Bob Woodruff Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: Over $10 million (based on 2024 distribution)
• Total Investment: Over $189 million since founding
• Decision Time: 2-4 months (feedback within 2 months; grants awarded spring and fall)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $1,000,000
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)
• Application Method: Rolling applications, grants awarded biannually

Contact Details

Website: https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: Not publicly listed

Location: Long Island City, NY

Grant Information: https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/programs/network-partners/grants/

Overview

The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2007 by ABC News journalist Bob Woodruff and his wife Lee, following Bob's traumatic brain injury from a roadside bomb while covering the Iraq War in January 2006. During Bob's recovery, Lee witnessed the challenges facing service members and their families dealing with TBI, PTSD, and other invisible wounds of war. The foundation has since invested over $189 million to support veterans, service members, and their families nationwide. With assets of over $71.6 million, the foundation distributed over $10 million in grants to 76 organisations in 2024. Under the executive leadership of Anne Marie Dougherty, who joined the foundation in 2007 and became Executive Director in 2011, the organisation has earned best-in-class ratings from charity evaluators and has consistently focused on improving the health and wellbeing of the military community through evidence-based programmes and strategic partnerships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

General Grant Programme: $5,000 - $1,000,000

• Rolling applications accepted year-round
• Grants awarded biannually in spring and fall
• Organisations can submit brief proposals for preliminary feedback before full applications
• Applications submitted through online portal

Special Partnership Programmes:

• NFL Grants: Partnership funding for veteran-serving programmes
• Craig Newmark Philanthropies Grants: Collaborative funding initiatives
• USAA Partnership Programmes: Joint funding opportunities

Priority Areas

The foundation's funding intersects with veterans' causes across seven core areas:

1. Mental Health & Wellbeing (Top Priority - 20 grants totalling $3.5+ million in 2024)

   • Mental health care and treatment, particularly for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD
   • Military children's mental health (identified as especially urgent need)
   • Evidence-based therapy and clinical programmes
   • Suicide prevention initiatives

2. Housing

   • Stable housing solutions
   • Veterans' housing villages
   • Housing support recognising that stable housing means more than just a place to sleep

3. Employment

   • Job training and placement
   • Career transition support
   • Vocational programmes

4. Legal Support

   • Legal aid services
   • Veterans' legal assistance programmes

5. Food Insecurity

   • Food access programmes
   • Emergency food assistance

6. Emergency Financial Assistance

   • Urgent relief programmes
   • Financial stability support

7. Community Building

   • Programmes that foster connection and support networks
   • Got Your 6 Network initiatives

The foundation recognises that the military community's greatest challenges are interconnected and require an integrated approach, prioritising programmes that address multiple needs holistically.

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not explicitly listed in public materials. However, the foundation requires that:

• Programmes must serve service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers
• Programmes must be evidence-based and/or supported by peer-reviewed research
• Organisations must demonstrate financial responsibility with at least two years of gross receipts greater than $50,000
• Organisations must have filed 990EZ or 990 forms for the last two fiscal years

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Anne Marie Dougherty, Chief Executive Officer

• Joined the Bob Woodruff Foundation in 2007
• Promoted to Executive Director in 2011 by Bob and Lee Woodruff and the Board of Directors
• Holds bachelor's degree in journalism and communications from Drexel University
• Under her stewardship, the foundation has consistently earned best-in-class awards from charity evaluators

On the foundation's approach: The leadership emphasises strong engagement with the Got Your 6 Network, evidence-based practices, and measurable outcomes in all funded programmes.

