Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,110,065 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (Invitation only - no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (Trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $500,000 (based on recent grants)
• Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania, particularly Bucks County area

Contact Details

• Phone: 267-544-0411
• Address: 3085 Burnt House Hill Rd, Doylestown, PA 18902
• Website: None available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications

Overview

The Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2000 and granted tax-exempt status the same year. With total assets of $25.5 million and annual charitable disbursements exceeding $3.1 million (2024), the foundation operates as a family foundation managed by four trustees. The foundation directs 96.6% of its total expenses toward charitable activities, demonstrating exceptional operational efficiency. Based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, the foundation supports preselected charitable organizations primarily in the areas of healthcare, education, and religious leadership development, with a particular focus on Catholic institutions and local community organizations in the Bucks County region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants to preselected organizations:

• Major Institutional Support: $500,000 (healthcare and religious leadership training)
• Program Support Grants: $50,000+ (educational and religious programs)
• All grants are invitation-only with no public application process

Priority Areas

• Catholic and religious education institutions
• Seminary support and religious leadership training
• Community healthcare services
• Educational programs and exhibits
• Local Pennsylvania charitable organizations

What They Don't Fund

As a private foundation with no public application process, they do not fund:

• Unsolicited requests
• Organizations outside their preselected network
• Individual assistance
• Organizations without pre-existing relationships with trustees

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by four trustees who appear to be family members:

• Richard T. Clark - Trustee
• Angela Clark - Trustee
• Kelly Lynn Patterson - Trustee
• Lisa Marie Wurster - Trustee

The foundation operates with no full-time employees, maintaining low administrative costs while maximizing charitable disbursements. All grant decisions are made at the trustees' discretion based on their knowledge of and relationships with charitable organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. All grants are awarded at the trustees' discretion to organizations with which they have existing relationships or knowledge.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a discretionary basis throughout the year to preselected organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional success factors do not apply. Organizations interested in potential future support should focus on:

• Alignment with Known Interests: Recent grants show consistent support for Catholic institutions ($550,000 to religious organizations in 2023), community healthcare ($500,000 to Doylestown Health), and educational programs
• Geographic Proximity: All known recipients operate in or serve the Pennsylvania region, particularly Bucks County
• Institutional Credibility: Recipients include established institutions like Doylestown Health and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
• Mission Alignment: Organizations focused on leadership development, community health, and religious education align with demonstrated funding patterns
• Network Connections: Since funding is by invitation only, connections to the trustees or their network are essential

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is an invitation-only funder with no public application process - traditional grant applications will not be accepted
• The foundation has substantial assets ($25.5M) and consistent annual giving ($3.1M), making them a significant regional funder
• Focus areas are clearly defined: Catholic/religious education, healthcare, and community services in the Pennsylvania region
• With 96.6% of expenses going to charitable activities, the foundation maintains exceptional efficiency
• Building relationships with trustees or gaining visibility through existing grantees may be the only path to consideration
• Review their annual 990-PF filings to understand funding patterns and identify potential connection points

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation Form 990-PF filings (2021-2024). Accessed February 7, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/256667093
• Cause IQ - Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation Profile. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/franklin-street-giving-tree-foundation,256667093/
• Candid Foundation Directory - Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation (CLAR172). Accessed February 7, 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=CLAR172
• GuideStar - Franklin Street Giving Tree Foundation Profile. Accessed February 7, 2026. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/25-6667093