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We Care For The World We Move!

Our Purpose Statement: We Care for the World We Move and the World Group Foundation’s purpose is driven by the powerful idea that the way we care can make a difference. In a world of finite resources and infinite possibilities, our purpose is to support innovative organizations who champion the core philanthropic passions of our World Group Family.

United by our unwavering commitment to Land, Air, Sea, and Humanity, we will redefine the meaning of caring through action, and do our part to transform the World.

Partner with Us to Drive Change
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Our Core Value message

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Our mission is simple and clear
Through purposeful philanthropy where we work and live, we will be unique in the giving space.  

What sets us apart?
We believe in creating a ripple effect, supporting initiatives that not only bring immediate relief but also generate long-lasting results.  Through innovative investment, collaboration, and partnership, we will bring the hearts and minds of our people to bear on the environmental, social, and economic opportunities and challenges facing where we work, live, and operate.

We invite you to explore our work, meet our team, and discover how we’re making a difference across the globe.

WHO WE ARE

World Group Foundation is a Cleveland, Ohio based registered 501(c)3 private foundation. We make investments in the communities where we work and live with funding from The World Group, a shipping and logistics company that delivers industry leading products in ocean drayage and domestic trucking, freight forwarding/NVOCC, air freight, customs house brokerage, warehousing and distribution, vessel husbandry, and chartering. 

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MIKE FITZGIBBON
Executive Director - World Group Foundation

It is my privilege to lead World Group Foundation on behalf of the Hunger family, World Group employees, and our business and philanthropic partners.  Our goal is to invest in our communities where we work and live.  We will be unique in our giving space because we will bring the hearts and minds of our World Group family to bear on the challenges that our communities face, particularly with respect to the environment.  How will we do it?  By listening to the experts – those who live and work in the places we serve and those nonprofits doing the work daily to make the world a better place for all of us.  I invite you to reach out and share with us the possibilities you see in making a positive impact on our environment by addressing the consequences and future challenges of environmental change. 

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MARILYN HUNGER
Chairman of the Board – World Group Foundation

What a deeply meaningful part of my life it has been to be part of the World Group Foundation. Seven simple words when put together are not only our mission statement, but when acted on can make a positive change in the world: 'We Care For The World We Move'. Listening to and collaborating with our employees and partners will lead us to capture the giving spirit and true heart of our World Group Family. I can’t wait to show the World that we are a company who cares by supporting causes that are meaningful and compelling to all of us and the communities where we work and live.  My personal hope is that the goals, wishes and realization of the full potential of the World Group Foundation will be ever evolving and endless.     

We Care For The World We Move

 

OUR WORK

Our work is divided into three key areas:

Blue World Project

Focused on protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, the Blue World Project aims to address environmental challenges by supporting conservation efforts and the impact of climate change on the most vulnerable.

World Relief Program

This program delivers critical aid to World Group communities affected by natural disasters and other crises.

Opportunity Grants

Our discretionary grants allow us to respond quickly to emerging needs and innovative projects.

Blue WORLD Defense

World Group operates across oceans throughout the world. It also operates across the Great Lakes in North America, the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area. In fact, 71% of our Earth is covered by water. Our oceans and our freshwater are our lifeline! With 60% of the human body made up of water, it’s clear that our lives are deeply entwined with the ocean, lakes, and rivers that cover our planet. In particular, the ocean generates every second breath we take.

Despite its vital importance, the ocean has historically received only 7% of environmental funding and less than 1% of philanthropic funding. Though better funded, our freshwater has also lagged in philanthropic support. Through our Blue World Project, we are committed to changing this philanthropic reality by directing critical resources to the communities and causes that protect marine and freshwater science, conservation, and ecosystems upon which we depend and for which we care.

 

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PARTNER WITH US TO DRIVE CHANGE

→ Grantseekers

Grants are by invitation only.  If you are interested in seeking a grant from World Group Foundation, contact us!