Board of Directors

Suni P. Harford, Board Chair

• Former President of UBS Asset Management
• Brings extensive expertise in finance and leadership
• Serving on Board since 2021

Co-Founders:

• Bob Woodruff (ABC News Journalist)
• Lee Woodruff

Notable Board Members:

• Craig Newmark (Founder, Craig Newmark Philanthropies)
• Martha Raddatz (Chief Global Affairs Correspondent, ABC News)
• United States Army General Robert B. "Abe" Abrams (Retired)
• Dietrich Kuhlmann (Chief Executive Officer, Navy Federal Credit Union)
• Ralph Andretta (President and CEO, Bread Financial)
• Gary Shedlin (Vice Chairman, BlackRock)
• Michael Hoffman
• Michael Keyes
• Holly Speyer Lipton (Nonprofit leader and advocate)
• Ed Han (Chief Financial Officer, Hudson Bay Capital)

The Board has been strategically expanded with industry experts from finance, military leadership, and philanthropy sectors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Pre-Application (Optional but Recommended) Organisations can submit a brief proposal to receive feedback on whether their programme is a good fit before completing a full application. The foundation provides feedback to all prospective applicants within two months, pending volume of requests.

Step 2: Full Application

• All applications must be submitted through the online grant portal
• The foundation transitioned to a new grant management system; all applicants must create a new account
• Application questions can be previewed or downloaded from bobwoodrufffoundation.org
• Applications accepted and reviewed year-round on a rolling basis

Required Materials:

• Completed online application
• Audited financial statement or certified financial statement (including balance sheet and income statement)
• Form 990EZ or 990 for the last two fiscal years
• Description of how the programme uses scientific evidence, programme evaluations, and industry best practices

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

• Demonstrate financial responsibility and sustainability
• Filed 990EZ or 990 for the last two fiscal years
• Two years of gross receipts greater than $50,000
• Programmes must improve health and wellbeing of service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers
• Programmes must be evidence-based and/or supported by peer-reviewed research

Decision Timeline

• Application Review: Rolling basis throughout the year
• Preliminary Feedback: Within 2 months for brief proposals
• Grant Awards: Announced biannually in spring and fall
• Notification: All applicants contacted about application status once final funding decisions are made
• Typical Timeline: Approximately 2-4 months from application to decision

Success Rates

While specific overall success rates are not published, the foundation's grant activity shows:

• 2024: 76 awards made
• 2023: 115 awards made
• 2022: 145 awards made
• 2021: 166 awards made

The foundation distributed over $10 million in grants in 2024, indicating a competitive process given the rolling application model.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not explicitly documented in public materials. Organisations are encouraged to contact [email protected] for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Evidence-Based Programmes Are Essential

The foundation requires programmes to be "evidence-based and/or supported by peer reviewed research" as a key eligibility criterion. Applications must describe how the programme uses scientific evidence, programme evaluations, and industry best-practices to inform programme delivery. The foundation prioritises scientific rigour and measurable outcomes in all funding decisions.

Got Your 6 Network Engagement Matters

For special funding opportunities, demonstrated strong engagement with the Got Your 6 Network is considered a positive factor. This includes:

• Completing the Got Your 6 Community Survey (biennial assessment)
• Participating in foundation-hosted webinars and calls
• Active engagement with the network's collaborative initiatives

The Got Your 6 Network is a community of veteran-serving organisations that the foundation surveys every two years to identify key needs and service gaps.

Financial Health and Capacity

Final award amounts are informed by:

• Organisations' processes for managing urgent relief programmes
• Financial health and sustainability
• Organisational capacity
• Prior success executing Bob Woodruff Foundation funding (for repeat applicants)

Addressing Identified Community Needs

Recent Got Your 6 Community Survey findings (with 130 partners) revealed significant gaps in:

• Mental healthcare (highest priority)
• Physical healthcare
• Housing
• Emergency financial assistance
• Food security
• Transportation

Applications addressing these documented gaps with evidence-based solutions are well-positioned for funding consideration.

Mental Health Focus Alignment

Mental health receives the largest share of the foundation's contributions. In 2024, 20 grants totalling over $3.5 million supported mental health care and treatment. The traumatic brain injury Bob Woodruff received in Iraq ensures that veterans' mental health remains the foundation's top priority. Programmes addressing TBI, PTSD, suicide prevention, and military children's mental health are particularly valued.

Integrated, Holistic Approaches

The foundation recognises that the military community's greatest challenges are interconnected. Programmes that address multiple needs simultaneously (e.g., housing that also addresses mental health and employment) align well with the foundation's strategic approach.

