Versacare Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,686,854 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-6 months typical
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $40,000+ (by invitation for larger grants)
• Geographic Focus: North America, Central America, Caribbean Islands, Colombia, Venezuela, Micronesia

Contact Details

Website: www.versacare.org
Phone: (951) 343-5800
Program Director: Kelly Jackson Daugherty (kelly@versacare.org)
Address: 25745 Barton Road, Suite 515, Loma Linda, CA 92354

Overview

Versacare Foundation (EIN: 33-0052434) is an independent private grantmaking foundation established in 1990, with roots dating back to 1951 as the Southern Florida Sanitarium and Hospital Corporation. After divesting its hospital holdings, the organization established The Versafund in 1989 to focus exclusively on grant-making. Since 1990, Versacare has awarded 2,471 grants totaling $38.8 million, primarily supporting Seventh-day Adventist ministries and select humanitarian efforts. The foundation is governed by a diverse Board of Trustees and operates with the mission: "Inspired by the example of Jesus and our Seventh-day Adventist heritage, the Versacare Foundation funds innovative programs and ministries that create loving and just communities." Recent strategic shifts include expanding year-round application opportunities and launching new specialized grant programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Journalism for Adventist Solutions (JAS) Grant: $5,000 - $15,000

• For 501(c)(3) organizations addressing issues affecting the SDA church
• Opens January 1, 2026

K-12 Grant: Up to $10,000

• Year-round applications (new as of 2025)
• For NAD and IAD primary, middle, and secondary schools
• 926 grants totaling $4.38 million awarded since 2016

Catalyst Grant: $2,500 - $10,000

• Year-round applications with quarterly awards
• For SDA denomination entities or affiliated ministries

Venture Grant: $10,001 - $40,000

• Application period: July 1 - December 31
• Average award: $20,000-$30,000

Impact Grant: Over $40,000

• By invitation only, requires Concept Note submission

Priority Areas

• Education and science advancement
• Healthcare activities
• Assistance for distressed and underprivileged
• Church community engagement
• Social justice initiatives
• Women and children's programs
• Youth and young adult engagement
• Innovation and sustainability

What They Don't Fund

• Capital improvements
• Mission trips
• Debt reduction
• Payroll and salaries
• Scholarships
• Start-up organizations (must have 2+ years operation)
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

Board Leadership:

• Charles C. Sandefur (Chairman) - Former ADRA President
• Tom Macomber (President/Secretary) - Trial lawyer with 34+ years experience
• Ellen H. Brodersen (Treasurer) - CPA

President Tom Macomber emphasizes: "It is part of Versacare Foundation's mission to be supportive of what concerned Christians want to do for their community," focusing on "sustainable impact rather than mere transactions."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically through www.versacare.org. Requirements include:

• 2+ years continuous operation
• 501(c)(3) or equivalent status
• SDA affiliation (founders, leadership, or beneficiaries)
• Limited non-SDA grants available if aligned with mission

Decision Timeline

• Venture/Impact Grants: Apply July 1-Dec 31, decisions in April (3-6 months)
• Catalyst Grants: Quarterly decisions (April, July, October, January)
• K-12 Grants: Jan-June applications funded in September; July-Dec funded in March

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, but described as "competitive" with "rigorous vetting."

2023 Activity:

• 133 grants awarded
• $2,493,872 total funding
• 58 K-12 grants totaling $449,772

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Contact Program Director for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on foundation leadership statements and funding patterns:

1. Sustainable Impact: Demonstrate long-term community impact beyond one-time activities. Show business-minded approach to creating sustainable ministries.

2. Innovation: Present creative approaches to community challenges.

3. Matthew 25 Principles: Show tangible service to hungry, thirsty, stranger, naked, sick, and imprisoned.

4. Clear Need Articulation: Address whether the need is important, focuses on neglected areas, and if your organization is best positioned to achieve goals.

5. Community Focus: Demonstrate how work creates "loving and just communities" beyond organizational benefit.

6. Strong SDA Connection: While some non-SDA organizations receive funding, preference given to clear Adventist ties.

Recent Funding Examples:

• Sonscreen: $35,000
• Pacific Union Conference: $40,000
• STEM education to 189 schools (2020): $1,420,000

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Choose appropriate grant tier based on project scope - don't overreach or underestimate
• Leverage year-round opportunities for K-12 and Catalyst grants for strategic timing
• Emphasize sustainability - avoid single-source funding dependency
• Highlight innovation in your approach to distinguish your application
• Connect to Matthew 25 principles of tangible community service
• Consider pre-application contact with Program Director Kelly Jackson Daugherty for guidance
• Prepare thorough documentation for rigorous vetting process

References

1. Versacare Foundation Official Website - www.versacare.org (Accessed February 11, 2026)
2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Versacare Inc Profile (Accessed February 11, 2026)
3. North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists - "Versacare Foundation Awards More Than $2 Million in Grants for 2023" (March 2023)
4. Spectrum Magazine - "Foundations Like Versacare and SFFC Impact Adventism in Fresh Ways" (Accessed February 11, 2026)
5. Candid Foundation Directory - Versacare Inc Profile (Accessed February 11, 2026)
6. Instrumentl - Versacare Inc 990 Report Analysis (Accessed February 11, 2026)