Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation
At a glance
Key takeaways
- Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation funds organisations whose work benefits the Central Florida area, across religious, scientific, public safety testing, literary, educational and fine arts purposes, so only approach it if your project fits that remit and that place.
- Most grants are modest: about eight in ten of its 205 grants to organisations fall between $1,000 and $60,000, with a median grant of $15,000, so a request in that range is realistic, even though the largest grant was around $3,050,000.
- Funding looks relationship led in practice, as 88% of its grant dollars went to organisations it had also funded in its two previous filings, so a first-time applicant may find it a harder door to open.
- Apply by emailing a proposal to the foundation ahead of its fixed deadlines of 5 p.m. on March 15 for the Annual Meetings or September 15 for the Special Meeting of Trustees, and consider sending an email of intent first, as the foundation suggests this though does not require a Letter of Intent.
- Organisations that are not exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)3 or 509(a)1, or whose focus does not comply with the foundation's mission statement, should not apply.
Overview
Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation is a US private foundation based in Winter Park, FL.
What they fund
Profile derived from the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings (TY2025, TY2024, TY2023) and its website, with every statement checked against those sources. Sources read on 7 October 2026.
Priority Areas
The foundation says its support follows organisations and activities comparable in purpose to those supported by its founders. Eligible organisations must be exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)3 or 509(a)1, and their focus must align with religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary or educational purposes, as well as the acquisition, production, preservation, collection, promotion, appreciation and exhibition of fine arts. Each grant purpose must benefit the Central Florida area. The foundation describes support for educational institutions and other not-for-profit organisations contributing to quality of life in Central Florida, as well as support for an art museum. Its policy combines a broad charitable remit with a specific regional benefit requirement.
Themes
- Religious purposes
- Scientific purposes
- Public safety testing
- Literary purposes
- Educational purposes
- Fine arts
Geographic Focus
Central Florida area.
What They Don't Fund
- Organizations not exempt from federal taxation under 501(c)3 or 509(a)1
- Organizations whose focus does not comply with the Foundation’s Mission Statement
How to apply
Organisations submit proposals by email to grants@geniusfoundation.org.
Deadlines: Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on March 15 for the Annual Meetings, or September 15 for the Special Meeting of Trustees.
Application success factors
- Repeat giving: In its TY2025 filing, 88% of its grant dollars to organisations went to organisations it had also funded in its TY2023 or TY2024 filing.
- Grant size: Across its TY2023, TY2024 and TY2025 filings, half of its 205 grants to organisations were $15,000 or less.
What the foundation says:
- Proposals are screened for completeness, accuracy and consistency with the stated guidelines.
- An email stating intent to submit is suggested, although a Letter of Intent is not required.
- The Board may schedule grant review meetings or site visits at its discretion.
- The foundation discourages repetitive funding, though organisations may apply in consecutive years.
- The full Board reviews all proposals and makes funding decisions at scheduled Trustee Meetings.
- Any required report is included in the award letter, with timing varying according to the project's purpose and timeline.
Where grants go
From grants to organisations in the foundation’s filings for tax years 2023–2025.
Grant dollars by state
6 other states: <1%
- The largest single recipient received 63% of grant dollars to organisations.
- In tax year 2025, 88% of grant dollars went to organisations Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation had funded in earlier filings.
- No grants were paid directly to organisations outside the US.
- 2% of grant dollars went to intermediaries that regrant to other organisations.
Grants
How much do they typically give?
Share of 64 grants in tax year 2025 by size
Median $25,000 (tax year 2025)
The largest grants to organisations in the foundation’s latest filing:
- Charles Hosmer Morse Foundation · Operating support$2,775,0002025 tax year
- St Johnsbury Academy · Support of student life and athletics building$200,0002025 tax year
- AdventHealth Foundation · Purchase medical equipment$100,0002025 tax year
- Heart of Florida United Way · General support$100,0002025 tax year
- United Arts of Central Florida · General support$100,0002025 tax year
- Bach Festival Society of Winter Park · General support$82,5002025 tax year
- Rollins College Men's Soccer Team · Support for sports team$70,0002025 tax year
- A Gift for Teaching · Learning kits and arts program$55,0002025 tax year
Grants to organisations listed in the foundation’s Form 990-PF filings. Grants to individuals are not shown.
Officers and directors
- Richard O Baldwin Jr — Vice President
- Douglas Woodman — Executive Vice President & Treasurer
- Randolph Rush — President
- Harold Ward III — Chairman
- R Michael Strickland — Trustee
- Mary Christian — Trustee
- Nancy Stephens — Assistant Treasurer
- Bonnie Hubbard — Secretary
From the latest Form 990-PF filing
3 years of tax filings
| Year | Total expenses | Grants paid | Assets | Filing document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 tax year | $9,229,910 | $4,472,458 | $151,936,514 | Filing for 2023 tax year |
| 2024 tax year | $9,044,301 | $4,627,949 | $159,501,428 | Filing for 2024 tax year |
| 2025 tax year | $8,868,964 | $4,495,849 | $169,530,521 | Filing for 2025 tax year |
Figures from the foundation’s IRS Form 990-PF filings. Assets are at fair market value at year end. The document icon links to each year’s filing on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer.
Sources
Registers and filings
Other sources
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At a glance
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Applying to Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation?
Hinchilla drafts your answers around this funder's priorities, using your organisation's own documents.
No credit card required