob Woodruff Foundation Grants

Program Snapshot

• Mission alignment: BWF closes gaps in services for veterans, caregivers, and families—education funding for dependents is a documented gap FOH fills.
• Entry point: Submit a concise “brief proposal” via BWF’s portal outlining need, outcomes, and budget. Staff will invite full proposals if aligned.
• Contacts: Grants team at programs@bobwoodrufffoundation.org. Programs Manager Kelsey Brundige and Chief Program Officer Margaret Harrell oversee reviews.
• Network benefit: Grantees join the Got Your 6 Network—valuable for referrals and future collaborations.

Application Requirements

• Brief proposal (2–3 pages equivalent) covering population served, problem statement, solution, metrics, and budget request.
• Full proposal (if invited) includes detailed outcomes framework, evidence base, evaluation approach, budget, leadership bios, and financial statements.
• Expect due diligence on financial health, data tracking, and DEI practices.
• Estimated 20 hours to prepare full submission after invite; plan an additional 5 hours for the initial brief.

Strategic Fit

BWF funds programs that improve social determinants of health and economic stability for veterans and their families. FOH’s scholarships directly improve educational attainment and financial resilience for dependents of fallen or disabled service members—addressing the “gap” left when GI Bill benefits are exhausted or unavailable.

BWF prioritizes evidence-based, scalable solutions. Provide data on scholarship utilization, degree completion, employment outcomes, and feedback from beneficiaries. Emphasize FOH’s national infrastructure and ability to deploy funds quickly to families on the waiting list.

Success Factors

• Clarify target population for the request (e.g., spouses of disabled veterans, Gold Star children pursuing higher education).
• Showcase collaboration with other veteran-serving organizations—BWF values connected networks. Reference relationships with Travis Manion Foundation, TAPS, or DAV.
• Provide transparent financial data and describe stewardship practices (audits, scholarship disbursement controls).
• Outline rigorous evaluation: metrics, surveys, and reporting cadence that BWF can rely on.

Risks & Mitigation

• High bar for evidence: Prepare a concise logic model linking scholarships to increased graduation and income potential.
• Competition: Many national VSOs apply. Highlight FOH’s unique focus on dependents and proven ability to scale donations nationwide.
• Scope creep: Keep the ask focused on military families (not first responders) to align with BWF’s remit.

ROI & Next Actions

$75,000 ÷ 25 hours ≈ $3,000/hour. Multi-year renewals are common, so landing the first grant can lead to larger, longer-term support. Submit the brief proposal in December 2025, targeting a full proposal invitation in early 2026.

• Draft brief proposal narrative and metrics deck by December 15.
• Schedule introductory call or webinar attendance with BWF programs staff.
• Prepare impact stories and data visualizations to include in the full proposal package.

Key Resources

• Grant application criteria
• Recent grantees and focus areas
• CharityWatch report on FOH program spending