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Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.7M

Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,655,000 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $51,715,745 (FY 2025)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States), with noted support to Massachusetts

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 2505, Greenwich, CT 06836-2505

Phone: 203-863-2625

Trustee: BNY Mellon NA

EIN: 06-6276403

Overview

The Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation was established in 1984 and granted tax-exempt status in December 1986. This private independent foundation focuses exclusively on animal welfare and protection across the United States. With assets exceeding $51.7 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $2.7 million, the foundation provides general support grants to a wide range of nonprofit organizations that benefit animals. The foundation is professionally managed by BNY Mellon NA as trustee, with funding derived entirely from investment income (dividends and asset sales) rather than ongoing contributions. The foundation's approach emphasizes providing unrestricted general support grants that can be used at the discretion of recipient organizations, reflecting trust in grantees' ability to direct funds where most needed.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program focused on animal welfare without separate program streams or specified grant size tiers. Grants are awarded for general support purposes on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Application Method: Rolling basis - organizations must request an application in writing to the foundation's P.O. Box address.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on:

  • Animal welfare and protection: Organizations working to improve the lives and welfare of companion animals and other species
  • Animal care and rescue: Shelters, rescue operations, and organizations providing direct care to animals in need
  • Spay/neuter programs: Initiatives focused on population control and reducing unwanted animals
  • Wildlife conservation: Organizations working to protect wild animal populations and their welfare
  • Habitat and environmental protection: Projects that protect animal habitats and natural environments essential for wildlife

The foundation particularly emphasizes organizations that help care for dogs, cats, and other animals, though the scope extends to wildlife and environmental protection efforts.

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's focus is exclusively on animal-related causes. Organizations outside the animal welfare, conservation, and environmental protection sectors would not align with the foundation's mission.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by BNY Mellon NA serving as trustee. According to the most recent Form 990-PF filing (fiscal year ending May 2025), BNY Mellon NA received $375,365 in trustee compensation for their management services.

The foundation operates as a professionally managed trust, with BNY Mellon handling investment management, grant administration, and fiduciary responsibilities. This structure provides institutional stability and professional oversight while maintaining the founder's charitable intent focused on animal welfare.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis. Interested organizations must:

  1. Submit a written request for an application to:

    • Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation
    • P.O. Box 2505
    • Greenwich, CT 06836-2505

  2. Phone inquiries may be directed to: 203-863-2625

The foundation does not maintain a public website or online application portal. All applications must be requested and submitted through written correspondence.

Grant Requirements

  • Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Grants are typically made for general support purposes
  • Funds can be used at the discretion of the organization

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As the foundation operates on a rolling basis without published deadlines, applicants should expect processing times may vary depending on when applications are reviewed by the trustee.

Success Rates

Success rates and the number of applications received versus grants awarded are not publicly disclosed. With annual giving of approximately $2.7 million distributed nationally, the foundation likely receives more applications than it can fund.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not publicly disclosed policies regarding reapplication after an unsuccessful submission. Organizations may wish to inquire about reapplication timelines when requesting application materials.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented priorities and structure, applicants should consider:

Mission Alignment: The foundation has a clear and exclusive focus on animal welfare, protection, care, rescue, spay/neuter programs, and wildlife/habitat conservation. Applications should clearly demonstrate how the organization's work directly benefits animals.

General Support Approach: The foundation specifically notes that grants are "usually made for general support purposes" with funds used "at the discretion of the organization." This suggests the foundation trusts its grantees and values organizational flexibility. Applications should emphasize overall organizational capacity and track record rather than focusing solely on specific projects.

Geographic Considerations: While the foundation supports organizations throughout the United States, some sources note particular support to Massachusetts. Organizations in this region may wish to highlight their geographic connection, though this should not deter applicants from other states.

Professional Presentation: Given that the foundation is professionally managed by BNY Mellon NA as trustee, applications should be thorough, well-documented, and demonstrate fiscal responsibility and organizational sustainability.

Breadth of Animal Welfare Impact: The foundation's description emphasizes support for "a wide range of nonprofit organizations" in the animal welfare space, suggesting openness to different types of animal-focused work rather than a narrow subspecialty.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Exclusive animal welfare focus: This foundation only funds animal-related causes - ensure your organization's mission clearly centers on animal welfare, protection, conservation, or related environmental work
  • Request application materials in writing: No online portal exists; you must write to their P.O. Box to request application materials before applying
  • General support grants preferred: Emphasize your organization's overall capacity, track record, and mission rather than designing a specific project
  • Rolling deadline offers flexibility: Without fixed deadlines, organizations can apply when ready, though timing of decisions is unpredictable
  • Professional trustee management: BNY Mellon NA manages this foundation, suggesting applications should be comprehensive and demonstrate strong organizational governance
  • National scope with substantial giving: With $2.7 million in annual grants distributed nationally, this is a significant funder in the animal welfare space worth pursuing for qualified organizations
  • Limited public information: Specific grant recipients and award amounts are not publicly disclosed, making it difficult to identify precedents or typical grant sizes

References

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