How to Apply

For grants in Minnesota, the Foundation will consider proposals only from organizations that advance the Family Literacy objective above. Programs must demonstrate the following components and serve children 0-5 years of age.

Family literacy programs use a comprehensive and holistic approach to education, thereby helping families break the cycle of low literacy, poverty, and hopelessness.

Parents and other caregivers participate with children in interactive developmental and literacy activities that strengthen the relationship between caregiver and child.

Parents become more empowered in their roles as their children’s primary teacher.

For grants in other H.B. Fuller plant communities, priorities are set by Community Affairs Councils following the general principals listed below.

GENERAL PRIORITIES WHICH GUIDE DECISION MAKING:

Contributions will be made only to tax-exempt (501(c)3) organizations. Organizations incorporated in countries other than the United States must qualify for tax exempt status according to United States tax regulations and comply with national and/or state charity laws.

Grants will be made to organizations serving the communities where H.B. Fuller Company has its operations. Since most H.B. Fuller operations are located in urban areas, urban programs will be given priority. (See “Where We Give” for a list of plant communities.)

Generally, the company will make contributions directly to organizations in the countries where services are provided rather than through multi-national or U.S.-based intermediaries.

H.B. Fuller Company will not provide contributions to programs that appear to be the responsibility of governments unless the program is a community-based effort directed at improving the delivery of government funded services.

Currently requests for capital campaigns and endowments will not be considered.

H.B. FULLER WILL NOT MAKE GRANTS TO SUPPORT:

Individuals, including scholarships for individuals

Fraternal or veterans' organizations except for programs which are of direct benefit to the broader community

Religious groups for religious purposes

Political/Lobbying organizations

Travel

Basic or applied research

Disease specific organizations

Courtesy, goodwill or public service advertisements

Fundraiser events or sponsorships

General support of educational institutions

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

H.B. Fuller Company and its foundation use the Minnesota Common Grant Application, Every proposal must begin with the grant application cover sheet. (See the Minnesota Common Grant Application.)

Employee-managed community affairs councils exist at most H.B. Fuller locations in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Latin America. These committees make decisions for all requests from local organizations providing services in their plant communities and encourage employee volunteer service. Local committees must first review all requests for foundation support.

The H.B. Fuller Company Foundation currently makes grants in Minnesota and six of the company’s plant communities: Blue Ash, OH, Covington, GA, Paducah, KY, Palatine, IL, Roseville, CA and Vancouver, WA. Nonprofit organizations incorporated in the United States to provide services in other countries should contact the foundation office directly.

Employees are encouraged to convey needs of such organizations to the community affairs councils at their location. Additionally, councils welcome suggestions from organizations for potential service projects, which will expand the company's participation in central community issues.

Applications for support from the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation are reviewed three times a year with proposal deadlines of February 2, June 4 and October 5. Applications do not have to arrive at the foundation office by these dates, but must be postmarked by the stated dates or the fist business day after a holiday or Sunday.

Community affairs councils meet monthly and review proposals as they are received.

Contribution requests are not accepted over the phone. All requests must be in writing. Furthermore, it is important to note that the invitation to submit an application does not guarantee that a grant will be made.

Application forms are available upon request from:

H.B. Fuller Company Foundation
P.O. Box 64683
St. Paul, MN 55164-0683
(651) 236-5217