William E. Simon Foundation

Named after its principal benefactor, the William E. Simon Foundation supports programs that are intended to strengthen the free enterprise system and the spiritual values on which it rests: individual freedom, initiative, thrift, self-discipline and faith in God. The mission of the Foundation reflects the unique accomplishments of the individual for whom it is named, and the principles of a free society that have made these accomplishments possible.

The main charitable purpose of the Foundation is to assist those in need by providing the means through which they may help themselves. The charitable philosophy guiding the Foundation draws heavily on the thoughts expressed a century ago by Andrew Carnegie in The Gospel of Wealth, where he wrote,

"In bestowing charity, the main consideration should be to help those who will help themselves; to provide part of the means by which those who desire to improve may do so; to give those who desire to rise the aids by which they may rise; to assist, but rarely or never to do all."

In implementing this philosophy, the Foundation seeks to fund programs which are effective in promoting independence and personal responsibility among those in need.

In recognition of the fact that a good education is indispensable in today's world to open doors to opportunity and advancement, the Foundation seeks to improve the quality of elementary and secondary education, in particular in basic skills areas. The Foundation will support K-12 institutions that are alternatives to the traditional public system, as well as other organizations that encourage educational options and competition, with the goal of promoting broader education reform. This includes, but is not limited to, religious schools, other independent schools and charter schools, voucher programs, and policy research in the areas of education choice and reform.

140 East 45th Street
Suite 14D
New York, NY 10017
T: (212) 661-8366
F: (212) 661-9450
E: info@wesimonfoundation.org

Letter of Inquiry: William E. Simon Foundation

National BDPA vice president Paulette Johnson-Davis worked with BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) on a letter of inquiry to the William E. Simon Foundation. We are asking them for permission to submit a $25,000 grant proposal in support of BDPA's High School Computer Competition (HSCC).

The HSCC program celebrates its 25th year anniversary in 2010. Throughout the year, local chapters conduct SITES training programs for the youth in their communities. These programs are designed to expose our youth to the concepts of computers and give them the expertise to develop web applications. The program introduces our youth to the field of Information Technology. Our volunteers around the nation encourage these young people to seek higher levels of education, and groom many of them to become our next generation of IT professionals.

Wish us luck in the funding process!