Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation: Full Details

You’re looking at the Charles M and Mary D Grant Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit with approximately $6.7 million in debt-free assets that channels funds to community development, education, health, and environmental projects primarily across the southeastern U.S. While it’s run as a tax-exempt private foundation, you might notice it faces constraints like a revenue shortfall amid ongoing grantmaking efforts—raising questions about how it balances its mission with financial sustainability.

Key Takeaways

• The Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting charitable, educational, and community causes, focusing on the Southeastern U.S. for broad regional impact.
• As of 2024, the foundation manages approximately $6.58 million in debt-free assets, with charitable disbursements making up 85%–88% of annual expenses and robust financial transparency.
• Grant eligibility is limited to 501(c)(3) organizations, prioritizing projects in community development, health, environment, and education that show sustainable, measurable outcomes.
• Annual grant numbers have fluctuated, peaking at 13 in 2022 before declining to 8 in 2024, reflecting variable annual commitments.
• The foundation’s revenue shortfall in recent years is offset by strong asset reserves, with investment income and asset sales as primary revenue sources.

Organization Overview

The Charles M and Mary D Grant Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to charitable, educational, and community development causes, emphasizing general program support across various sectors.

You’ll find its funding strategies focused on advancing community initiatives, especially across the southeastern United States. With approximately $6.58 million in debt-free assets as of 2024, the foundation actively allocates grants—11 in the last fiscal year—to diverse projects including organizations like the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development.

Donations are tax-deductible, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to strengthen nonprofit impact through thoughtful funding strategies.

Financial Summary (2024)

As you examine the financial summary of the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation in 2024, you observe a revenue analysis revealing $364,000 in total revenue against $456,000 in expenses, highlighting a shortfall impacting financial sustainability. The foundation sustains robust assets of approximately $6.58 million with zero liabilities. Charitable disbursements make up a substantial 85%-88% of expenses, emphasizing a strong commitment to funding. Officer compensation accounts for 19.1%-22.4% of expenses, reflecting operational costs within the foundation’s structure.

Tax Filings and Compliance

Accuracy in financial disclosure forms both a legal safeguard and a public record for the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation.

You must file IRS Form 990 annually to maintain tax-exempt status, transparently sharing details about income, assets, and charitable outlays—a process reinforced by public platforms like Nonprofit Navigator, which archives your filings from 2012 onward.

Tax compliance isn’t optional; it’s fundamental to your operations, and amended returns may lag in public data, so always verify figures.

Your steady $6.58 million in reported assets signals sound financial transparency and adherence to reporting norms.

Spotting errors? Report them—public trust hinges on data integrity.

Notable Financial Metrics by Fiscal Year

Although asset sales have played a highly variable role, comprising between 32.1% and 85.5% of total revenue in different fiscal years, the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation’s financial stability is underscored by diverse funding channels and consistent positive net assets—a hallmark of resilience without liabilities.

This foundation balances fiscal discipline with meaningful impact, as reflected in these metrics:

• Charitable disbursements dominate expenses, accounting for 85% to 88% annually, prioritizing grants over administrative costs.
• Officer compensation absorbs 19.1% to 22.4% of outlays, reflecting investment in experienced leadership.
• Revenue variability is pronounced, with asset liquidation ranging from essential to predominant as a funding source.
• Other income sources—non-donation, non-grant—swing between 14.5% and 59.4% of total revenue, highlighting flexibility.
• Net assets remain positive each year, ensuring ongoing operations and mission support.

Asset and Liability Overview

With assets invariably positioned between $6.58 million and $7.82 million in recent years, the Charles M and Mary D Grant Foundation demonstrates a bedrock of financial stability, untouched by the burden of liabilities—its balance sheet, year after year, proclaims “$0” in debt.

This consistent asset stability underscores the foundation’s sound financial health. Effective liability management is evident as there are no reported liabilities, ensuring that all assets are fully available for charitable purposes, reinforcing the foundation’s financial integrity and ability to support its mission effectively.

Grantmaker Profile

The Charles M and Mary D Grant Foundation actively supports community and economic development, health and human services, environmental initiatives, and educational programs across the southeastern United States.

To amplify grant impact, the foundation employs strategic funding strategies. Key aspects of their approach include:

• Focus on broad regional impact
• Support for umbrella organizations
• Emphasis on project support
• Eligibility limited to 501(c)(3) nonprofits
• Review based on organizational capacity and alignment with priorities.

Grant Awards by Year

You track the foundation’s annual commitment as it awarded 11 grants in 2020, 12 in 2021, 13 in 2022, and 12 more in 2023, demonstrating reliable, multi-state support for nonprofit initiatives each year.

In 2024, the total decreased slightly to 8 grants, yet the pattern remains one of consistent engagement with diverse organizations.

These figures highlight not only the foundation’s steady philanthropic presence but also subtle shifts in the breadth of its annual award distribution.

Annual Grant Totals

Each year, the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation demonstrates its grant impact through consistent funding strategies.

