Our Mission Is Easy
Environment
Art
Science
Youth Education
About the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation
Established in 2007, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation is dedicated to advancing the arts, education, and innovative initiatives that enrich lives through nature and the sciences. Founded by Mrs. Cornelia T. Bailey during her lifetime, the Foundation stands as a tribute to her philanthropic spirit and enduring legacy.
Mrs. Bailey was deeply committed to supporting organizations that promote the arts in all forms, expand educational opportunities, serve veterans, and drive progress in medical research. Today, we proudly continue her vision—investing in programs that seek to inspire, heal, and uplift communities.
The Foundation is committed to equal opportunity. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, and we fully comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal opportunity laws.
When evaluating grant applications, we prioritize programs with the potential to make a meaningful and measurable impact—especially those that improve lives on a broad scale.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to empowering organizations that promote the arts and develop programs designed to inspire, educate, and engage. Our vision is a world where the arts are not viewed as a luxury or elective, but as a vital part of every individual’s development and well-being.
Through strong community partnerships, we harness the transformative power of the arts to elevate educational outcomes, foster creativity, and enhance quality of life.
We believe in the synergy that arises when artists, educators, advocates, and creatives from all disciplines—musicians, museum professionals, actors, writers, and teachers—collaborate. The arts play a fundamental role in youth development, nurturing healthy brain function, social growth, and emotional resilience.
Aligned with our mission, we also support initiatives that protect and utilize nature as a source of enrichment and healing. Conservation and beautification efforts are not only essential to environmental health but also to individual and community well-being. Research consistently shows that time spent in nature supports both physical and mental health, especially for children. We are committed to partnering with organizations that recognize the vital connection between a thriving natural environment and a thriving population.
Equally important is our dedication to supporting veterans. We recognize the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and believe they deserve meaningful pathways to recovery, healing, and renewed purpose. That’s why we invest in programs that provide therapeutic support, service animals, respite opportunities, and community-centered initiatives that help veterans and their families thrive. Veterans’ well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a cornerstone of strong, resilient communities.
In addition to our focus on the arts, the environment, and veterans’ initiatives, we are passionate about supporting innovation in health sciences and medical research. We recognize the critical need for investment in groundbreaking research aimed at treating and curing all forms of cancer and chronic disease—especially those, like pancreatic cancer, that are underfunded and face significant treatment challenges.
As a charitable foundation, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that drive progress, improve lives, and create lasting, positive impact across the arts, the environment, medical science, and veteran support.
Our Programs
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Philanthropic Arts Program (P/Arts)
P/Arts, launched in 2019, supports non-profits, accredited schools, universities, and public agencies in enhancing programs that integrate art education into curricula and early childhood education and support disadvantaged students. Grants, capped at $10,000, aim to catalyze arts initiatives. Applications for amounts exceeding $10,000 will be returned.
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Eager to Learn Program
The Eager to Learn program offers college test prep assistance and, since 2022, has expanded to promote access to trade schools. We partner with organizations providing SAT/ACT prep or trade career mentoring, ensuring students from all backgrounds can access quality resources. Grants, capped at $25,000, aim to boost test scores and scholarship opportunities for college and trade school admission.
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New Era Writers Program
The New Era Writers Program inspires individuals to improve their writing and communication skills. We support programs that teach effective writing, helping individuals express themselves and craft persuasive arguments for change and equality. Grants, capped at $25,000, aim to provide knowledge and skills for clear communication and encourage higher levels of writing training for personal and societal impact.
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Veterans Assistance Program
Starting in late 2024, our Foundation will allocate funding for veteran-focused programs. We aim to honor veterans' sacrifices and provide resources to help them thrive in civilian life. We address their unique challenges through comprehensive and flexible programming, ensuring they have the opportunities and support needed to achieve their full potential.
General Grants
Getting started is simple—the Eligibility Form is your first step in the general grant process. If your answers show a good fit, you’ll be guided to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). The LOI is especially helpful for projects that don’t fall neatly within our three main program areas.
Beyond our core programs, we’re also excited to support projects in these areas of focus:
Environmental Ingenuity: Partnering with organizations that find creative ways to reduce environmental impact and improve the health of our freshwater and saltwater resources.
Medical Research: Backing important work on high-mortality, underfunded diseases—particularly pancreatic and colon cancer, though we welcome projects addressing other critical needs.
Visual and Performing Arts: Helping bring meaningful arts experiences to children and students in our communities, whether through visual or performing arts programs.
Veterans Initiatives: Working alongside veterans’ organizations to create spaces and programs that offer healing, respite, and support—including service animals—for those who have served.
