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Davenport Family Foundation Trust Under Deed Edna Marion Davenport 031597

Annual Giving
$2.9M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,880,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (no public application process)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $260,000
  • Median Grant: $50,000
  • Total Assets: $60.6 million
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Virginia

Contact Details

Address: c/o Baldwin Family Office LLC, West Conshohocken, PA

Note: The foundation is managed by Baldwin Family Office LLC, a private wealth and foundation management firm based in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Overview

The Davenport Family Foundation Trust Under Deed Edna Marion Davenport was established in March 1997 and received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in December 1997. With total assets of $60.6 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $2.88 million, the foundation represents a stable and consistent source of philanthropic support. The foundation is managed by three trustees who oversee the strategic direction of grant-making activities. The foundation's revenue is primarily derived from dividends (39.4%) and asset sales (60.6%), with net assets growing from $42.3 million in 2011 to $60.6 million in 2024. The foundation made 28 grants in 2023 and 38 grants in 2022, demonstrating consistent philanthropic engagement with preselected organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a trustee-discretion model with grants awarded to preselected charitable organizations. Grant amounts in 2024 ranged from approximately $5,000 to $260,000, with a median grant size of $50,000.

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant recipients, the foundation supports:

  • Higher Education: Universities, colleges, and scholarship programs
  • K-12 Education: Private schools and STEM initiatives
  • Community Services: Food banks, meals programs, and human services
  • Healthcare and Medical Research: University hospitals and medical facilities
  • Cultural Institutions: Arts organizations and cultural centers

Geographic Focus

  • Primary: Pennsylvania (particularly Southeastern PA and Chester County region)
  • Secondary: Delaware and Virginia
  • Limited grants to organizations in other states including Florida, North Carolina, and Massachusetts

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited funding requests from organizations outside their established network of preselected charities.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

The foundation is governed by three trustees, each receiving $87,000 in annual compensation:

  1. Scott D. Davenport - Trustee
  2. Cynthia L. Borger - Trustee
  3. Sandra Simpson - Trustee

Administrative Management

The foundation's administrative operations are managed by Baldwin Family Office LLC in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Baldwin Management LLC is a private, independently-owned firm that provides wealth and foundation management services, including accounting, charitable assets management, and coordination with advisors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. All grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations with which they have pre-existing relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded based on trustee discretion throughout the year to preselected organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications from organizations outside their established network.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, reviewing their grant history reveals patterns in their funding:

Recent Major Grants (2024):

  • Eckerd College received $260,000 for Annual Fund support
  • High Point University received $225,000 for Scholarship and Annual Fund
  • Sanford School received $216,376 for STEM Center and Annual Fund
  • Chester County Food Bank received $200,000 for Meals on Wheels program
  • Thomas Jefferson University received $200,000 for Reception Area Renovation

Funding Patterns:

  • The foundation demonstrates loyalty to recurring grantees, funding many of the same organizations annually
  • Multi-year support is common for educational institutions
  • Capital projects and general operating support both receive funding
  • Regional Pennsylvania organizations receive the majority of grants
  • Educational institutions at all levels (K-12 through university) are heavily represented

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation Only: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and works exclusively with preselected organizations
  • Consistent Relationships: The foundation tends to fund the same organizations year after year, suggesting strong ongoing relationships
  • Education Priority: Educational institutions from K-12 through higher education represent a significant portion of the grant portfolio
  • Community Focus: Local Pennsylvania organizations, particularly in the Chester County and Southeastern PA region, receive priority
  • Substantial Grants: With a median grant of $50,000 and top grants exceeding $200,000, this foundation makes meaningful investments
  • Diverse Support: Grants support both capital projects (building renovations, STEM centers) and program operations (annual funds, meals programs)
  • Professional Management: Administrative operations are handled by Baldwin Family Office, suggesting a structured and professional approach to grant-making

References

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