Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• EIN: 136103401
• Founded: 1953
• Annual Giving: $1,156,000 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 65 awards (2023)
• Average Grant Size: Approximately $17,785
• Geographic Focus: Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions (NY, NJ, PA, MD, VA, DC)
• Primary Focus: New York City and Washington, DC metropolitan areas

Contact Details

Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10111

Phone: (212) 332-3466

Principal: Roger Le Fevre

Email: Not publicly available (contact foundation directly for email information)

Overview

The Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc was established in 1953 and has been making charitable grants for over 70 years. As a private foundation with assets exceeding $10 million, the foundation maintains a steady grant-making program averaging 65-70 awards annually. The foundation takes a straightforward approach to grant-making, requiring only a letter of request rather than a formal application process. This reflects a traditional family foundation model focused on supporting established organizations in specific geographic areas. The foundation's giving has remained consistent in recent years, with the 2023 distribution of $1,156,000 representing ongoing commitment to Northeast and Mid-Atlantic nonprofit organizations.

Funding Priorities

Primary Focus Areas

The foundation supports community welfare, health, education, and the arts in selected geographic locations. Specific areas of interest include:

• The Arts: General arts organizations and cultural institutions
• Performing Arts: Theater, music, dance organizations
• Health Care: Health services and medical institutions
• Speech and Hearing Centers: Specialized health programs
• Higher Education: Colleges, universities, and educational programs
• Children and Youth: Youth development programs
• Civic Organizations: Community development and civic engagement
• Social Services: Community welfare programs

Geographic Limitations

The foundation exclusively supports nonprofit organizations located in:

• The Northeast region (particularly New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)
• Maryland
• Virginia
• District of Columbia

Strong preference is given to organizations in New York City and metropolitan Washington, DC.

Grant Range

Based on 2023 data: With $1,156,000 distributed across 65 awards, the average grant size is approximately $17,785. While specific minimum and maximum grant amounts are not publicly disclosed, the foundation appears to make grants of varying sizes to support different organizational needs.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation has clear geographic restrictions—organizations outside the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions are not eligible. Specific programmatic exclusions are not publicly detailed but can be inferred from their stated focus areas.

Governance and Leadership

Principal: Roger Le Fevre serves as the Principal of the Theodore H Barth Foundation.

The foundation operates as a private foundation incorporated in Delaware but headquartered in New York. As a family foundation established over 70 years ago, it maintains a traditional governance structure. Detailed information about trustees and board members is available in the foundation's annual Form 990-PF filings but is not broadly published in public sources.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Theodore H Barth Foundation maintains a streamlined application process:

No formal application is necessary—only a general letter of request.

Letters of request should be sent to: Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc 45 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2000 New York, NY 10111

Or call (212) 332-3466 to inquire about the submission process.

No deadlines or restrictions are publicly listed, suggesting the foundation accepts requests on a rolling basis.

What to Include in Your Letter

While specific guidelines are not published, a letter of request should typically include:

• Organization background and mission
• Description of the program or project seeking support
• Budget information and amount requested
• Geographic service area (must be within eligible region)
• Tax-exempt status documentation
• How the project aligns with the foundation's focus areas

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. As the foundation accepts letters on a rolling basis and makes approximately 65-70 grants per year, decisions are likely made throughout the year rather than in specific grant cycles.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly if they have previously applied or received funding to understand expectations for reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's informal application process and focus areas, organizations seeking funding should consider:

Geographic Alignment is Critical

The foundation has strong preferences for New York City and metropolitan Washington, DC organizations. Being located in these primary geographic areas significantly increases likelihood of funding.

Established Organizations May Have an Advantage

With a simple letter-of-request process and no published application guidelines, the foundation likely relies on existing relationships and knowledge of established organizations in their geographic focus areas.

Focus Area Match is Essential

Ensure your organization's work clearly aligns with one or more of the foundation's stated areas of interest: arts, performing arts, health care, speech and hearing, higher education, children and youth, civic organizations, or social services.

Keep It Professional but Concise

Since only a letter is required (not a full proposal), the ability to articulate your organization's mission, impact, and funding need concisely is important.

Example of Their Support

The foundation has supported programs like the Barth Summer Internship Award at Clark University, which provides stipends of up to $3,500 for undergraduate students to complete summer internships in the nonprofit sector. This demonstrates interest in educational programs that build nonprofit sector capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Simple process: The foundation's letter-only requirement makes this an accessible funder for organizations in their geographic area—no need to complete complex applications.

• Geographic focus is strict: Organizations must be located in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, with strong preference for NYC and DC metro areas. Don't apply if you're outside these regions.

• Consistent giving: With 65-70 grants annually over recent years, the foundation maintains a steady commitment to grant-making.

• Modest grant sizes: Average grants around $17,000-$18,000 suggest this foundation is best suited for general operating support or smaller projects rather than major capital campaigns.

• Traditional foundation model: The informal application process and lack of detailed public guidelines suggest a relationship-based foundation that may rely on networks and established organizational reputations.

• Broad but focused: While they support multiple cause areas (arts, health, education, social services), geographic restrictions and preference for established sectors narrow the field considerably.

• Contact them directly: With minimal public information about specific preferences and processes, calling or writing to the foundation to introduce your organization and ask questions is advisable before submitting a formal request.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc, EIN 136103401. Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/136103401 (Accessed February 2026)

2. GuideStar Profile - Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc. Available at: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/13-6103401 (Accessed February 2026)

3. Candid Foundation Directory - The Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc. Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BART001 (Accessed February 2026)

4. Charity Navigator Profile - Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc. Available at: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/136103401 (Accessed February 2026)

5. Cause IQ - Theodore Theodore H Barth Foundation. Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/theodore-h-barth-foundation,136103401/ (Accessed February 2026)

6. Grantmakers.io Profile - Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc. Available at: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/136103401-theodore-h-barth-foundation-inc/ (Accessed February 2026)

7. Clark University Career Connections Center - Barth Summer Internship Award. Available at: https://www.clarku.edu/offices/career-connections-center/gain-experience/funding-opportunities/ (Accessed February 2026)

8. Clark University News - "Eight Clark students finish up Barth Summer Internships" (August 21, 2012). Available at: https://www.clarku.edu/news/2012/08/21/eight-clark-students-finish-up-barth-summer-internships/ (Accessed February 2026)

9. GrantStation - Theodore H. Barth Foundation. Available at: https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/theodore-h-barth-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

10. Instrumentl - Theodore H Barth Foundation Inc 990 Report. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/theodore-h-barth-foundation-inc (Accessed February 2026)