If you are an international organization, or a U.S. based charity providing services internationally, please check the International Philanthropy section of our website.

• 501(c)3 Public Charity organizations - if an organization is a project under a fiscal sponsor, that sponsor must have a valid tax exemption status.
• Organizations must serve children in communities within the U.S.
• Organizations must not discriminate against a person or a group on the basis of age, political affiliation, race, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religious belief.
• Preference is given to organizations that have an annual operating budget of less than $1 million.

• Programs that directly and effectively impact children with demonstrated needs (physical, financial, emotional and health-related);
• Preferences to programs given demonstrated results;
• Organizations that use creative and innovative methods to address a locally defined need directly impacting children in need.
• Organizations or programs that align with Mattel's philanthropic priorities:
  • LEARNING - Increasing access to education for underserved children and in particular, innovative strategies to promote and address literacy.
  • HEALTH: Supporting the health and wellbeing of children, with particular emphasis on promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
  • GIRL EMPOWERMENT: Promoting self-esteem in young girls, up to age 12.
• If your organization is part of a national organization, we encourage the National office to apply on behalf of all its chapters.
• Organizations may submit under a fiscal agent as long as the program has been in existence for at least two years.

• Program-specific grants: Funding for launch of new programs or expansion of existing programs.
• Core operating support: Provides support for administrative and operating costs allowing organizations to sustain their programs.

• Capital funding for physical property purchase, renovation or developments
• Individuals
• Political parties, candidates or partisan political organizations
• Labor organizations, fraternal organizations, athletic clubs or social clubs
• Sectarian or denominational religious organizations, except for programs that are available to anyone, broadly promoted and free from religious orientation
• Fundraising events (e.g. dinners, tournaments)
• Advertising or marketing sponsorships
• Research overhead and/or indirect costs (including fiscal sponsor fees) that exceed 15 percent of the direct project costs

Funding is for one fiscal year. No multi-year requests will be accepted. The Foundation doe not expect to continue funding programs beyond the period of the grant. Organizations may apply only once in a calendar year. Those that receive a grant should not apply for funding at least one year after the end of the existing grant period.

Applications must be submitted online through the Mattel website. Applications will not be accepted by fax or mail. If you have any questions, please send them to foundation@mattel.com.

If your organization or program successfully completes the eligibility quiz, you will automatically link to the grant application.

Application Attachments:
Project Budget Template
Organization Budget Template

If you are a designated Community Partner as identified by a specific Mattel location, please click here.