The Ross Foundation seeks proposals for innovative programs and projects from organizations which can demonstrate tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or public charity status under Sections 509(a)(1) or (2) of the Internal Revenue Code. From the Ross Foundation’s beginning, it has primarily concentrated its grants in the following areas:

Education
Arts and cultural enrichment
Community beautification & improvement
Historical Preservation
Mental Health & the developmentally disabled
Forestry Research & Conservation Management

The major focus of the Foundation’s philanthropic program has historically been restricted to projects that are located in the Clark County, Arkansas area.
Funding is not provided for political lobbying, political advocacy or legislative activities, or grants to individuals. Funding is generally not provided for operating expenses of established agencies, grants to foreign organizations, grants for foreign expenditure or debt reduction drives.