Saltsgiver Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,512,000 (2023)
• Assets: $6.3 million
• Number of Grants: 18 (2023)
• Average Grant: $55,000
• Median Grant: $10,000
• Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania-based with some national giving
• Application Process: Preselected organizations only - no unsolicited applications accepted

Contact Details

Address: 1605 James Road, Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: (570) 546-5444
EIN: 23-2803397
Classification: Private Family Foundation
Website: No public website identified

Overview

The Saltsgiver Family Foundation was established in 1995 in Pennsylvania and received tax-exempt status in October 1995. With assets of $6.3 million and annual giving of $1,512,000 (2023), the foundation focuses primarily on supporting Christian evangelical organizations and providing scholarships and student financial aid. The foundation is led by Thomas M. Saltsgiver, a successful Pennsylvania businessman who founded Muncy Homes (modular housing manufacturer) in 1973 and acquired Wirerope Works in 2003. Since experiencing a spiritual transformation in 1985, Saltsgiver has dedicated significant resources to Christian ministry and education. The foundation operates as a traditional family foundation, making grants to organizations preselected by its trustees rather than accepting public applications. Annual giving has increased from $990,000 in 2022 to $1,512,000 in 2023, demonstrating growing philanthropic activity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Focus Areas

The foundation gives primarily to:

• Christian evangelical organizations - Including broadcast ministries, church programs, and faith-based initiatives
• Scholarships and student financial aid - Educational support aligned with Christian values
• Religious education and ministry - Programs that advance Christian teaching and outreach

Known Grant Recipients

• Christian Broadcast Network (CBN)
• Additional recipients not publicly disclosed but available through Form 990-PF filings

What They Fund

• Christian evangelical ministries and broadcast organizations
• Scholarships and educational aid for students
• Faith-based educational institutions
• Religious outreach and ministry programs
• Organizations aligned with evangelical Christian values

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's focus on Christian evangelical causes suggests they do not fund:

• Secular organizations without religious affiliation
• Programs inconsistent with evangelical Christian values
• General operating support for organizations outside their preselected network

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Thomas M. Saltsgiver - President and Trustee
Thomas Saltsgiver is a Pennsylvania businessman who founded Muncy Homes Inc. in 1973, a leading modular home manufacturer in Muncy, Pennsylvania. In 2003, he acquired Wirerope Works Inc. (formerly part of Bethlehem Steel) when it was in financial difficulty and successfully turned it around to profitability within 18 months. Since 1985, when he experienced a spiritual transformation, Saltsgiver has been deeply involved in Christian ministry and philanthropic work. He has served on advisory boards for numerous Christian organizations including:

• Christian Broadcasting Network (Board of Directors since 2007)
• Prison Fellowship Ministries
• Episcopal Renewal Ministries
• Acts 29 Ministries
• Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International
• The Sentinel Group
• Regent University

Joann Saltsgiver - Secretary/Treasurer and Trustee
Serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the foundation alongside her husband Thomas.

William F. Huber - Trustee
Third trustee of the foundation; specific background not publicly disclosed.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Saltsgiver Family Foundation has clearly indicated that it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. This is a common approach for small family foundations where trustees identify and select grant recipients through their own networks and relationships.

Organizations cannot submit applications or proposals to the foundation. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations they have previously identified and selected.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's policy of only funding preselected organizations, the most realistic path to consideration would be through:

Network Connections: The foundation's grantmaking is driven by the trustees' personal networks in the Christian evangelical community. Organizations that are part of the same ministry networks where Thomas Saltsgiver serves on advisory boards may be more likely to come to the trustees' attention. These networks include:

• Christian Broadcasting Network community
• Prison Fellowship Ministries network
• Episcopal Renewal Ministries
• Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International
• Regent University community

Alignment with Trustee Interests: Given Thomas Saltsgiver's service on multiple Christian ministry boards since 1985, organizations working in similar spaces (evangelical broadcasting, prison ministry, Christian education, faith-based business fellowship) appear to align with the foundation's interests.

Local Pennsylvania Connection: As a Williamsport-based foundation led by a prominent local businessman, there may be opportunities for Pennsylvania-based Christian organizations to become known to the trustees through local community and business connections.

Important Note: Even with these connections, there is no guarantee of funding consideration, as the foundation maintains complete discretion over which organizations receive grants.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications. Grant decisions are made by trustees on their own timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as none are accepted. For the organizations in the trustees' network, 18 grants were awarded in 2023 out of an unknown number of organizations considered.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional "success factors" do not apply. However, organizations hoping to potentially be considered for future funding should understand:

Alignment with Evangelical Christian Mission: The foundation gives primarily to Christian evangelical organizations. Organizations must have a clear Christian evangelical mission and values that align with the trustees' faith commitments.

Connection to Trustee Networks: Review the list of organizations where Thomas Saltsgiver serves on advisory boards (CBN, Prison Fellowship Ministries, Episcopal Renewal Ministries, Acts 29 Ministries, Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship International, The Sentinel Group, Regent University). Organizations within these networks or working on similar initiatives appear to be the foundation's primary focus.

Scholarships and Educational Aid: Given the foundation's NTEE classification as focused on "Scholarships, Student Financial Aid Services, Awards," programs that provide Christian education or scholarships may be of particular interest.

Financial Stewardship: As a businessman who successfully turned around struggling companies, Thomas Saltsgiver likely values strong financial management and measurable outcomes. Organizations should demonstrate sound fiscal stewardship.

Review Past Grantees: The foundation's Form 990-PF filings (available through ProPublica, GuideStar, or Candid) list all grant recipients. Organizations similar to past recipients may have the best chance of alignment.

Long-term Relationships: Family foundations often fund the same organizations repeatedly over many years. Being selected once may lead to ongoing support if the relationship proves valuable to both parties.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process exists - This foundation only funds preselected organizations chosen by trustees; unsolicited proposals are not accepted
• Christian evangelical focus is paramount - All funding supports Christian evangelical organizations, ministries, and faith-based educational programs
• Network connections matter most - Organizations connected to Thomas Saltsgiver's extensive Christian ministry network (CBN, Prison Fellowship, etc.) are most likely to be considered
• Review Form 990-PF for insights - The foundation's annual tax filings list all grant recipients and amounts, providing the best intelligence on funding patterns
• Scholarship/education emphasis - The foundation's NTEE classification and mission suggest particular interest in Christian scholarships and educational aid
• Growing giving capacity - Annual grants increased from $990,000 (2022) to $1,512,000 (2023), indicating expanding philanthropic activity
• Wide grant range - With an average grant of $55,000 but median of $10,000, the foundation makes both smaller and larger awards; reviewing the 990-PF will show the full range

References

• Cause IQ - Saltsgiver Family Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/saltsgiver-family-foundation,232803397/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Saltsgiver Family Foundation: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/232803397 (Accessed March 2026)
• Instrumentl - Saltsgiver Family Foundation 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/saltsgiver-family-foundation (Accessed March 2026)
• GuideStar Profile - Saltsgiver Family Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-2803397 (Accessed March 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile - Saltsgiver Family Foundation: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/232803397-saltsgiver-family-foundation/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Candid Foundation Directory - Saltsgiver Family Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=SALT023 (Accessed March 2026)
• CBN.com - Thomas S. Saltsgiver Board Profile: https://www1.cbn.com/thomas-s-saltsgiver (Accessed March 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2009-2023) available through ProPublica, GuideStar, and other nonprofit databases