Exploring the Longview Foundation’s Grant Process
A grant is a public way for us to help turn a good idea into reality. After over half a century of giving, Longview remains committed to a model of grantmaking that is as accessible, transparent, and supportive to new ideas.
The foundation was incorporated in June 1966 and received tax exemption in February 1967. Its purposes were stated as:
- “To help strengthen and enrich the quality of Education in an interdependent and shrinking World.
- To help develop strong citizens, who have a fuller appreciation of their own way of life and values, because they understand and respect the cultures of other peoples.
- To fortify the role of Education in building foundations for a more cooperative, peaceful and stable World in the minds of men.”
We started giving grants in 1967 and refined our practice over time. You can learn more about our current grant-making priorities in other sections of the website.
Mr. Breese himself said that this would be “ a slow haul, requiring a mixture of patience and impatience.” But as he looked at over the longer term, Bill Breese helped to blaze a new path in education. He creatively identified organizations and stimulated them to address issues they had not thought about before. At a time when international education was seen as a luxury for a few specialists, he championed the idea that it was a necessary part of the education of all students. And his interest kept the flame of global education alive at times when it was under attack.
At Longview, we intentionally have small staff and an active volunteer board. That means that our grant process takes time and does not allow for the personal connection that other grantmakers might offer. It also means it is a long, slow process. If you share our goals, let’s work together to keep the flame of Mr. Breese’s vision alive.