During her lifetime, Jessie Ball duPont made charitable contributions to thousands of individuals and institutions. As she prepared her will and its various codicils that established the Fund, she restricted the number of institutions eligible to receive direct financial support from the Fund. Approximately 350 institutions meet this criterion. Proof of eligibility is determined by the Fund from examination of Mrs. duPont's personal or tax records or by the applicant presenting written verifiable evidence of a contribution during the eligibility period.
Eligible institutions can submit proposals at any time throughout the year.
Following staff review, trustees discuss preliminary proposals during conference calls. Final funding decisions are made during board meetings held in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The application process consists of a preliminary and final stage. After the preliminary proposal has been reviewed by the trustees and staff, Fund staff will contact the eligible institution. If the institution is invited to prepare a final proposal it must follow the application process outlined below.