Davison Bruce Foundation (Davidson Bruce Charitable Irrevocable Trust)

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: ~$1.1M USD
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed; annual cycle with February 1 deadline
• Grant Range: $500 - $72,250 USD
• Geographic Focus: United States - primarily Alabama, Georgia, and Texas

Contact Details

• Website: www.davisonbrucefoundation.org
• Mailing Address: Davison Bruce Foundation Grants Administration, c/o Cumberland Trust Company, 40 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37215
• Phone: (615) 783-2540
• Application Method: Online via website or letter submission
• Annual Deadline: February 1

Overview

The Davison Bruce Foundation (formally registered as the Davidson Bruce Charitable Irrevocable Trust, EIN: 20-6565366) is a private family foundation established in 2005 and administered through Cumberland Trust Company in Nashville, Tennessee. With total assets of approximately $21.8 million, it distributes roughly $1.1 million annually across 52-54 grants. The foundation targets vulnerable populations and faith-connected communities, focusing on the intersection of health and wellness, economic empowerment, education, and Christian outreach. Its primary geographic footprint is in the southeastern United States, with the heaviest concentration of grants in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. The foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible US-based 501(c)(3) public charities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grants Program: $500 - $72,250 USD - supports organisations working in health/wellness, education, economic assistance, and Christian ministry. Applications accepted online or by letter; annual deadline of February 1.

Priority Areas

• Health and Wellness: Services for the disadvantaged and those affected by disease; rehabilitation and recovery support
• Education and Life Skills: Scholarship and life skills training; equipping individuals for success and independence
• Economic Assistance: Support for individuals and communities in economic crisis; transitional assistance programmes
• Christian Ministry and Outreach: Fellowship, discipleship, and service activities furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Children and Families: Community-centric programmes raising funds and providing direct services to children and families in need
• Sustainable Rehabilitation: Programmes aiming for systemic change and long-term empowerment, not just immediate relief

What They Don't Fund

• Governmental organisations (explicitly excluded)
• Organisations operating outside the foundation's defined service areas
• Individuals (no personal grants or loans)
• Medical research
• Endowments
• Political campaigns or lobbying activities
• Organisations without 501(c)(3) public charity status

Governance and Leadership

• President: Carolyn Bruce Reid - a family member of the founding family
• Secretary: Kendall Clinton
• Trustee: Cumberland Trust Company (corporate trustee managing the trust's administration)
• Additional Contact: Mark S. Drake (listed as "in care of" contact on IRS records)

The foundation was founded by "Bettie Bruce," who reflects on the family's heritage and the influence of her father and mother ("Bigga") in shaping the foundation's philanthropic values. The foundation describes itself as a family foundation with a deep sense of heritage and faith, seeking to honour Elizabeth Davison Bruce's example through its giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Applications may be submitted in two ways:

1. Online: Via the foundation's website at www.davisonbrucefoundation.org
2. By Letter: Written applications sent to: Davison Bruce Foundation Grants Administration, c/o Cumberland Trust Company, 40 Burton Hills Blvd, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37215

Eligibility requirements before applying:

• Must hold current 501(c)(3) public charity status
• Must be incorporated/domiciled in the United States
• Must operate within the foundation's defined service areas
• Churches may apply but governmental agencies may not

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: February 1 annually
• Specific decision/notification timelines are not publicly disclosed. Given a February deadline and typical private foundation cycles, decisions are likely communicated within 3-6 months of the deadline.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation makes approximately 52-54 awards per year from its annual giving pool of approximately $1.1 million.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplication after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic alignment is critical: The foundation's primary giving is concentrated in Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, with secondary giving in Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, and Tennessee.
• Faith-based framing resonates: The foundation explicitly funds the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ and describes its own mission in Christian terms.
• Systemic change over one-time relief: The foundation's language consistently emphasises "systemic change," "sustainable rehabilitation," and "long-term empowerment."
• Vulnerable populations focus: Applications should clearly identify the disadvantaged or at-risk population being served.
• Children and families are a priority sub-group: Multiple sources confirm the foundation funds programmes for children and families in need specifically.
• Modest to mid-range grant sizes dominate: With a median grant of approximately $17,250 and a maximum of ~$72,250, the foundation funds mid-scale programmes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a US-only funder: All applicants must be US-based 501(c)(3) public charities
• Geographic fit is the first filter: Confirm your organisation operates in Alabama, Georgia, Texas, or one of the foundation's secondary states
• Annual deadline of February 1: The foundation operates on a fixed annual cycle
• Faith alignment matters: Christian organisational values or ministry components are a genuine asset in applications
• Apply online or by letter: The foundation maintains a public application process at its website
• Grants are small to mid-sized: Median awards are around $17,250 and the ceiling is approximately $72,250
• Contact is available: The foundation can be reached directly at (615) 783-2540

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Davidson Bruce Charitable Irrv Tr profile and 990-PF filings (EIN: 20-6565366): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/206565366 - Accessed February 2026
2. Instrumentl - Davison Bruce Foundation 990 Report and Grant Opportunity listing: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/206565366 - Accessed February 2026
3. Tax Exempt World - Davidson Bruce Charitable Irrv Tr nonprofit profile: https://www.taxexemptworld.com/organization.asp?tn=504435 - Accessed February 2026
4. Cause IQ - Davison Bruce Foundation organisation profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/davison-bruce-foundation,206565366/ - Accessed February 2026
5. Grantmakers.io - Davison Bruce Foundation funder profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/206565366-davison-bruce-foundation/ - Accessed February 2026
6. GrantForward - Davison Bruce Foundation sponsor information: https://www.grantforward.com/sponsor/detail/davison-bruce-foundation-11778 - Accessed February 2026
7. Candid / Foundation Directory Online - Davison Bruce Foundation profile: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=DAVI467 - Accessed February 2026
8. GuideStar / Candid - Davison Bruce Foundation GuideStar profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-6565366 - Accessed February 2026
9. Davison Bruce Foundation Official Website - Foundation homepage: https://davisonbrucefoundation.org - Accessed February 2026