At a Glance: The William E. Simon Foundation

History: Established in 1967 by the businessman and former U.S. Treasury Secretary William E. Simon to support programs that are intended to strengthen the free-enterprise system and the moral and spiritual values on which it rests.

Purpose and areas of support: To assist those in need by providing the means by which they may help themselves, such as offering scholarships and fellowships to academically qualified students in need of financial help. The foundation also supports schools and welfare organizations that promote the health and education of young people, especially in poor neighborhoods, and aids institutions that help single mothers, battered women, and homeless people. In addition, it finances programs designed to promote a deeper understanding of religious values and religious groups that fight such problems as poverty, addiction, crime, illegitimacy, and homelessness.

Assets: $21.2-million, as of May 31, 1998.

Grants and operating programs: The foundation made grants of $5.8-million in 1997.

Key official: William E. Simon, chairman.

Application procedures: Grant applications are accepted throughout the year. Applicants should write letters of inquiry to the foundation that give a concise description of the project’s objectives and significance, provide background information on the organization and its sources of funds, and specify the amount sought. Attachments should include a program budget, biographical information on key personnel, and an audited financial statement from the applicant’s organization. The foundation encourages applications that propose to use the money to encourage others to match it. It generally does not provide money for a charity’s administrative overhead costs, buildings, or annual-giving campaigns, or for programs outside the United States.

Address:310 South Street, Morristown, N.J. 07962; (973) 898-0290.