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Virginia B. Toulmin Charitable Foundation III

Annual Giving
$7.9M

Virginia B. Toulmin Charitable Foundation III

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7.9 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A - Invitation only
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Varies widely - individual grants from $10,000 to $500,000+
  • Geographic Focus: National (US) with some international

Contact Details

  • Website: www.toulminfoundation.org
  • Phone: 201-218-2173
  • Email: Not publicly available
  • Address: PO Box 606, Cresskill, NJ 07626-0606
  • Social Media:
    • Instagram: @virginiabtoulmin
    • Facebook: @toulminfoundation

Overview

The Virginia B. Toulmin Charitable Foundation III is a private independent foundation with over $135 million in assets, established through a $140 million charitable remainder trust created by Virginia B. Toulmin upon her death in 2010. The foundation distributed $7.9 million in charitable disbursements in 2024 and has granted over $100 million since its inception. Operating with an invitation-only model, the foundation focuses on three core areas: Women and Girl Empowerment, Disadvantaged Youth, and Performing Arts (exclusively supporting women and nonbinary artists). The foundation is distinguished as the only foundation in the performing arts dedicated exclusively to advancing opportunities for women and nonbinary creative artists, with trustees who are hands-on philanthropists deeply embedded in the communities they serve.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates exclusively through invitation-only partnerships and does not accept unsolicited applications. Typical grant ranges vary widely based on program type and partnership structure.

Priority Areas

  1. Women and Girl Empowerment: Programs preparing girls and women for leadership roles, particularly in fields where they have been historically underrepresented
  2. Disadvantaged Youth: Supporting children and families facing health, educational, and economic challenges, with focus on early childhood education and mental health services
  3. Performing Arts: Exclusive focus on advancing opportunities for women and nonbinary creative artists across theater, orchestra, opera, and dance

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focused approach means they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their three priority areas
  • General operating support for organizations not aligned with their mission
  • Individual artists directly (funding goes through partner organizations)
  • Organizations without proven track records
  • One-time projects without long-term partnership potential

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (3 members):

  • William S. Villafranco - Trustee/CEO (Compensation: $300,000)

    • Developed close relationship with Virginia Toulmin during the last 15 years of her life
    • "Virginia was deeply engaged in her philanthropy... We are hands-on philanthropists."

  • Alexander C. Sanger - Trustee/COO (Compensation: $175,000)

  • Walter P. Montaigne - Trustee (Compensation: $115,000)

The foundation operates with a small staff that is "deeply embedded in the communities in which they work" and establishes "long-term, meaningful partnerships with all organizations they fund."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. From their website: "Our funding is by invitation only and we do not accept unsolicited requests for support."

The foundation proactively identifies and selects organizations through:

  • Trustee research and identification of organizations in priority areas
  • Strategic partnerships with intermediary organizations
  • Long-term relationships built over time
  • Deep community embeddedness by foundation staff

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's documented approach:

  • Partner with current grantees: Many grants flow through partnerships with organizations like League of American Orchestras, OPERA America, and Girls Inc.
  • Build visibility in priority sectors: The foundation actively researches organizations working in their focus areas
  • Develop programs for women in performing arts: The foundation specifically seeks organizations advancing women and nonbinary artists
  • Create sustained impact programs: Foundation favors multi-year initiatives over one-time projects

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available due to invitation-only model

Success Rates

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented patterns and priorities:

  • Perfect alignment with one of three focus areas - especially programs combining women/girls advancement with performing arts or disadvantaged youth
  • Track record of sustained impact - The foundation celebrates partners like their Bangkok nursing school that graduated 450 women over 20 years
  • Innovation in gender equity - Particularly programs addressing historical underrepresentation of women
  • Partnership potential - Organizations that can work with the foundation's existing network (30+ orchestras, 20+ theaters)
  • Measurable outcomes - Clear ability to demonstrate impact and success metrics
  • Geographic presence where foundation is already embedded - particularly Sarasota, FL and New York, NY regions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - This foundation only funds by invitation • Focus on visibility in women's empowerment, disadvantaged youth, or performing arts sectors where trustees conduct research • Partner strategically with organizations the foundation already supports (League of American Orchestras, OPERA America, etc.) • Develop programs specifically for women and nonbinary individuals in performing arts for best alignment • Build long-term sustainability into programs - foundation favors ongoing partnerships over one-time grants • Consider geographic focus - foundation has strong presence in Sarasota, FL and New York, NY areas • Demonstrate innovation in addressing gender equity, particularly in fields where women are underrepresented

References

  • Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Official Website: https://www.toulminfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2025)
  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 filings and financial data: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/137385769 (2024 fiscal year data, accessed January 2025)
  • City Lifestyle Magazine: "The Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation" - Trustee information and foundation philosophy (Accessed January 2025)
  • SRQ Magazine: "100 Years, $100 Million: Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Marks Centennial" (October 2025)
  • League of American Orchestras - Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation Orchestral Commissions Program details (Accessed January 2025)
  • OPERA America - Opera Grants for Women Composers program information (Accessed January 2025)
  • The Dayton Foundation Biography of Virginia B. Toulmin: https://www.daytonfoundation.org/Virginia-Bernthal-Toulmin (Accessed January 2025)
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