The Teagle Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11.7 million
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Board meets in November, February, and May
• Grant Range: $25,000 - $350,000
• Geographic Focus: United States (nationwide)

Contact Details

• Website: www.teaglefoundation.org
• Phone: 212-373-1972
• Address: 570 Lexington Avenue, 38th Floor, New York, NY 10022

Overview

The Teagle Foundation, established as a 501(c)(3) in 2004, is a major national funder dedicated to strengthening liberal arts education in the United States. With total assets of $165 million and annual charitable disbursements of $11.7 million, the foundation serves as an influential voice and catalyst for change in higher education. Their mission centers on the belief that "the opportunity to experience a liberal arts education is part of the promise of our democracy, and that it must not be restricted to the privileged few." The foundation focuses on improving undergraduate student learning in the arts and sciences through strategic initiatives that can be scaled across multiple institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Planning Grants: $25,000 - $50,000 (for developing new initiatives)
• Implementation Grants: $200,000 - $350,000 (for executing proven programs)
• Cornerstone: Learning for Living: Multi-year initiative supporting interdisciplinary humanities education
• Knowledge for Freedom: Programs connecting liberal arts to civic engagement
• Transfer Pathways to the Liberal Arts: Supporting community college to four-year transitions
• Civics in the City: Urban-focused civic education initiatives

Priority Areas

• Revitalizing humanities in general education curricula
• Expanding access to liberal arts education for underserved students
• Strengthening transfer pathways between community colleges and liberal arts institutions
• Innovative approaches to civic education and engagement
• Faculty development and curriculum reform
• Interdisciplinary learning initiatives

What They Don't Fund

• International activities or travel
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Activities outside the United States
• Unsolicited proposals (concept papers only)

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

• Andrew Delbanco - President (Compensation: $403,312)
• Ann Marie Buckley - CFO/Treasurer/Secretary
• Loni Bordoloi Pazich - Program Director
• Elizabeth S. Boylan - Board Chair

The foundation maintains a selective board of directors including leaders from various higher education institutions, with board meetings held three times annually to review grant proposals.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Teagle Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Instead, they employ a two-stage application process:

1. Concept Paper Stage: Submit brief concept papers aligned with current initiatives
2. Full Proposal Stage: Limited applicants are invited to submit comprehensive proposals

The foundation establishes initiatives through an "extended discussion process," consulting literature, colleagues, and their Board of Directors. They actively convene leaders of funded projects to share learning and best practices.

Decision Timeline

• Board meetings held three times annually: November, February, and May
• Teagle staff review concept papers and provide feedback during proposal refinement
• Program staff determine which proposals to present to the Board of Directors
• Grantees must submit annual narrative and financial reports

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy stated; unsuccessful applicants should submit new concept papers aligned with current initiatives

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and funding patterns:

• Institutional Alignment: Projects must be aligned with your institution's strategic priorities and demonstrate sustainability beyond initial grant funding
• Scalability: The foundation specifically seeks solutions that can be "adopted or adapted" at multiple institutions
• Diversity Focus: 25% of grants go to minority-serving institutions; demonstrated commitment to expanding access is crucial
• Collaborative Approach: Multi-institutional partnerships and consortiums are favored
• Evidence-Based: Strong assessment plans and commitment to sharing results with the broader education community
• Faculty Leadership: Projects led by "extraordinary educators" with proven track records
• Innovation Within Tradition: Balance innovative approaches with respect for liberal arts traditions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates by invitation only - focus on submitting compelling concept papers rather than full proposals
• Emphasize how your project can be replicated or adapted by other institutions
• Demonstrate clear sustainability planning beyond the grant period
• Align proposals with one of their four current initiatives
• Show strong institutional commitment and integration with existing priorities
• Include robust assessment and dissemination plans
• Consider partnerships with community colleges if at a four-year institution

References

• Teagle Foundation Official Website (www.teaglefoundation.org) - Accessed December 2024
• Teagle Foundation Grant Guidelines (teaglefoundation.org/How-We-Grant/Guidelines) - Accessed December 2024
• Teagle Foundation Grants Database (teaglefoundation.org/Grants-Initiatives/Grants-Database) - Accessed December 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Teagle Foundation Inc (EIN: 20-1370387) - Accessed December 2024
• GuideStar Profile - The Teagle Foundation (www.guidestar.org/profile/20-1370387) - Accessed December 2024