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James W And Frances Gibson Mcglothlin Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.8M
Grant Range
$5K - $25.0M
00

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,789,784 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 25 awards (2023)
  • Average Grant Size: $111,591
  • Total Assets: $51,824,421 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee
  • Application Method: Invitation only - preselected organizations

Contact Details

Address: 1005 Glenway Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201
Phone: 276-645-1448
Website: www.themcglothlinfoundation.com

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The James W and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Foundation was established by James W. McGlothlin, founder and CEO of The United Company, and his wife Frances Gibson McGlothlin. Based in Bristol, Virginia, the foundation distributed $2,789,784 in grants in 2023 through 25 awards. With assets exceeding $51 million, the foundation focuses on improving communities in Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee through support for higher education, healthcare, and the arts. The foundation's philanthropic approach centers on capital projects and infrastructure development, with particular emphasis on serving underprivileged and at-risk children. James McGlothlin, who passed away in August 2025 at age 85, built his fortune in the coal industry and was recognized as Virginia Business Person of the Year in 2022 for his business acumen and extensive philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation makes grants to preselected charitable organizations across three primary focus areas:

Higher Education Support

  • Primary focus on private institutions, with some consideration for state-supported colleges and universities
  • Support for both capital projects (brick and mortar) and programmatic needs
  • Notable support includes the $25 million gift for the McGlothlin Medical Education Center at VCU School of Medicine (2011)
  • Previous gifts include $2 million for the James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Chair in Neurosurgery at VCU (2004)

Healthcare Initiatives

  • Support for hospitals and healthcare foundations with capital projects
  • Endowed chairs supporting research and patient care, including chairs in Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery at VCU

Arts and Culture

  • Grants for theatres and museums for capital projects
  • Support for institutions such as the William King Museum of Art

Camp for Kids Program

  • Sends foster children, underprivileged and at-risk children to week-long Christian value summer camps
  • Provides safe haven environment in a nurturing and loving atmosphere
  • Program maximum funding: $46,104

Priority Areas

  • Infrastructure and capital projects (brick and mortar)
  • Programmatic proposals in education, healthcare, and arts
  • Children's welfare and development, particularly for foster, underprivileged, and at-risk youth
  • Educational scholarships (the McGlothlin Scholarship at VCU was the largest privately funded scholarship gift in the school's history)
  • Medical education and research facilities

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented for the James W and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Foundation, their focus on preselected organizations and capital projects in higher education, healthcare, and arts suggests limited interest in other areas.

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership:

  • W.W. McGlothlin - Chairman and CEO
  • Thomas D. McGlothlin - President
  • Michael G. McGlothlin - Secretary
  • James W. McGlothlin - Treasurer (until his passing in August 2025)

About the Founders:

James W. McGlothlin was a native of Buchanan County, Virginia, who earned degrees from William & Mary (bachelor's in psychology, 1962; law degree, 1964). He founded United Coal Company in 1970 and built it into The United Company, a diversified business with interests in coal, oil and gas, real estate development, hospitality, and wealth management. Under his leadership, the company expanded significantly, and he served as Chairman, President, and CEO for 39 years.

The McGlothlins' philanthropy reflected their commitment to the region where Jim built his business. In discussing their support for VCU School of Medicine, McGlothlin stated the $25 million gift was made "to show our gratitude for the work and dedication of Dr. Harold F. Young," demonstrating their practice of supporting individuals and institutions that made meaningful impacts.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The James W and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees to organizations with which they have established relationships or that align with their strategic philanthropic priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with trustees selecting grant recipients directly.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as the foundation does not accept them. The foundation made 25 awards in 2023, 27 awards in 2022, and 29 awards in 2021, demonstrating consistent grant-making activity.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply or reapply as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

For Organizations Seeking Support:

Since this foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application strategies do not apply. However, based on their documented giving patterns, organizations that have received support share these characteristics:

1. Geographic Alignment

  • Located in or serving Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, or Northeast Tennessee
  • Strong community presence in the Bristol, VA region

2. Capital Project Focus

  • Emphasis on infrastructure and brick and mortar projects
  • Healthcare facilities, educational buildings, and arts venues appear most aligned

3. Focus on Children and Education

  • Programs serving foster, underprivileged, and at-risk children
  • Educational institutions, particularly those with medical or health sciences programs
  • Christian-value based programs for youth development

4. Institutional Relationships

  • The McGlothlins have shown loyalty to institutions where they or their family have connections
  • VCU School of Medicine received multiple major gifts related to Dr. Harold F. Young's work
  • William & Mary, Jim McGlothlin's alma mater, has received support

5. Major Institutional Impact

  • The foundation has made transformational gifts (e.g., $25 million to VCU) that create lasting impact
  • Projects that can be named/recognized after the donors

Quote from Leadership: When discussing their support for VCU, James McGlothlin explained the gift was made "to show our gratitude for the work and dedication of Dr. Harold F. Young," indicating that personal relationships and appreciation for outstanding work drive their giving decisions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation exclusively funds preselected organizations; there is no application portal, deadline, or process for unsolicited requests
  • Geographic Focus is Critical: All grants target Southwest Virginia, Eastern Kentucky, and Northeast Tennessee - organizations outside this region are unlikely to be considered
  • Capital Projects Preferred: The foundation shows strong preference for infrastructure, brick and mortar projects over general operating support
  • Relationship-Driven Philanthropy: The McGlothlins fund organizations where they have personal connections, gratitude, or family ties
  • Children's Welfare Priority: Programs serving foster, underprivileged, and at-risk children align with the foundation's mission, particularly the Camp for Kids program
  • Major Institutional Gifts: The foundation has capacity for transformational gifts ($25 million to VCU) that create named facilities and lasting legacy
  • Family Leadership: With James McGlothlin's passing in 2025, the foundation continues under family leadership with W.W., Thomas D., and Michael G. McGlothlin

References

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