From time to time the Foundation chooses a specific focus for new grant requests from organizations with which we do not already have a relationship. For consideration in 2012 the William Bingham Foundation will accept unsolicited proposals from organizations currently addressing water quality issues related to hydraulic fracturing in the Marcellus Shale drilling areas in New York. Click on the "Application Procedures" tab for detailed instructions and to download an application form.

Grants are made only to public U.S. charities. Grants are not made to individuals or for support of activities centered outside the United States. The majority of the Foundation's grantmaking is by invitation only. Although there are no geographic restrictions (with the exception of the 2012 Letter of Inquiry process), grants often reflect the needs of the communities in which Trustees reside.

The William Bingham Foundation limits capital grants for new construction to projects that seek U.S. Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification at least at the Silver level. Grants for renovation are limited to projects that seek LEED certification. The Foundation limits higher education grants to Colleges and Universities that have signed the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment.