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Wiregrass Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.8M
Grant Range
Up to $10.0M
Decision Time
2mo
Success Rate
11%

Wiregrass Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,848,659 (2023)
  • Success Rate: ~11% (73 grants awarded from approximately 4 rounds annually)
  • Decision Time: Quarterly review cycle with decisions made at board meetings
  • Grant Range: Information not publicly disclosed; varies by project type
  • Geographic Focus: Houston, Henry, Dale, and Geneva counties, Alabama (within 50-mile radius of Dothan)

Contact Details

Address: 1532 Whatley Drive, Dothan, AL 36303
Phone: 334-699-1031
Email: office@wiregrassfoundation.org
Website: https://wiregrassfoundation.org

Overview

Established in 2003 from the sale of a nonprofit hospice, Wiregrass Foundation has become a cornerstone of philanthropy in the Dothan, Alabama region. The foundation has awarded over $90 million in grants since its inception, partnering with more than 200 area nonprofit agencies, organizations, schools, and colleges. In 2023 alone, the foundation made 73 grants totaling $3,848,659. The foundation's mission centers on making grants to nonprofit community organizations that positively impact the health, education, and quality of life of the Dothan area. Beyond traditional grantmaking, the foundation has developed signature initiatives including CapCONNECT (a capacity-building program now in its 11th year), the Dothan Alumni Cohort (engaging young professionals), and the Bright Key program (partnership with Dothan City Schools). Major commitments include a $10 million grant toward the Wiregrass Innovation Center and a $20 million long-term commitment to the Wiregrass Public Safety Center.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation offers three distinct funding categories:

  • Capital Grants: For asset purchases that add to net worth and last beyond the grant period (equipment, computers, furnishings)
  • Project Grants: For time-bound initiatives with defined start/end dates producing specific deliverables (construction, renovations)
  • Program Grants: For activity-based funding tied to measurable outcomes with designated program expenses (summer camps, professional development initiatives, dance programs)

Applications are reviewed quarterly, with board meetings in April, June, August, and October.

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on three core areas:

  • Health: Programs and projects that improve health outcomes and access to healthcare in the Wiregrass region
  • Education: Educational initiatives, school partnerships, and learning programs (e.g., Bright Key community learning centers in Dothan City Schools elementary schools)
  • Quality of Life: Cultural arts, capacity building for nonprofits, youth engagement, and community development

Special initiatives include the annual $450,000 Challenge Grant to Wiregrass United Way for capital improvements and the Cultural Arts Initiative launched in 2018.

What They Don't Fund

  • Private foundations and supporting organizations
  • Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships
  • Churches and political organizations
  • Projects outside the four-county service area (Houston, Henry, Dale, Geneva)
  • Individual scholarships
  • General operating expenses
  • National or statewide initiatives
  • Individual schools (school systems may apply)

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Beau Benton - Board Chair
President of Larry Blumberg and Associates (real estate development); former principal at Jackson Thornton; Auburn graduate

J. Vincent Edge - Chair-Elect
Attorney at Johnston Hinesley PC; former Foundation President (2007-2010); University of Alabama and Cumberland School of Law graduate; LL.M. in Taxation from University of Florida

Hope H. Johnson - Secretary
CEO of Friend Bank; serves on Alabama State Banking Department Board; University of Alabama, LSU graduate, and Harvard Business School OPM Program attendee

Founding Board Members:

  • John Edge - Past Chair; former Flowers Hospital Administrator; Foundation President (2005-2007, 2011-2013)
  • Addie McKinzie - 46-year Southeast Health career professional
  • John Dunn, M.D. - Medical Oncologist at Dothan Hematology and Oncology since 1991
  • David Johnston - Tax attorney at Johnston, Hinesley, P.C. since 1978; NYU Law School Master's in Tax Law
  • David Parsons - Managing Partner of ParsonsGroup, LLC; past Dothan Area Chamber Chairman
  • Steve McCarroll - Retired BBVA Compass Bank City President; UNC graduate with Georgia State MBA

Emeritus Director:

  • Mary Julia Lee - Founded Chrysalis (home for abused/neglected girls, 1985); board member/past president of 12+ organizations

Staff

Troy Fountain - President
Background in ministry, consulting, business, sales, and education

Cindy Bedsole - VP Programming
Manages grantee relations and the nonprofit capacity-building program CapCONNECT

Christina McKay - Director of Office & Program Management
Troy University graduate; manages the Dothan Alumni Cohort initiative

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation uses an online application portal with a structured process:

  1. Review the Grant Application Guidelines available on the website
  2. Watch the Applicant Tutorial video
  3. Register for an online application account (new applicants or those who haven't registered since 2024)
  4. Complete the Eligibility Quiz to confirm Public Support status
  5. If eligible, proceed to complete the full grant application
  6. Submit all required documentation by the posted deadline

Critical Note: Applications cannot be revised after submission. The foundation will contact applicants if additional information is needed. Organizations must have held their qualifying status (501(c)(3), private operating foundation, or governmental entity) for at least 2 years.

Decision Timeline

Application Deadlines (strictly enforced at 5:00 PM):

  • March 1 for April board meeting
  • May 1 for June board meeting
  • July 1 for August board meeting
  • September 1 for October board meeting

Deadlines falling on weekends or recognized holidays are accepted on the next business day.

Review Process:

  1. Staff confirms application meets eligibility guidelines and all documentation is provided
  2. Non-compliant applications may be disqualified at this stage
  3. Applicants are notified of application status and board consideration date
  4. Board reviews applications and makes decisions at quarterly meetings
  5. Applicants are notified of the board's decision
  6. Award Letters and Award Agreements (if approved) are posted in applicant's account for signature
  7. Grant closes after all requirements are fulfilled

Success Rates

Based on available data, the foundation made 73 awards in 2023, 78 in 2022, and 113 in 2021. With four application cycles per year, this suggests approximately 18-28 grants awarded per quarter, indicating a selective process.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions or waiting periods are mentioned in the foundation's public materials. Organizations may apply in subsequent grant cycles.

Application Success Factors

The foundation evaluates every application through a strategic lens, asking three key questions:

  1. Alignment: Does this project align with the foundation's strategic goals, objectives, and current areas of interest?
  2. Impact: Is this project designed to achieve the maximum impact possible?
  3. Optimization: Are there adjustments that can be made to yield better results?

Critical Success Factors:

  • Focus on Outcomes, Not Processes: The foundation emphasizes that applications should describe expected outcomes and objectives of results, not just processes or activities. Demonstrate measurable impact on health, education, or quality of life.

  • Geographic Specificity: Clearly demonstrate how your project serves populations in Houston, Henry, Dale, or Geneva counties and has significant, measurable impact within the 50-mile radius of Dothan.

  • Confirm Public Support Status: As a private foundation, Wiregrass Foundation must follow IRS regulations related to Public Support. It is the applicant's responsibility to confirm their Public Support status before applying.

  • Complete Applications: Staff review applications for compliance and completeness. Ensure all required documentation is included before the deadline, as incomplete applications may be disqualified.

  • Avoid Lobbying: Ex-parte contact or "lobbying" of Wiregrass Foundation's Directors during application review may result in an abstention from voting on your request. Let your application speak for itself.

  • Review Before Submitting: Once you submit, you cannot revise your application. Use the review opportunity before final submission to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Examples of Funded Projects:

The foundation has supported diverse initiatives including the $10 million Wiregrass Innovation Center, CapCONNECT capacity-building program ($243,547), Dothan Alumni Cohort ($57,323), Bright Key community learning centers in partnership with Dothan City Schools, and the Cultural Arts Initiative. Annual Challenge Grants to Wiregrass United Way ($450,000) fund capital improvements including building renovations, facility maintenance equipment, technology upgrades, furniture for shelters, food service equipment, telephone systems, handicap accessible doors, and medical equipment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Think Quarterly: Plan your applications around the four annual deadlines (March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1) and ensure your project timeline aligns with the quarterly review cycle.

  • Demonstrate Measurable Impact: The foundation prioritizes projects designed to achieve maximum impact on health, education, or quality of life. Use specific metrics and outcomes in your application, not just process descriptions.

  • Know Your Funding Category: Clearly identify whether you're applying for Capital, Project, or Program funding, and ensure your request aligns with the category definitions and eligible expenses.

  • Geographic Precision Matters: Your project must serve populations in Houston, Henry, Dale, or Geneva counties within a 50-mile radius of Dothan. Clearly articulate this geographic specificity.

  • Complete Applications Win: With no opportunity to revise after submission, invest time in thoroughness before the 5:00 PM deadline. Missing documentation can lead to disqualification.

  • Consider CapCONNECT: If you're a nonprofit leader in the Wiregrass region, participate in the foundation's capacity-building program to strengthen your organization and build relationships with the foundation.

  • Let Your Application Do the Talking: Avoid direct contact with board members during the review process, as this may result in them abstaining from voting on your request.

References

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