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Bolger Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.7M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.3M
Decision Time
2mo

Bolger Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1.66 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 6 weeks from application period close
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (USA only)
  • Total Assets: $33.3 million (2024)
  • Application Windows: Twice yearly (Spring & Fall)

Contact Details

  • Address: 79 Chestnut St, Ridgewood, NJ 07450
  • Phone: (201) 670-9270
  • Website: https://www.thebolgerfoundation.org
  • Application Method: Online portal during designated application windows

Overview

The Bolger Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1965 and headquartered in Ridgewood, New Jersey. With total assets of $33.3 million and annual charitable disbursements of $1.66 million (2024), the foundation has demonstrated consistent growth in its grant making, increasing from 9 grants in 2021 to 39 grants in 2024. The foundation's mission is "to inspire individuals and support charitable organizations, empowering them to better serve their community and the world." Led by President J.T. Bolger, the foundation takes a strategic approach to funding by focusing exclusively on capital projects that create lasting impact rather than operating expenses. As a Platinum-level GuideStar participant, the foundation demonstrates strong commitment to transparency and is dedicated to collecting feedback from served populations to understand community needs and develop effective programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Projects Grant Program: $10,000 - $250,000

  • Two application cycles per year with online submission
  • Fixed deadlines: November 1 - February 1 (Spring grants) and June 1 - September 1 (Fall grants)
  • Grant portal closes at 5pm ET on closing dates
  • Challenge grants may be awarded at foundation's discretion

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses on five key areas:

  1. Conservation and Preservation: Projects that protect natural resources and preserve important sites or structures
  2. Underprivileged and Underserved Populations: Initiatives serving communities with limited access to resources
  3. Health (including Mental Health): Capital improvements supporting healthcare delivery and mental health services
  4. Community: Projects strengthening community infrastructure and services
  5. Education: Educational facilities and equipment that enhance learning environments

Eligible Project Types

  • Construction or purchase of new facilities
  • Expanding existing facilities
  • Building renovations and improvements
  • Upgrading buildings or grounds
  • Purchase of capital equipment and furnishings
  • One-time capital needs that enhance nonprofit-owned property
  • Significant long-lasting equipment purchases

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations with net assets exceeding $25 million
  • Projects with total budgets exceeding $2.5 million
  • Leasehold improvements
  • Revenue-generating app development
  • Website development
  • Affordable housing projects
  • Land trusts
  • Charter schools
  • Salaries or operating costs
  • Grants to individuals
  • International organizations or projects outside the USA

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

  • President: J.T. Bolger
  • Trustee: John G. Bolger
  • Secretary: Thomas Wells

Board of Directors

  • A.J. Bolger
  • Betsie Bolger
  • John Bolger
  • Kathryn Byrne
  • Kaylee Bolger
  • Michael Tozzoli
  • Patrick Crowe
  • Thomas Wells

The foundation operates with an all-volunteer board, with no compensation reported for any officers or trustees. This structure demonstrates the family foundation's commitment to directing maximum resources toward charitable purposes.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through an online grant portal during two designated application windows each year. Applicants should:

  1. Review the foundation's focus areas and eligibility requirements
  2. Review the FAQs thoroughly
  3. Prepare a detailed project budget
  4. Gather required documentation (Form 990, IRS determination letter, recent financial reports)
  5. Submit application online during an open application period

Application Periods:

  • Spring Cycle: November 1 - February 1
  • Fall Cycle: June 1 - September 1

The grant portal closes promptly at 5:00 PM ET on the final day of each application period.

Decision Timeline

  • Funding decisions are made within six weeks of the application period close
  • Grantees are notified by email or mail
  • This means Spring cycle applicants can expect decisions by mid-March, and Fall cycle applicants by mid-October

Success Rates

The foundation awarded 39 grants in 2024, up from 23 grants in 2023, 16 grants in 2022, and 9 grants in 2021. This demonstrates significant growth in grant making activity. However, the foundation does not publicly disclose the total number of applications received, so specific success rate percentages are not available.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly state restrictions on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations may apply during subsequent application cycles.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Capital Focus

The Bolger Foundation has a clear and specific focus on capital projects. Applications must demonstrate:

  • One-time capital needs rather than ongoing operating expenses
  • Projects that will have "ongoing impact" and create lasting value
  • Enhancement of nonprofit-owned property (not leasehold improvements)
  • Significant, durable improvements or equipment (not consumables or short-term items)

Financial Parameters

Successful applications must fit within the foundation's stated parameters:

  • Request amount between $10,000 and $250,000
  • Total project budget not exceeding $2.5 million
  • Organization's net assets under $25 million

Documentation and Preparation

The foundation emphasizes careful preparation:

  • Detailed project budget is essential
  • Complete documentation package (Form 990, IRS letters, financial reports)
  • Thorough review of guidelines and FAQs before applying

Strategic Fit

Demonstrate clear alignment with one or more of the five priority areas (conservation, underserved populations, health, community, education). Projects that serve multiple priority areas may have stronger appeal.

USA-Based and 501(c)(3) Status

Only public charities with 501(c)(3) status and based in the United States are eligible. International organizations and projects outside the USA are explicitly excluded.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Capital projects only: This foundation exclusively funds one-time capital needs with lasting impact—no operating expenses, salaries, or program costs. Structure your request accordingly.
  • Size parameters matter: Your grant request must fall between $10,000-$250,000, total project budget must be under $2.5 million, and your organization's net assets must be under $25 million. Verify all three criteria before applying.
  • Plan for biannual cycles: With only two application windows per year (Nov 1-Feb 1 and Jun 1-Sep 1), timing is crucial. Miss a deadline and you'll wait months for the next opportunity.
  • Six-week turnaround: The foundation makes decisions within six weeks of each application period close, providing relatively quick feedback compared to many private foundations.
  • Growing grantmaking: The foundation has more than quadrupled its number of grants from 9 (2021) to 39 (2024), suggesting expanding capacity and potentially improving odds for applicants.
  • Own vs. lease: The foundation will fund improvements to nonprofit-owned property but explicitly excludes leasehold improvements—facility ownership status is critical to eligibility.
  • Detailed budgets required: The FAQs specifically emphasize preparing a "detailed project budget," suggesting the foundation values thorough financial planning and transparency in how grant funds will be used.

References

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