Here’s a breakdown of its annual grant totals:

• 2020: 11 grants
• 2021: 12 grants
• 2022: 13 grants
• 2023: 12 grants
• 2024: 8 grants.

This distribution reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting diverse organizations across the United States.

Award Distribution Trends

Grant awards from the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation reflect a steady distribution trend.

You see a consistent level of support across years, with 11 grants in 2020, 12 in 2021 and 2023, and 13 in 2022. The number of grants slightly decreased to 8 in 2024.

This pattern suggests a thoughtful approach to grant allocation, potentially involving rigorous grant application processes and award impact assessments.

The foundation’s geographic outreach includes diverse states like California, New York, and Virginia.

Geographic Distribution

Eligible states include Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida.

• Prioritizes multi-state or regional programs
• Grants span southeastern and some non-southeastern states
• Historic awards include Georgia, Kentucky, and Louisiana
• Focuses on broad community uplift
• Encourages grant applications from specified eligible states

Form 990 Insights

You can use the Form 990 data to understand the Charles M. and Mary D. Grant Foundation’s financial health, including detailed revenue sources and expenses.

The foundation consistently directs 85% to 88% of its total expenses toward charitable grants, showing a strong focus on funding programs.

Foundation Financial Data

Financial documents from the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation offer insights into its financial sustainability and investment strategies.

You can see that the foundation’s financial data reveals a strong commitment to charitable giving.

Some key points include:

• Revenue Composition: Primarily from investment income and dividends.
• Charitable Disbursements: High percentage of total expenses.
• Asset Sales: Significant source of revenue.
• Financial Stability: Maintained through a positive net asset position.
• Grant Support: Consistent funding for various projects.

Grantmaking Patterns

When examining Form 990 filings from the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation, you’ll see a focused, data-driven grantmaking ethic. With 11 recent awards, the foundation consistently backs community and economic development—evidence of strategic, not scattergun, giving.

Your grant application strategies should reflect this regional focus: the Southeastern U.S. is prioritized, so highlight how your initiative amplifies impact across multiple communities. Funding impact assessment matters here; average grant size and recurring support can be discerned from past filings.

Importantly, charitable disbursements reach 85–88% of expenses, underscoring a mission-first approach. This clarity invites you to align proposals with their legacy of broad, sustainable change.

Foundation Financials

The Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation demonstrates financial sustainability through revenue diversification. Key financial highlights include investment income and dividends ($235,802) and a net gain from asset sales ($111,105).

Here are some key financial points:

• Total revenues were $346,907.
• Investment income contributed 68% of total revenue.
• Charitable disbursements were $416,162.
• The foundation maintained $6,697,083 in total assets.
• Annual expenses were approximately $475,720.

Revenue Breakdown

As you explore the revenue composition of the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation, you’ll find diverse revenue sources shaping its financial profile.

Total revenues reached $363,612, with investment income and dividends accounting for 22%, highlighting solid investment performance. The foundation also recorded a net gain of $111,105 from the sale of non-inventory assets—a figure that, despite a 31.6% decline from last year, remains significant.

Additionally, gross sales of inventory contributed $346,907, underscoring the importance of operational sales. A 4.8% overall revenue growth showcases positive momentum within these combined revenue sources.

Nonprofit Insights

You’ll notice that nonprofits today rely heavily on volunteer labor to maximize impact while minimizing costs, making community engagement a crucial asset.

Donor-advised funds play a strategic role by enabling donors to guide grants while retaining control, influencing how funds flow in the sector.

Understanding these shifts alongside funding patterns from Form 990 data helps reveal current nonprofit funding trends and strengthens your approach to grant seeking.

Nonprofit Funding Trends

While launching a nonprofit may feel like crossing a threshold into new territory, it’s only after organizations demonstrate consistent impact—often within their first few years—that funders like the Charles M. and Mary D. Grant Foundation start extending grant funding essential for nonprofit sustainability.

You should consider:

• Building a track record through effective project implementation
• Leveraging volunteer labor to improve capacity without raising costs
• Understanding donor-advised funds, which are reshaping funding models
• Embracing trust-based philanthropy focused on transparency and long-term partnerships
• Using Form 990 data to identify funders aligned with your mission and priorities

These trends shape your path to sustained funding success.

Volunteer Labor Impact

Engaging volunteer labor is essential for nonprofits, as it not only provides crucial support and resources but also fills significant gaps in funding and staffing.

Your organization can stretch its impact further—when you tap into volunteer motivation, you multiply capacity, reaching more in your community while lowering operational costs. This lets you direct more funds to programmatic needs, boosting sustainability.

Volunteer-led initiatives spark wider community engagement, making your mission resonate beyond immediate services. By fostering a culture of giving, you build resilience, which proves critical in uncertain times.

Smart volunteer management isn’t just practical; it’s transformative for nonprofits aiming for lasting influence.

Donor-Advised Funds

As donor-advised funds (DAFs) continue to gain popularity as a flexible means of philanthropy, their impact on the nonprofit sector is multifaceted.

