The Ferris Family Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting a variety of causes, with a strong emphasis on education, youth development, and community service. Its mission reflects a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families through grants that address general purposes, educational initiatives, healthcare, and homelessness. The foundation actively funds organizations that work to break the cycle of poverty, promote youth services, and preserve historic sites. It serves a diverse range of recipients, primarily focusing on nonprofit organizations that align with its values of community engagement and social improvement.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Small to mid‑sized nonprofits working in education, youth development, or community services—especially those serving the DC‑metro region—seeking general operating or program support.
Good Fit
- • Programs focused on education, youth services, or community support
- • Demonstrated impact or presence in the DC metro area (DC/MD/VA)
- • Capacity to use general purpose or unrestricted grants
- • Track record of stable operations and local partnerships
- • Willingness to apply via a mailed/phone contact rather than an online portal
Geography
Observed grants span roughly ten states, so the footprint is multi‑state; however the majority of dollars (about 71%) were concentrated in the DC metro area in the latest year.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows 42 distinct recipients with a mix of small awards and a few large grants, plus 26 recurring recipients across years—indicating a broad recipient set rather than a tiny closed circle.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of access exists: the filing lists a named contact, a rolling submission process with no specific format, and 16 new grantees appeared in the latest year, so unfamiliar applicants have demonstrably entered the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
