The Henry E. Becker and Pauline S. Becker Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 20-6297485
• Annual Giving: $3,680,000 (2024)
• Assets: $32,303,090
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $1,100,000
• Number of Grants: 19 awards (2024); 20 awards (2023); 20 awards (2022)
• Geographic Focus: Florida, Maryland, and District of Columbia
• Foundation Type: Private Family Foundation

Contact Details

Address: 1990 Main Street, Suite 801, Sarasota, FL 34236
(Note: Some records also list 1605 Main St Ste 600, Sarasota, FL 34236-5865)

EIN: 20-6297485

No public website, email, or phone number is available for this private foundation.

Overview

The Henry E. Becker and Pauline S. Becker Charitable Foundation was established in 2004 as a private family foundation in Florida. The foundation honors the legacy of Henry Eugene "Gene" Becker, who owned the Henry Becker's Dairy Farm in Roseland, New Jersey before settling full-time in Sarasota, and his wife Pauline Schweinfurth Becker, daughter of German immigrants, who passed away in September 2023 at age 102. With assets exceeding $32 million and annual giving of approximately $3.7 million, the foundation continues the Beckers' philanthropic commitment to education, human services, and community development. Pauline Becker was known for preferring anonymity in her charitable work and served on the boards of Mote Marine Laboratory and Ringling College of Art and Design. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Florida, with additional grantmaking in Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private family foundation without formal, named grant programs. Grantmaking appears to be conducted on a discretionary basis by the trustee(s).

Grant Amounts: $2,500 - $1,100,000
Application Method: No public application process (trustee discretion/invitation only)

Priority Areas

Based on Pauline Becker's documented philanthropic interests and the foundation's IRS classification, the foundation focuses on:

• Youth Development: Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties, Florida Sheriff's Youth Ranches
• Education: Support for educational institutions and programs
• Human Services: SPARCC (Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center), Easter Seals Happiness House
• Services for People with Disabilities: Lighthouse for the Blind, Southeast Guide Dogs, Inc.
• Arts and Culture: Ringling College of Art and Design
• Marine Science and Environmental Conservation: Mote Marine Laboratory, Bay Park Conservancy, Gulf Coast Conservation Foundation
• Community Development: Rotary Club of Sarasota Foundation
• General Philanthropy and Voluntarism

Geographic Focus

• Primary: Sarasota and surrounding Florida counties
• Secondary: Maryland and District of Columbia

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation without public application guidelines, specific exclusions are not documented. However, typical private foundation restrictions may apply.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates under the direction of Pauline S. Becker as trustee until her passing in September 2023. Current trustee information following her death is not publicly available in recent filings.

Historical Leadership:

• Pauline Schweinfurth Becker (1921-2023): Trustee and benefactor; served on boards of Mote Marine Laboratory and Ringling College of Art and Design; volunteered for 35 years at Mote Marine Laboratory in the Gift Shop and Library

Pauline Becker's approach to philanthropy was characterized by a preference for anonymity and behind-the-scenes giving. Her obituary noted she "preferred anonymity more than anything else" and "quietly and behind the scenes, insisting on anonymity" provided financial support to numerous organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Henry E. Becker and Pauline S. Becker Charitable Foundation operates as a private family foundation that makes grants through trustee discretion. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or maintain a public-facing application portal.

Grant decisions appear to be made internally by the trustee(s) based on the foundation's philanthropic priorities and the Beckers' longstanding relationships with supported organizations.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not operate on a public application cycle.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Given that this foundation does not accept public applications, the following insights may be valuable for understanding their grantmaking patterns:

Historical Giving Patterns:

• The foundation has shown consistent support for organizations where Pauline Becker had personal involvement through board service or volunteerism (Mote Marine Laboratory, Ringling College of Art and Design)
• Focus on youth-serving organizations, particularly those addressing disadvantaged children
• Support for organizations serving people with disabilities and special needs
• Preference for established, reputable organizations in the Sarasota community
• Environmental conservation and marine science research

Pauline Becker's Philanthropic Philosophy:

• Preferred to give anonymously and work behind the scenes
• Valued hands-on involvement (35 years of volunteerism at Mote Marine Laboratory)
• Served on boards to understand organizations deeply before providing major support
• Supported practical services that directly benefit vulnerable populations
• Long-term commitment to organizations rather than one-time grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Applications: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications; grants are made at trustee discretion to pre-selected organizations
• Relationship-Based Giving: Historical grants reflect the Beckers' personal connections and board involvement with recipient organizations
• Sarasota-Focused: Primary grantmaking concentrates on Sarasota County organizations, with some support in Maryland and DC
• Youth and Disability Services Priority: Strong pattern of supporting organizations serving children, youth, and people with disabilities
• Substantial Grant Sizes: With grants ranging from $2,500 to $1.1 million, the foundation has capacity for significant investments
• Consistent Annual Giving: The foundation distributes approximately $3.7 million annually across 19-20 grants
• Post-2023 Transition: Following Pauline Becker's death in September 2023, the foundation's future direction and leadership are not yet publicly documented

References

• CauseIQ Organization Profile: The Henry E Becker and Pauline S Becker Charitable Foundation. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/henry-e-and-pauline-s-becker-charitable-foundation,206297485/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory Online: The Henry E Becker and Pauline S Becker Charitable Foundation. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=CHAR246 (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: Henry E & Pauline S Becker Charitable Foundation. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/henry-e-pauline-s-becker-charitable-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• Your Observer: "Pauline Schweinfurth Becker" (Obituary). September 18, 2023. https://www.yourobserver.com/news/2023/sep/18/pauline-schweinfurth-becker/ (Accessed March 2026)
• NonProfitFacts.com: Henry E & Pauline S Becker Charitable Foundation, Becker Pauline S Ttee. http://www.nonprofitfacts.com/FL/Henry-E-Pauline-S-Becker-Charitable-Foundation-Becker-Pauline-S-Ttee.html (Accessed March 2026)