M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust - Strategic Project Grant

Overview

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust offers Strategic Project Grants, capacity-building awards for mission-focused projects and infrastructure investment. Grants support construction, renovation, land purchase, equipment, technology infrastructure, new programs, program expansion, and staff additions.

Key dates

• Period 1 LOI Submission: Oct 15–Dec 26, 2025. LOI Decision: By Jan 31, 2026. Full Application: Feb 1–Mar 20, 2026. Grant Decision: Sept 2026 grants meeting.
• Period 2 LOI Submission: March 9–April 9, 2026. LOI Decision: By May 31, 2026. Full Application: Jun 1–July 17, 2026. Grant Decision: Dec 2026 grants meeting.
• Period 3 LOI Submission: Jul 1–Aug 3, 2026. LOI Decision: By Sept 30, 2026. Full Application: Sept 25–Nov 2, 2026. Grant Decision: Apr 2027 grants meeting.
• Period 4 LOI Submission: Oct 15–Nov 11, 2026. LOI Decision: By Jan 13, 2027. Full Application: Jan 13–Mar 1, 2027. Grant Decision: Aug 2027 grants meeting.
• All deadlines are 5 PM Pacific Time Zone.

Eligibility

Organizations must meet geographical and tax status requirements and have projects aligned with Trust funding priorities and limitations. Denied applications will not be carried over; declined applicants may submit a new LOI for a different project one year after decision date. Returning grantees may submit a new LOI three years after their last award date.

Application process

• Complete an eligibility quiz to confirm your organization and project are potentially eligible.
• If eligible, complete a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) during the submission period.
• If LOI is approved, you will be invited to submit a full application.
• Submit all required documents through the Murdock Trust Grants Portal.
• Staff will review documents and request additional information if needed.
• A program officer will be assigned and will schedule a site visit.
• The program officer will complete analysis and prepare a report for Trustee decision.
• Trustees review requests and notify you of the decision.
• If awarded, complete a form with signer and financial contact information to receive the grant agreement.

Resources

Review Eligibility Guidelines for Grantseekers, the Application Process Roadmap, attend Eligibility & Priorities Webinars, and consult Strategic Project FAQs. Explore Nonprofit Resources for grant writing tips, nonprofit development, and more.

Contact

Direct questions to [email protected]. Access the Murdock Trust Grants Portal at murdocktrust.org.