QBE cares...

This program supports high-impact, community-based initiatives aligned to our focus on climate resilience and inclusion.

• Climate Resilience: Helping communities prepare for, adapt to, and recover from climate-related risks, including preparedness, financial resilience, and risk reduction solutions.
• Inclusion: Expanding access to opportunity for underserved communities through economic inclusion, workforce pathways, and removing systemic barriers.

Multiple grants of $30,000 will be awarded across our two focus areas: climate resilience and inclusion.

This year, the QBE North America Foundation is introducing a one-time Legacy Award, recognizing a small number of organizations that have demonstrated strong alignment and sustained partnership with the Foundation over time.

Unlike the open local grants process, organizations must be nominated or invited to apply for the Legacy Award.

Legacy Award nominees typically reflect:

• A demonstrated track record of delivering meaningful community impact
• A history of partnership with the QBE Foundation
• Strong engagement from QBE employees through volunteering, advocacy, or ongoing support

Selected legacy organizations will receive up to 2 year funding to support continued impact and long-term outcomes.

Who can apply

Thank you for your interest in the QBE North America Foundation Local Grant program. Please take note of the eligibility conditions and ensure your application meets all criteria before applying.

To be eligible for a QBE Foundation local grant, the organization must:

• Be a registered nonprofit organization in the United States with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Be in good standing with federal and state regulatory requirements
• Operate programs within the United States (organizations or programs based in Canada are not eligible)
• Not be affiliated with political parties, lobbying activities, or unions
• If faith-based, ensure funded programs are non-religious in delivery and do not require participation in religious activities
• Have active programs already in operation at the time of application
• Demonstrate a track record of delivering programs and achieving community impact

Program requirements

• Funding must support a specific program or initiative (not general operating expenses)
• Programs should demonstrate clear community impact and measurable outcomes
• If part of a larger initiative, applicants must disclose other funding sources and how QBE funds will be used
• Only one application per program or initiative is permitted

• Applications open: Monday, July 27 
• Application deadline: Monday, August 17 
• Evaluation & selection period: August 18-September 17 
• Award notifications & announcements: Fall 2026

Evaluation process 
All applications to the QBE North America Foundation Local Grant Program undergo a multi-stage review process.

Initial review
Applications are first assessed to confirm:

• Eligibility requirements are met
• Alignment with one or more of our focus areas (climate resilience or inclusion)
• Suitability as a defined, program-based funding request

Applications also undergo an integrity and due diligence review. Shortlisted applicants may be subject to additional due diligence by QBE’s Financial Crime Management team.

Committee review
A shortlist of applications is reviewed by the QBE North America Foundation Committee, with input from subject matter experts.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Clarity and strength of the proposed outcomes and community impact
• Long-term impact potential of the initiative
• Demonstrated need within the community
• Organization’s track record and ability to deliver
• Strength of the organization’s reputation and operational capacity
• Clarity of the proposed use of funds
• Ability to measure and report outcomes
• Alignment with QBE Foundation’s focus areas and priorities
• Overall feasibility and likelihood of success
• Degree of innovation or differentiated approach, where appropriate

Final funding decisions, including award amounts, are made at the discretion of the QBE North America Foundation.

Notifying applicants

Successful applicants will be notified directly, and grant agreements will be issued.

QBE may collaborate with funded organizations to develop content highlighting their work and the impact of the grant. This content may be shared across QBE’s internal and external communication channels, including social media. Approval will always be obtained prior to publication.

Applicants who are not selected will be notified via email. Due to application volume, individualized feedback is not guaranteed.

Successful applicants will be required to submit:

• A final impact report upon completion of the initiative or by December 3, 2027, whichever comes first
• A midpoint progress update (approximately six months post-award), if requested

Reports should include information on:

• Progress against stated outcomes
• Use of funds
• Beneficiaries reached and/or communities served
• Key learnings or challenges

QBE may use submitted information for internal or external reporting, as well as case studies. Approval will always be obtained prior to publication.

Please note: If you anticipate challenges in providing this level of reporting, we encourage you to outline this in your application.

• Individuals, for-profit businesses, or private foundations
• Programs delivered outside of the United States or in Canada
• Political, lobbying, or union-related activities
• Religious activities or programs requiring participation in religious instruction
• General operating support without a defined program or initiative
• Events, sponsorships, or one-time requests without a clear ongoing impact
• Capital campaigns or large construction projects (unless directly tied to program impact)

• Funding is limited to U.S.-based programs; priority may be given to communities where QBE operates
• Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be reviewed
• All funding decisions, including grant amounts, are at the discretion of the QBE North America Foundation