Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5,980,020 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $2,000 - $750,000
• Geographic Focus: National (concentration in Texas, California, and New York)

Contact Details

Address: 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19803-3742
Phone: 833-940-5233
Email: Not publicly available
Website: No public website

Overview

The Stephen & Mary Birch Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1938 by Stephen Birch, co-founder of Kennecott Copper Corporation. With total assets of approximately $90.4 million, the foundation distributes nearly $6 million annually across 246 grants (as of 2023). Founded to support health services, hospitals, and civic organizations, the foundation has evolved into a broad-based funder supporting education, human services, arts and culture, health research, and various community programs. The foundation operates without a public website and maintains a low profile despite its substantial charitable distributions across the United States.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides general operating and project support with grants ranging from $2,000 to $750,000. Application is through Letter of Inquiry on a rolling basis.

Priority Areas

• Education
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
• Human Services
• Arts & Culture
• Health & Medical Research
• Animal-related programs
• Basic and emergency aid
• Faith-based programs
• Shelter programs
• Youth services and youth development
• Sports programs
• International relations
• Public affairs
• Religion

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

President: Debora Durkin (Compensation: $535,000)
Vice President and Secretary: Christopher Patek (Compensation: $440,000)

The foundation is managed by the Patek family, who have been associated with the foundation since the 1980s. Rose Patek (Rosemae B. Patek) served in various leadership roles from 1980 until her death in March 2021. The family's involvement began through Mary Birch Patrick (daughter of founder Stephen Birch), who entered into a development arrangement with the Patek family in 1983.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests, though research indicates they may be open to introductory materials. Organizations seeking support should submit a Letter of Inquiry to the President at the Wilmington address.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on available information, organizations may submit introductory materials via Letter of Inquiry to the President at 103 Foulk Road, Suite 200, Wilmington, DE 19803-3742. The foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through existing relationships and trustee networks.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation made 246 grants in 2023, 181 grants in 2022, and 93 grants in 2021, showing increasing grant activity.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's invitation-only approach, success factors include:

• Alignment with the foundation's diverse funding priorities
• Geographic presence in priority states (Texas, California, New York)
• Established reputation and track record in your sector
• Clear demonstration of impact potential within grant range ($2,000-$750,000)
• Connection through existing networks or relationships

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates without public application process but may consider Letters of Inquiry
• Substantial increase in grant activity (93 grants in 2021 to 246 in 2023) suggests expanding reach
• Wide funding priorities allow diverse organizations to potentially align
• Significant grant range ($2,000-$750,000) accommodates various project sizes
• Geographic concentration in Texas, California, and New York but funds nationally
• Foundation maintains low public profile despite substantial charitable distributions
• Managed by long-standing family trustees with deep foundation knowledge

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings and financial data (Accessed February 2024)
• Cause IQ - Organizational details and leadership information (Accessed February 2024)
• GrantStation - Application information and funding priorities (Accessed February 2024)
• The Grantsmanship Center - Contact and application details (Accessed February 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Grantmaker profile (Accessed February 2024)
• GuideStar Profile - Foundation overview (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Grant data and filing information (Accessed February 2024)