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Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.4M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.2M

Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,428,259 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $26.6 million
  • Grant Range: $1,500 - $210,000
  • Median Grant: $25,000
  • Number of Awards: 41 grants annually (typical)
  • Geographic Focus: Southeastern Massachusetts & Newport County, Rhode Island
  • Application Deadline: April 15 annually
  • Lifetime Giving: Over $30 million since 1998

Contact Details

Overview

The Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1998 in Newport, Rhode Island. Founded by Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr., a successful businessman who founded Globe Manufacturing Company in Fall River and later developed Goat Island in Newport, the foundation has distributed more than $30 million to schools and charities since its inception. The foundation maintains approximately $26.6 million in assets and distributes approximately $1.4-1.7 million annually through roughly 40 grants. The foundation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, scientific, literary, and educational purposes under Section 501(c)(3), with a strong emphasis on supporting nonprofits in Southeastern Massachusetts (particularly the greater Fall River and New Bedford areas) and Newport County, Rhode Island. The foundation operates with no paid staff, managed entirely by family members and a close family friend who serve as volunteer directors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • General Grants: $1,500 - $210,000 (supports education, healthcare, community organizations)
  • Scholarship Programs: Multi-year support for scholarship funds at educational institutions
  • Capital Campaigns: Support for facility improvements and equipment purchases
  • Operating Support: General support for established nonprofit organizations

Priority Areas

  • Education: Scholarships, tuition assistance, educational programs, particularly for students from Fall River and surrounding communities who demonstrate financial need and/or scholastic merit
  • Healthcare and Nursing Programs: Support for medical facilities and nursing education
  • Arts and Preservation Societies: Cultural and historical preservation
  • Community-based Food Banks and Programs: Local hunger relief initiatives
  • Youth Services: Programs serving young people in the foundation's geographic focus areas

What They Don't Fund

  • Fraternal organizations
  • Individuals (except through established scholarship programs administered by educational institutions)
  • Organizations outside their geographic priority areas (exceptions made selectively)
  • Non-501(c)(3) entities
  • Political organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by a three-person board of directors, all of whom serve without compensation (approximately 5 hours per week each):

  • Sarah Rodgers McNeill - President, Board Chair, Secretary (Granddaughter of founder)
  • Thomas A. Rodgers IV - Director, Treasurer (Grandson of founder)
  • Robert F. Stoico - Director (Retired Chairman, President and CEO of FIRSTFED AMERICA BANCORP, INC.; longtime friend of the Rodgers family)

The foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. (1914-2006), who built his fortune through Globe Manufacturing Company's patented Spandex products (Glospan and Cleerspan) and through developing Goat Island in Newport. Thomas Jr. was known for his commitment to education, having established scholarship funds at Bristol Community College as early as 1988.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Important Note: The foundation's 990 filings indicate they make contributions to "preselected charitable organizations and do not accept unsolicited requests." However, the foundation's website describes an online application process with the following requirements:

  1. Complete the online application form
  2. Upload required supporting documentation:
    • Cover letter
    • Project proposal
    • Project budget
    • Annual report
    • IRS determination letter
  3. Submit through the website portal

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's statement about preselected organizations, prospective applicants should consider:

  • Existing Relationships: The foundation has long-standing relationships with institutions like Salve Regina University, Bristol Community College, and Nativity Preparatory School. Organizations with connections to these partners may have an advantage.
  • Geographic Presence: The foundation prioritizes organizations serving Fall River, Assonet, Somerset, Swansea, Tiverton, Westport (Massachusetts), and Newport County (Rhode Island). Strong community presence in these areas is essential.
  • Board Connections: Robert F. Stoico's background with FIRSTFED AMERICA BANCORP and connections to St. Anne's Hospital and Salve Regina University suggest these networks may provide introduction opportunities.
  • Written Inquiry: Some foundation directories indicate applicants may submit a written request stating the nature of the organization and intended use of funds.

Decision Timeline

  • Application Deadline: April 15 annually
  • Review Period: Grants are bestowed on a yearly basis following the April deadline
  • Notification: Not specified; contact foundation for details

Success Rates

With approximately 41 awards made annually and total giving of $1.4 million, the foundation supports a relatively small number of organizations with meaningful grants. The median grant of $25,000 and average grant of approximately $35,000 suggest the foundation prefers substantive commitments over numerous small grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and priorities:

  1. Geographic Alignment: The strongest grants go to organizations serving Fall River, New Bedford, and Newport County. Organizations outside this region have received funding but are exceptions.

  2. Educational Focus: Education-related grants dominate the portfolio. The top grantee (Salve Regina University at $210,000) and Bristol Community College scholarships reflect the founder's personal commitment to educational access.

  3. Established Track Record: Top grantees like Nativity Preparatory School and Bristol Community College have received multi-year support, suggesting the foundation values long-term relationships.

  4. Specific, Measurable Impact: The foundation's scholarship programs have clear eligibility criteria (residents of specific communities demonstrating financial need and/or scholastic merit), suggesting they value grants with defined beneficiary populations.

  5. Alignment with Founder's Legacy: Organizations connected to areas Thomas A. Rodgers, Jr. cared about—education for working-class communities, healthcare (St. Anne's Hospital connection), and the Fall River/Newport corridor—may have particular appeal.

Recent Grantees (2023)

OrganizationAmountPurpose
Salve Regina University$210,000O'Hare Commitment Fund
Bristol Community College Foundation$120,000Scholarships
Nativity Preparatory School$76,000Capital campaign
Southcoast Health$75,075Equipment purchases
United Way of Greater Fall River$75,000General support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Pre-existing relationships matter: The foundation states it funds "preselected" organizations, so building a relationship before applying may be critical
  • April 15 deadline is firm: All grant requests for a given year must be submitted by April 15
  • Geographic focus is paramount: Organizations must demonstrably serve Fall River, New Bedford, or Newport County communities to be competitive
  • Education is the priority: The bulk of funding goes to educational institutions and scholarship programs
  • Substantial grants preferred: With a median grant of $25,000, the foundation prefers meaningful investments over small symbolic grants
  • Long-term support available: The foundation maintains multi-year relationships with key grantees—once accepted, organizations may receive ongoing support
  • Submit complete documentation: Cover letter, project proposal, budget, annual report, and IRS determination letter are all required

References

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