Prospective applicants should submit a Letter of Inquiry which briefly describes the organization and the proposed request, including a summary budget, timeline and impact statement. The Letter of Inquiry is reviewed by staff to determine if the proposal warrants further consideration by the Foundation. If, after staff consideration, it is determined that the proposal warrants further review, a numbered Application for Grant form is forwarded to the applicant. The applicant completes the application in accordance with instructions included in the informational booklet and returns it to the Foundation for a more detailed consideration. Applicants are notified of specific submission deadlines upon receipt of an Application for Grant form.

The Foundation awards grants to qualified charitable organizations in the areas of arts and cultural affairs, civic and community affairs, education, health and medical research and public affairs. Except where initiated by the Foundation, grants are primarily reviewed within the western United States, including Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Arizona and Washington. To foster the religious beliefs of E. L. Wiegand, a portion of the annual grants is made to Roman Catholic charitable institutions. Institutions are to be in existence a minimum of five years.Proposals for endowment, debt reduction, ordinary operations, general fund raising, emergency funding, multi-year funding, productions of documentaries, films or media presentations, direct or indirect loans, or for the benefit of specific individuals are excluded from consideration.