Donald F And Edna G Bishop Scholarship Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $915,071 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $514 - $251,397
• Geographic Focus: Primarily New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts; some national reach

Contact Details

Trustee: Chemung Canal Trust Company
Phone: (607) 737-3840
Alternative Phone: (607) 771-6532
Address: PO Box 152, Elmira, NY 14902
Email: Not publicly available
Website: No public website

Overview

The Donald F And Edna G Bishop Scholarship Foundation is a private foundation established around 1989-1990 with total assets of approximately $15.9 million. The foundation distributes over $900,000 annually through 30-40 grants, primarily supporting educational institutions and healthcare organizations. Managed by Chemung Canal Trust Company as corporate trustee, the foundation operates without a public application process, making grants through trustee discretion based on the original donors' philanthropic intent. The foundation's grant-making has remained consistent over recent years, with a focus on higher education scholarships and healthcare initiatives across multiple states, though concentrated in the Northeast.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants in two primary categories:

• Educational Grants: $500 - $250,000+ (supporting scholarships and university programs)
• Healthcare Grants: Variable amounts (supporting in-patient medical care and hospital services)
• Professional Development: Smaller grants to professional societies and associations

Priority Areas

• Higher education and university support
• Student scholarships (administered through institutions)
• In-patient medical care and hospital services
• Healthcare equipment and programs
• Professional societies in education and healthcare fields

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on:

• Institutional grants rather than direct individual support
• Established educational and healthcare organizations
• Organizations primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates under a corporate trustee model with Chemung Canal Trust Company serving as the sole trustee. This structure is common for private foundations established through estate planning, where professional trust services manage grant-making according to the donors' original charitable intent. The trust company maintains full discretion over grant decisions and manages all foundation operations from their offices in Elmira, New York.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the corporate trustee, Chemung Canal Trust Company, based on the original donors' charitable intent and established relationships with beneficiary institutions.

Organizations interested in being considered for funding should:

1. Contact Chemung Canal Trust Company directly at (607) 737-3840
2. Inquire about the foundation's current priorities and whether they consider new beneficiaries
3. Provide a letter of inquiry outlining organizational alignment with education or healthcare missions
4. Be prepared to demonstrate institutional stability and impact

Getting on Their Radar

Since this is a trustee-managed foundation without public applications:

• Direct contact with Chemung Canal Trust Company's trust officers is essential
• Building relationships with the trust department may lead to consideration
• The foundation appears to maintain ongoing relationships with certain institutions, particularly in the Binghamton/Elmira region
• Educational institutions seeking scholarship support should inquire about establishing named scholarship programs

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed and likely vary based on the trustee's meeting schedule and grant cycle.

Success Rates

Not applicable as there is no public application process. The foundation makes approximately 30-40 grants annually to selected organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Organizations would need to inquire directly with the trustee.

Application Success Factors

Given the trustee-managed structure:

• Geographic alignment: Organizations in New York, particularly the Southern Tier region, may have stronger consideration
• Mission alignment: Clear focus on education or healthcare is essential
• Institutional credibility: The foundation primarily funds established institutions with proven track records
• Relationship building: Direct contact and relationship with Chemung Canal Trust Company is likely crucial
• Demonstrated impact: Organizations should be prepared to show measurable outcomes in education or healthcare
• Sustainability: Evidence of long-term viability and proper financial management

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private foundation with no public application process - all grants are made through trustee discretion
• Direct contact with Chemung Canal Trust Company at (607) 737-3840 is the only pathway to consideration
• The foundation has substantial assets ($15.9M) and consistent annual giving ($900K+)
• Focus areas are clearly defined: higher education and healthcare, with emphasis on institutional support
• Geographic preference appears to favor Northeast institutions, particularly in New York State
• The foundation makes both large institutional grants (up to $250,000) and smaller program grants
• Building a relationship with the corporate trustee is essential for any funding consideration

References

• GuideStar Profile - The Donald F And Edna G Bishop Scholarship Foundation (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/16-6332120) - Accessed March 2024
• Foundation Center/Candid Profile (https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BISH020) - Accessed March 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - EIN 166332120 (https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/166332120) - Accessed March 2024
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Donald F And Edna G Bishop Scholarship Foundation (https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/donald-f-and-edna-g-bishop-scholarship-foundation) - Accessed March 2024
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile (https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-donald-f-and-edna-g-bishop-scholarship,166332120/) - Accessed March 2024
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021-2024) - Various database sources