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Trailsend Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.1M
Grant Range
$3K - $2.0M

Trailsend Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8,129,300 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $2,000,000
  • Median Grant: $50,000
  • Number of Grants: 39 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $115 million
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)
  • Founded: 1969 (established in Ohio, now based in Georgia)

Contact Details

Address: 6205A Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Atlanta, GA 30328

Phone: 678-645-4659

EIN: 23-7256190

Note: This foundation does not have a public application process and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Trailsend Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1969, originally in Ohio and now based in Atlanta, Georgia. With assets of approximately $115 million, the foundation distributed $8.1 million in grants in 2023 across 39 awards. The foundation is closely connected to the Cox family (Cox Enterprises), with leadership including Blair Parry-Okeden (President/Trustee), James C. Kennedy (Chair/Trustee), and Nancy K. Rigby (Treasurer/Secretary), who also serves as President of Cox Foundations. The foundation's mission centers on supporting conservation, environmental initiatives, and education, with a particular emphasis on higher education institutions. Grant amounts vary significantly, ranging from $3,000 to $2 million, with a median grant of $50,000, indicating the foundation supports both smaller community projects and major institutional initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trailsend Foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking rather than formal grant programs. Funding decisions are made by the board of trustees based on their strategic priorities and existing relationships.

Grant Range: $3,000 - $2,000,000 (median: $50,000)

Application Method: Invitation only / Trustee discretion

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant activity and foundation records, the Trailsend Foundation prioritizes:

Conservation and Environment:

  • Natural resources conservation
  • Biodiversity protection
  • Wetlands and wildlife conservation initiatives
  • Environmental research and education

Education:

  • Higher education institutions (universities and colleges)
  • Educational research and innovation
  • Early childhood education (aligned with broader Cox family philanthropic priorities)
  • Educational programs supporting vulnerable children

Community Development:

  • Community improvement and beautification projects
  • Economic development initiatives
  • General operating support for mission-aligned organizations

Health and Medical Research:

  • Special projects at medical schools and research institutions
  • Support for innovative medical research initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, grant patterns suggest the foundation:

  • Does not fund unsolicited proposals
  • Focuses primarily on established institutions rather than grassroots organizations
  • Concentrates on organizations with which trustees have existing relationships or connections

Governance and Leadership

James C. Kennedy - Chair/Trustee Chairman Emeritus of Cox Enterprises, grandson of company founder James M. Cox. Kennedy is a major philanthropist in conservation, having donated over $80 million to Ducks Unlimited and established multiple university endowed programs in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. He is also Chair of the James M. Cox Foundation.

Blair Parry-Okeden - President/Trustee Kennedy's sister and Australia's second-richest woman, with an estimated net worth of $9.4 billion. She inherited a 25% stake in Cox Enterprises in 2007 and maintains a lower public profile while actively leading the Trailsend Foundation's philanthropic work.

Nancy K. Rigby - Treasurer/Secretary Vice President (now President) of Cox Foundations, overseeing grants, business management, and administration of foundation operations. Rigby was promoted to President of Cox Foundations in 2017 and brings extensive experience in foundation management.

All trustees serve on a voluntary basis with no reported compensation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Trailsend Foundation does not have a public application process and does not accept unsolicited applications.

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees, typically to organizations with which the trustees have existing relationships or connections. The foundation identifies potential grant recipients through:

  • Trustee connections and networks
  • Existing relationships with beneficiary organizations
  • Strategic initiatives aligned with the Cox family's broader philanthropic priorities

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of recent grant patterns reveals the following insights:

Institutional Credibility: Recent grants favor well-established, prestigious institutions including the University of Denver ($2 million), Emory University ($1.1 million), Johns Hopkins University ($540,000), and the University of Michigan ($500,000). This suggests the foundation values institutional reputation and capacity.

Alignment with Family Interests: The foundation's grant patterns closely mirror the Cox family's documented philanthropic priorities, particularly conservation/environment and education. Organizations working in these areas that can demonstrate connection to Cox family interests may be more likely to receive consideration.

Geographic Connections: While the foundation supports projects nationwide, there is notable support for Atlanta-based institutions (e.g., Emory University) and institutions connected to family members' personal histories.

Project Types Funded:

  • Capital campaigns (e.g., University of Denver - $2 million)
  • Program support (e.g., Emory University - $1.1 million)
  • General operating support (e.g., Hawaii School for Girls - $1 million, American Friends of the School of St Jude - $500,000)
  • Special projects and medical research (e.g., Johns Hopkins University - $540,000, University of Michigan cancer research - $500,000)

Grant Size Variation: The foundation makes grants across a wide spectrum ($3,000 to $2 million), suggesting flexibility in supporting both smaller community projects and major institutional initiatives. The median grant of $50,000 indicates many awards fall in the moderate range.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Not accessible through traditional applications: This foundation operates exclusively through trustee-directed grantmaking and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Traditional grant writing will not result in funding.

  • Relationship-driven: Funding appears to flow to organizations with existing connections to the Cox family, their business interests, or their established philanthropic networks.

  • Aligned with Cox family priorities: Understanding the broader philanthropic strategy of James C. Kennedy and the James M. Cox Foundation provides insight into likely funding priorities, particularly conservation (especially wetlands/waterfowl), early childhood education, and medical research.

  • Institutional focus: Recent grants heavily favor established higher education institutions and well-known nonprofits rather than emerging organizations or grassroots efforts.

  • Significant range in grant sizes: While the median grant is $50,000, the foundation has capacity to make transformational gifts up to $2 million for the right projects aligned with trustee priorities.

  • Geographic diversity: Despite being Atlanta-based, the foundation supports organizations across the United States, from Hawaii to multiple mainland locations.

  • Multi-year potential: Some grant recipients appear in multiple years, suggesting the foundation may maintain ongoing relationships with favored organizations.

References

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