 

Contact Us

FAQ

Do you have an open application process?
No.  We consider grant requests on an invitation only basis.   
How do I apply for a grant?
Please start by reading our Application Guidelines document which provides a description of our current funding priorities, who and what we do and do not fund, and general information about both our grantmaking and our expectations for a successful grant. If you have read our grant application information and believe that you have a project that fits our current funding priorities and eligibility standards, please email us at info@worldgroupfoundation.org with a short description of your project. 
What geographical areas does the foundation fund?
We fund projects where World Group employees live, work, and operate. 
Do you consider applications from individuals, social enterprises/CICs or community groups? 
No. The Foundation only funds IRS designated 501(c) 3 charities.  On rare occasion the Foundation will support the mission of an NGO that meets certain criteria. 
Does the foundation offer support, such as loans/investments/ advice?
No.  We do not have the capacity to offer such support. 
Do you accept applications by post or email?
No.  We accept grant applications through an online portal.
Can I submit more than one application?
No. We will only consider one application at a time.
Can I apply for funding to cover core costs?
Yes. As part of our desire to be a good partner in making a sustainable difference, we are willing to consider funding on an unrestricted basis. 
Do you give grants for more than one year?
Yes, our grants can be for up to three years. Please bear in mind that we only award multiyear grants to charities we have previously supported, and that the amount requested should not be more than 5% of the charity’s last reported income.
Is there a limit on the size of grant that we can apply for?
No there isn’t. You are welcome to ask for the sum you require. Every request is considered on its own merits and the awards are made accordingly.  
Are there deadlines for applications?
No. We consider grant applications on a rolling basis.   
If my organization is invited to apply, does that mean we will receive funding from World Group Foundation?
No.  Invitation to apply does not constitute an agreement to fund your organization. 
How many stages are there in the application process?
We require a single application form.  However, we emphasize a collaborative process and encourage ongoing dialogue.  During the process we may initiate a meeting to clarify and elaborate on parts of the application and the project. 
How should I complete the funding request form?
Once your organization is invited to apply, you will receive a Funding Request Form with clear instructions on how to proceed.  Foundation staff are prepared to answer any procedural questions you may have.    
What happens after we have submitted our funding request?
First, we will acknowledge receipt of your Funding Request Form.  Then we will pass it to the grants review committee.  If it is recommended to proceed by the committee it will go to the Board of Trustees for review and a decision on whether to fund the request.  Throughout this process we will maintain communication with you as to the status of the request. 
What is the usual timetable for decisions?
You can expect to hear from us in one to three months 
Do you meet applicants as part of your evaluation process?
Generally, yes.  We will meet either in person or via a virtual meeting.  We consider this to be an important part of the relationship building process to ensure a collaborative and sustainable engagement throughout the project.   
How will I know if my application has not been successful?
We will notify you by email if you have not been successful.  
Can I request feedback if my application is turned down?
Yes.  We will share with you the key reasons for turning down the application.   
When can an organization re-apply for funding?
It depends on the reason an application is denied and the turnaround time for a new application will vary.   
How do you make grant payments?
Successful applicants will be asked to complete and submit our Bank Details form and upload a copy of a recent bank statement or pay in slip.  We aim to send payments within 2 – 4 weeks of receiving this information. In some instances, we may make a pledge for a grant to be paid in the future when specific conditions have been met.  
Will I have to sign a contract to receive a grant?
No. While we do not use contracts, all grants are subject to our standard Terms and Conditions, and we will ask you to confirm acceptance of these when you send us your bank details. Any further conditions will be contained in your grant award email.  
If I receive a grant, do I have to conform to any specific reporting requirements?
The degree to which and under what circumstances we ask grantees to report on their work is determined as part of the collaborative discussion during the grant application phase.  We want to ensure that reporting requirements, while necessary for a positive grantor/grantee relationship and a successful project, are not burdensome to the grantee.  Generally speaking, we ask recipients of large ($25,000+) and multi-year grants to complete our monitoring form, either before future payment tranches are due and/or at the end of the grant period. For smaller and year or less projects, we generally require a report at the end of the grant period.  Grantees are sent emails with full instructions on how to do this – generally two months before the report is due. 
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