Richard And Barbara Gaby Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7,742,085 (2024)
• Grant Range: $46 - $2,451,385
• Average Grant: ~$78,154
• Total Assets: $76,089,312
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Georgia, Virginia, DC, and select other states
• Application Process: Invitation only - no public applications

Contact Details

Address: 3870 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Berkeley Lake, GA 30096
EIN: 20-2110682

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or inquiries

Overview

The Richard And Barbara Gaby Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2005 by Richard Gaby, a Georgia real estate entrepreneur, and Barbara Van Andel-Gaby, daughter of Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel. With assets exceeding $76 million, the foundation distributed $7.7 million in grants in 2024, making it one of the Southeast's most significant private Christian philanthropic vehicles. Barbara serves as Chairman of The Heritage Foundation Board of Trustees, continuing her father's legacy of supporting conservative causes. The foundation operates exclusively through trustee selection, funding organizations aligned with conservative Christian values and policy priorities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee discretion rather than formal programs:

• Grant Range: $46 - $2,451,385
• Average Grant: ~$78,154
• Annual Awards: 44-50 grants
• Method: Invitation only - trustees preselect all recipients

Priority Areas

Christian Ministry & Churches

• Churches and Christian ministries
• International missions and evangelism
• Examples: Family Life ($200,000), Key Life Ministries ($100,000+)

Christian Education

• Christian schools and universities
• Homeschooling support organizations
• Educational scholarship programs

Conservative Policy Organizations

• Public policy research and advocacy
• Founded the Georgia Center for Opportunity's policy center
• Organizations advancing conservative principles

Human Services

• Christian-based social services
• Orphan care organizations

What They Don't Fund

• Secular organizations
• Progressive/liberal policy organizations
• Any unsolicited applications

Governance and Leadership

Barbara Van Andel-Gaby (Co-Trustee)

• Chairman, Heritage Foundation Board (since 2018)
• Board Director, Alticor (Amway parent company)
• Board Member, Georgia Center for Opportunity
• Daughter of Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel

Richard D. Gaby (Co-Trustee)

• Georgia real estate entrepreneur
• Board Member, Georgia Center for Opportunity
• Receives $40,000 annual trustee compensation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Getting on Their Radar

While no public applications are accepted, the foundation's network connections include:

• Heritage Foundation: Barbara's chairmanship means organizations connected to Heritage events or board members may have visibility
• Georgia Center for Opportunity: Both trustees serve on this board they founded
• Arete Scholarship Fund: Barbara's board service reflects educational interests
• Conservative Christian Networks: Recipients include nationally recognized ministries within evangelical circles

Note: Visibility through these networks does not guarantee consideration. Do not contact the foundation directly.

Application Success Factors

Since this is invitation-only, traditional application factors don't apply. However, funded organizations share:

• Explicit Christian mission or conservative policy focus
• Proven track records and national reach
• Strategic approach to systemic change
• Geographic connections to Georgia/Southeast
• Entrepreneurial, measurable impact models
• Global missions or educational excellence focus

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not accessible: Invitation-only means most organizations cannot pursue this funding
• Conservative Christian focus only: Alignment with these values is non-negotiable
• Relationship-driven: All funding flows through trustee networks
• Major gift capacity: Grants up to $2.4 million possible for aligned priorities
• Van Andel legacy: Multi-generational commitment to conservative Christian causes
• No application timeline: All grants are trustee-initiated

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Richard And Barbara Gaby Foundation Form 990s (2011-2024). https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/202110682
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Foundation financial and grant data. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/richard-and-barbara-gaby-foundation
• The Heritage Foundation - Barbara Van Andel-Gaby Biography and Board Leadership. https://www.heritage.org/staff/barb-van-andel-gaby
• Georgia Center for Opportunity - Board member profiles
• Amway Global Leadership - Barbara Van Andel-Gaby corporate background
• InfluenceWatch - Richard & Barbara Gaby Foundation profile and grantmaking analysis