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Acorn Hill Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.6M
000

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,580,000 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly available
  • Geographic Focus: National (established in New Jersey 1992, currently administered in Pittsburgh, PA)
  • Total Assets: $31.9 million

Contact Details

Address: C/O BNY Mellon NA, PO Box 185, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0185

Phone: (212) 922-8176

Note: This is a private family foundation administered by BNY Mellon. Direct inquiries to the phone number above.

Overview

The Acorn Hill Foundation Inc was established in 1992 in New Jersey as a private family foundation. With total assets of approximately $31.9 million, the foundation distributed $2,580,000 in grants in 2023. The foundation operates as a private non-operating foundation, managed by BNY Mellon as trustee with oversight from foundation officers including President Marian Burke, Vice President Katherine C. Prentice, and Secretary Kirby Culbertson. The foundation focuses its grantmaking on arts, education, health, and human services. As a private family foundation, it does not maintain a public website or advertise open application cycles. All officers serve without compensation, and the foundation generates income through dividends and investment management.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking rather than formal grant programs. Total charitable disbursements in the most recent filing were $1,822,488, representing 86.9% of total expenses.

Priority Areas

  • Arts: Support for arts organizations and cultural institutions
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs
  • Health: Healthcare organizations and health-related services
  • Human Services: Social service organizations and community support programs

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private foundation with no public application process, they likely focus on organizations already known to trustees or those aligned with the founding family's interests.

Governance and Leadership

Officers (as of most recent filing):

  • President: Marian Burke
  • Vice President: Katherine C. Prentice
  • Secretary: Kirby Culbertson
  • Trustee: BNY Mellon NA

All officers receive $0 compensation, consistent with private family foundation governance structures. BNY Mellon serves as the corporate trustee, handling administrative and fiduciary responsibilities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Acorn Hill Foundation operates as a private family foundation with grants made at the discretion of the trustees. There are no open application cycles, online portals, or published application guidelines. Grants are typically made to organizations already known to the foundation's leadership or identified through the trustees' networks.

Organizations seeking support would need to establish direct contact with the foundation officers through the phone number listed above, though unsolicited proposals may not be accepted.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. As a trustee-directed private foundation, grantmaking decisions are made according to the board's meeting schedule and priorities.

Success Rates

Not applicable for public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation, there are limited insights available about what makes organizations successful in receiving grants. However, based on the foundation's structure:

  • Alignment with core focus areas (arts, education, health, human services) is essential
  • Geographic considerations: While established in New Jersey, the foundation is now administered in Pittsburgh, PA, suggesting potential geographic preferences
  • Relationship-based grantmaking: As a private family foundation, pre-existing relationships with trustees or introductions from trusted sources are likely important
  • Established organizations: Private foundations often prefer supporting established nonprofits with proven track records

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Private foundation model: This is not an open grantmaker; they do not accept unsolicited applications through a public process
  • Significant giving capacity: With $2.6 million distributed annually and $31.9 million in assets, this is a substantial funder when they choose to support organizations
  • Broad focus areas: The foundation supports four major sectors (arts, education, health, human services), suggesting diverse interests
  • Professional administration: BNY Mellon's involvement indicates professional fiduciary management and investment oversight
  • Relationship-driven: Success likely depends on connections to the founding family or trustees
  • Contact first: Organizations interested in support should reach out via phone to inquire about potential interest before submitting any materials
  • No geographic restrictions stated: While based in Pittsburgh with New Jersey origins, the foundation may support organizations beyond these locations

References

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