You’ll find DAF advantages include immediate tax benefits and grantmaking flexibility. However, DAF challenges also arise, such as delays in fund distribution which may disrupt nonprofits’ cash flow.

To navigate this, nonprofits should actively engage with DAF sponsors. Consider these key points:

• DAFs allow donors to recommend grants over time
• Donations often remain in DAFs longer than traditional gifts
• Immediate tax benefits motivate donor contributions
• Delays in payout can hinder nonprofits needing quick funds
• Building relationships with DAF sponsors boosts visibility and funding opportunities

Understanding these dynamics helps you optimize your nonprofit’s approach to DAF-sponsored giving.

Grant Program Overview

Although you focus your efforts on different initiatives, the Charles M. and Mary D. Grant Foundation directs grant proposal strategies toward supporting projects that foster broad regional impact across the Southeastern U.S.

Your funding impact assessment should align with their priorities: community and economic development, health and human services, environment, and education.

The foundation primarily funds project support but occasionally considers operating support for organizations with budgets under $1 million.

Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities working in states like KY, VA, TN, NC, GA, and FL, among others.

Note the April 30, 2022 deadline for proposals.

Grant Type and Support

Foundation grantmaking isn’t a one-size-fits-all process at the Charles M. and Mary D. Grant Foundation. You’ll find most opportunities focus on project support, helping you launch or expand specific initiatives that align with the foundation’s priorities—community and economic development, health and human services, environment, and education.

Occasionally, smaller organizations (under $1 million in budget) can access operating support, strengthening your capacity to deliver lasting community impact. Sustainable projects with regional reach are especially valued, so tailor your grant application strategies to highlight broad, measurable outcomes.

Always confirm your 501(c)(3) status before applying, as this is a firm requirement for funding sustainability.

• Most grants are awarded for discrete projects rather than general operations.
• Operating support is rare, reserved mainly for smaller organizations seeking stability.
• The foundation prioritizes initiatives that scale impact across the Southeast, not just single communities.
• Your application should clearly demonstrate how funding will drive sustainable community change.
• Only organizations with official 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for funding from the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation, you must be a legally recognized 501(c)(3) organization serving communities in the southeastern United States, with programs that actively match the foundation’s focus on community and economic development, health and human services, environment, or education.

You’ll need to demonstrate that your organization’s mission and activities directly align with these priorities in your application.

While the foundation considers single-community projects, it gives stronger consideration to efforts that reach across multiple states or regions within the Southeast, aiming for broader, measurable impact.

Tax-Exempt Status

Since eligibility for funding requires organizations to hold tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code, you must confirm your organization is officially recognized as nonprofit to qualify.

This guarantees compliance with IRS regulations and provides tax-exempt benefits. However, maintaining this status can present compliance challenges.

Key considerations include:

• Legal recognition as a nonprofit
• Annual reporting requirements
• Governance standards
• Financial transparency
• Compliance with IRS rules on lobbying and political activities

Geographic Service Area

Although many organizations operate nationwide, your eligibility for funding hinges on working within the Southeastern United States, specifically in states like Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida among others.

The Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation emphasizes a Southeastern impact, favoring projects with broad regional reach over isolated local efforts.

To qualify, your organization must promote regional collaboration across multiple states in areas such as community development, health, environment, or education.

You also need tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and have an operating budget under $1 million to be considered for support.

This geographic focus guarantees effective investment in multi-state initiatives.

Alignment With Priorities

• Community and economic development
• Health and human services
• Environment
• Education
• Enhancing nonprofit sector effectiveness, especially if your budget is under $1 million

Your application must demonstrate that your organization’s mission and programs directly support these priorities.

Meeting these conditions strengthens your eligibility for funding, emphasizing projects with broad regional impact in the Southeastern U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Foundation Give Money to an Individual?

Foundations generally cannot give individual grants due to foundation regulations requiring funds to be awarded to tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, not individuals. This guarantees regulatory compliance and accountability in grant distribution.

What Is the Bemis Foundation?

You’ll find Bemis Foundation’s origins anchored in Bemis history, first renovating Omaha’s Bemis Bag Warehouse to launch artists in industry—now, Bemis initiatives power residencies, exhibitions, and public programs, fostering creativity, research, and civic engagement.

What Is the Grant Foundation?

Imagine funding programs that ripple through communities, igniting growth and wellbeing—you qualify if your nonprofit meets grant eligibility as a 501(c)(3) and aligns with priorities like education, health, and economic development.

What Is the Difference Between a Foundation and a Grant?

A foundation is a nonprofit entity—like private, community, or corporate foundation types—that manages funding sources to support causes, while a grant is the actual financial award given by the foundation to organizations or projects for specific charitable purposes.

Conclusion

As you stand at the crossroads where community dreams meet the steady pulse of philanthropy, the Charles M and Mary D. Grant Foundation plants seeds of hope—each grant a ripple widening into waves of change across the Southeast. Despite fiscal headwinds, the foundation’s roots, deep in debt-free soil, nourish health, education, and sustainability. You see a story not just of giving, but of growing: every dollar, a branch; every action, a forest.

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