Clear, Measurable Outcomes

Applications should clearly articulate:

• Specific needs being addressed
• Evidence-based practices being employed
• Measurable outcomes and evaluation methods
• How the programme fits within the broader ecosystem of veteran services

Consider the Preliminary Proposal Option

Organisations uncertain about fit should utilise the brief proposal option to receive feedback before investing time in a full application. This demonstrates strategic thinking and respect for both the applicant's and foundation's resources.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Evidence is non-negotiable: Programmes must be evidence-based and/or supported by peer-reviewed research. Clearly demonstrate scientific rigour and best practices in your application.

• Mental health gets priority: With 20 grants totalling over $3.5 million in 2024 supporting mental health, applications addressing TBI, PTSD, suicide prevention, or military children's mental health are strongly positioned.

• Engagement enhances competitiveness: Active participation in the Got Your 6 Network (completing surveys, attending webinars) strengthens applications, particularly for special funding opportunities.

• Financial stability matters: Meet the minimum threshold of $50,000 in annual gross receipts for two years and demonstrate strong financial management and organisational capacity.

• Use the preliminary proposal option: Submit a brief proposal first to receive feedback within two months—this strategic step can save time and strengthen your eventual full application.

• Think holistically: The foundation values integrated approaches that recognise interconnected challenges. Show how your programme addresses multiple needs of veterans and their families.

• Be patient but persistent: With rolling applications and biannual award cycles, the process takes 2-4 months. The foundation reviews all applications and contacts all applicants about their status.

References

1. Bob Woodruff Foundation Official Website - Grants Programme. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/programs/network-partners/grants/ (Accessed December 2025)

2. Bob Woodruff Foundation - Grant Information. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/grants/ (Accessed December 2025)

3. Instrumentl - Bob Woodruff Foundation 990 Report. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/bob-woodruff-family-foundation-inc-896164d1-2f4c-47a3-85b8-1e761a3018bc (Accessed December 2025)

4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Bob Woodruff Family Foundation Inc. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/261441650 (Accessed December 2025)

5. Bob Woodruff Foundation - "2024 Grants: The Story Beyond the Numbers." https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/impact-stories/2024-grants-the-story-beyond-the-numbers/ (Accessed December 2025)

6. Bob Woodruff Foundation - What We Fund. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/about-us/what-we-fund/ (Accessed December 2025)

7. Bob Woodruff Foundation - Our Story. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/about-us/our-story/ (Accessed December 2025)

8. Bob Woodruff Foundation - Anne Marie Dougherty Biography. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/team/anne-marie-dougherty/ (Accessed December 2025)

9. Adam Mendler - "Interview with Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation." https://adammendler.com/blog/anne-marie-dougherty/ (Accessed December 2025)

10. Bob Woodruff Foundation - Board of Directors. https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/about-us/meet-the-team/board-of-directors/ (Accessed December 2025)

11. PR Newswire - "Bob Woodruff Foundation Names Suni P. Harford as Board Chair and Welcomes Three Accomplished Leaders to the Board of Directors." https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bob-woodruff-foundation-names-suni-p-harford-as-board-chair-and-welcomes-three-accomplished-leaders-to-the-board-of-directors-302115161.html (Accessed December 2025)

12. Bob Woodruff Foundation - "What Exactly Is the Bob Woodruff Foundation Got Your 6 Network?" https://bobwoodrufffoundation.org/impact-stories/what-exactly-is-the-bob-woodruff-foundation-got-your-6-network/ (Accessed December 2025)

13. Inside Philanthropy - Bob Woodruff Foundation Profile. https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-w/bob-woodruff-foundation (Accessed December 2025)

14. Charity Navigator - Bob Woodruff Foundation Rating. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/261441650 (Accessed December 2025)

15. PR Newswire - "Bread Financial, Bob Woodruff Foundation Announce Multiyear Mission to Improve Mental Health Care for Children in Military Families." https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bread-financial-bob-woodruff-foundation-announce-multiyear-mission-to-improve-mental-health-care-for-children-in-military-families-302445999.html (May 2025)