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Davenport-Hatch Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.5M
Grant Range
$50K - $2.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2.4-2.6 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $2,500,000
  • Geographic Focus: Rochester, NY and surrounding area

Contact Details

Address: c/o Greendyke Jencik & Associates PLLC, 110C Linden Oaks, Rochester, NY 14625

Phone: (585) 899-3470 or (585) 899-3471

Website: None publicly available

Note: This is a private foundation. Contact information for grant inquiries should be directed through the address above.

Overview

The Davenport-Hatch Foundation was established in 1952 (IRS tax-exempt status granted in 1953) by founder Augustus T. Hatch as a private grantmaking foundation to support charitable organizations in and around the Rochester, NY area. With assets of approximately $39 million and annual giving of $2.4-2.6 million, the foundation has a 70+ year legacy of supporting arts, healthcare, education, and human services in the Rochester region. The foundation is a family foundation now in its third generation of leadership. Among its most notable contributions was a landmark $2.5 million gift in 2008 to the Eastman Theatre renovation and expansion project—the largest gift in the foundation's history at that time. The foundation maintains a long-term philanthropic approach, with some organizational relationships spanning over three decades.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have formally structured grant programs but provides funding through trustee discretion across multiple areas. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope:

  • Major capital projects: Up to $2,500,000 (such as the Eastman Theatre project)
  • Significant equipment grants: $50,000-$100,000+ (such as hospital equipment)
  • Standard grants: Amounts vary based on need and project scope

Priority Areas

Arts & Culture:

  • Performing arts and orchestral music
  • Museums
  • Theatre facilities and cultural venues

Healthcare & Medical:

  • Hospital care and medical equipment
  • In-patient medical care
  • Disease prevention and treatment
  • Mental health care and residential mental health services

Education:

  • Higher education and university education
  • Graduate and professional education
  • Undergraduate education
  • Special needs education
  • Vocational rehabilitation

Human Services:

  • Child welfare and services for children and youth
  • Family services
  • Services for low-income populations
  • Developmental disability services
  • Group homes

Religious Organizations:

  • Christian ministries and organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus is specifically on organizations in the Rochester, NY area. Organizations outside this geographic region are unlikely to receive funding.

Governance and Leadership

The Davenport-Hatch Foundation is governed by a board of 12 trustees who are primarily family members. The board includes third-generation family members maintaining the founder's philanthropic legacy.

Board Members (as of recent 990-PF filing):

  • Douglas F. Taylor (Secretary)
  • A. Thomas Hildebrandt (Vice President, Treasurer, and Grants Committee Chair)
  • Mary Hildebrandt
  • William Knoble
  • Molly E. Martin
  • Taylor F. Warren
  • W. Thomas Hildebrandt
  • Erin T. Wimberley
  • Craig Mapstone
  • Shirley Warren
  • David H. Taylor Jr.
  • Jaclyn T. Knoble

Board members receive modest compensation ($3,500-$4,200) for their service. The foundation honors its founder Augustus T. Hatch and past president Austin E. Hildebrandt through named endowments, including the Austin E. Hildebrandt endowed chair for principal trombone at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Davenport-Hatch Foundation does not have a formal public application process or website. Grants appear to be made through trustee discretion and existing relationships with Rochester-area organizations.

For organizations interested in funding:

  • Contact the foundation through their administrative office at Greendyke Jencik & Associates PLLC
  • According to grantee feedback, it is strongly recommended to get in touch with the foundation well before applying to determine if your needs fit their funding priorities
  • The foundation is described as "well-organized" and running "a tight ship," so attention to detail and alignment with their priorities is essential

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly available. Given the private nature of the foundation and trustee-based decision-making, timelines likely vary based on the grant request and board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not explicitly stated. However, the foundation has demonstrated long-term relationships with certain organizations (such as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, with over 30 years of partnership), suggesting they support organizations repeatedly when there is mission alignment.

Application Success Factors

Based on available information about the foundation's grantmaking patterns:

Geographic Focus is Critical: The foundation exclusively supports organizations in Rochester, NY and the surrounding area. Organizations outside this region should not apply.

Long-Term Relationships Matter: The foundation has demonstrated multi-decade relationships with key organizations like the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Episcopal SeniorLife Communities, suggesting they value ongoing partnerships over one-time grants.

Alignment with Past Funding: Successful applicants should research what the foundation has previously funded. One grantee advised to "pay close attention to what else they've funded" before approaching the foundation.

Early Contact is Essential: Grantees recommend contacting the foundation well before formally applying to determine fit. This preliminary conversation helps ensure alignment with current funding priorities.

Attention to Detail: The foundation is described as "one of the most well-organized foundations" by grantees, and they "run a tight ship." Applications should be thorough, professional, and follow any guidelines provided.

Focus on Underserved Populations: The foundation has stated special interest in projects serving children, youth, and low-income populations within their broader program areas.

Capital Projects vs. Operating Support: While the foundation has made significant capital grants (Eastman Theatre renovation, hospital equipment), it's unclear whether they provide operating support. Prospective applicants should clarify this in preliminary discussions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Rochester-only: This foundation exclusively supports organizations in the Rochester, NY area—geographic eligibility is non-negotiable.

  • Relationship-driven: With no public application process, success requires building relationships with trustees or the administrative team at Greendyke Jencik & Associates PLLC.

  • Significant capacity for major gifts: The foundation has demonstrated ability to make transformational gifts of $2.5 million, making it a potential major gift prospect for significant capital campaigns.

  • Multi-generational family foundation: Understanding the family's legacy and values, including honoring founder Augustus T. Hatch, may be important in cultivation conversations.

  • Broad but focused interests: While the foundation supports diverse areas (arts, health, education, human services), they have clear priorities within each sector that align with Rochester's needs.

  • Professional operations: Despite being a private family foundation, they maintain highly organized grantmaking practices—approach with professionalism and preparation.

  • Pre-application inquiry is essential: Do not submit unsolicited proposals; make preliminary contact to discuss fit before investing in a full proposal.

References

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