Vica Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $393,000 - $515,000
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $5,000 - $124,000
• Geographic Focus: New York, Tennessee, Massachusetts (primary); California, Florida, DC, Alabama, Iowa (secondary)

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Vica Foundation
PO Box 1156
Pawcatuck, CT 06379-0156

Note: No website, phone, or email available. No public application portal exists.

Overview

The Vica Foundation is a private, non-operating grant-making foundation established in 2012 and based in Pawcatuck, Connecticut. With total assets exceeding $20.5 million as of 2024, the foundation makes strategic grants ranging from $5,000 to $124,000 annually. The foundation is primarily funded through contributions (97.5% of revenue) and has demonstrated significant growth, expanding from $95,000 in assets in 2011 to over $20.5 million by 2024. The foundation operates as a traditional private foundation governed by trustees who exercise discretion in selecting grant recipients. Recent grant-making has focused on humanitarian causes including Ukraine relief efforts, emergency medical services, disaster relief (Hurricane Ian), and support for cultural institutions. The foundation does not maintain a public presence beyond required IRS filings and appears to identify grant recipients through trustee networks rather than open solicitation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Vica Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines. Grants are awarded at trustee discretion on a rolling basis.

• 2023: 12 grants totaling $515,000
• 2022: 16 grants (various amounts)
• Average Grant Size: $30,000-$43,000
• Application Method: No public application process

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant activity (2021-2023):

• Humanitarian Relief: Ukraine children's projects, crisis response, disaster relief
• Emergency Services: Ambulances and emergency medical equipment
• Education: Educational institutions and programs
• Human Services: General operating support for social service organizations
• Arts and Culture: Cultural institutions including Library of America

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, grant history suggests no support for:

• Individual grants
• International organizations (outside the US)
• Capital campaigns or endowments

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: Timothy Crowley (uncompensated)

The foundation operates with minimal administrative overhead, with 87-98% of expenses directed toward charitable disbursements.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Vica Foundation operates as a private foundation that identifies and approaches organizations for funding rather than accepting unsolicited grant applications.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made throughout the year at trustee discretion.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations are selected by the foundation.

Application Success Factors

For organizations seeking to understand the foundation's giving patterns:

1. Geographic Alignment: Strong preference for organizations in New York, Tennessee, and Massachusetts
2. Established Organizations: Preference for well-established nonprofits with proven track records
3. Humanitarian Response: Demonstrated interest in urgent humanitarian needs
4. Direct Service Impact: Values concrete, measurable outcomes (e.g., ambulances)
5. Human Services Focus: Consistent support for human services and education
6. Moderate Grant Sizes: Typical grants between $5,000-$124,000

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No public application process - organizations are selected by trustees
• Primary geographic focus on New York, Tennessee, and Massachusetts
• Preference for established nonprofits over startups
• Demonstrated responsiveness to humanitarian crises
• Moderate grant sizes allow support for multiple organizations annually
• No public contact information beyond mailing address
• Grants made throughout the year with no fixed deadlines

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Vica Foundation Profile
   https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/272178283
   Accessed: February 12, 2026

2. Charity Navigator - Vica Foundation Profile
   https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/272178283
   Accessed: February 12, 2026

3. Instrumentl - Vica Foundation 990 Report
   https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/vica-foundation
   Accessed: February 12, 2026

4. Cause IQ - Vica Foundation Profile
   https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/vica-foundation,272178283/
   Accessed: February 12, 2026