American Foundation Corporation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Cleveland, Ohio region

Contact Details

Address: 127 Public Square, Suite 3535, Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: 216-241-6664
Website: None
Email: Not available

Overview

American Foundation Corporation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1974 in Cleveland, Ohio, operating as the successor to a trust originally created in 1944. With nearly 52 years of grant-making history, this foundation maintains a low public profile typical of small family foundations. The organization is classified by the IRS as a private grantmaking foundation (T20 classification) and has held 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status since February 1974. Operating without employees, the foundation appears to be managed directly by its trustees, with William W. Murphy serving as president.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Based on available foundation directory information, American Foundation Corporation provides grants for:

• Education initiatives
• Health associations
• Animal welfare organizations
• Youth and family services
• Arboretum support

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

President: William W. Murphy
The foundation operates with no employees, suggesting all grant decisions are made directly by the board of trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion, pre-existing relationships, or by invitation only, which is typical for small private family foundations.

Getting on Their Radar

As a private foundation without a public application process or website, establishing contact would likely require:

• Personal connections with trustees or board members
• Referrals from current or past grant recipients
• Professional networking within Cleveland's philanthropic community

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not available - the foundation does not accept public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with the foundation's leadership through Cleveland-area philanthropic networks.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation with no public application process
• All grants appear to be made through trustee discretion
• The foundation maintains minimal public presence with no website or published guidelines
• Organizations in education, health, animal welfare, youth services, and environmental conservation may align with their interests
• Building relationships with Cleveland philanthropic networks would be essential for consideration
• Form 990-PF filings (available through ProPublica or GuideStar) would provide the most detailed information about actual grant recipients and amounts

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - American Foundation Corporation Profile. Accessed February 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/237348126
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Database. EIN: 23-7348126
• Foundation Directory profile indicating funding priorities for education, health, animal welfare, youth services, and arboretum support
• Charity Navigator Profile. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/237348126
• GuideStar/Candid Profile. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/23-7348126
• Cause IQ Database. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/american-foundation-corporation,237348126/