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Edgar E And Elizabeth S Pankey Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,951,326 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $350,000
  • Geographic Focus: National (USA)

Contact Details

  • Phone: (714) 558-1921
  • Address: 12241 Newport Avenue, Suite 100, North Tustin, CA 92705
  • Website: None
  • Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Edgar E and Elizabeth S Pankey Foundation is a private family foundation established in December 1986 by citrus agriculture pioneer Edgar E. Pankey and his wife Elizabeth "Libby" Searles Pankey. With total assets of approximately $9 million, the foundation distributed $2.95 million in charitable grants in 2024 to 50 organizations nationwide. Following the passing of both founders (Edgar in 2002 and Elizabeth in 2021 at age 104), the foundation is now operated by their children and continues the family's philanthropic legacy with a focus on education, particularly conservative and classical institutions, human services, and organizations promoting free-market principles. The foundation operates without a public website or formal application process, making grants through board discretion and pre-existing relationships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs but makes discretionary grants ranging from $1,000 to $350,000, with an average grant size of approximately $45,000.

Priority Areas

  • Education (particularly conservative and classical education institutions)
  • Human Services
  • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
  • Christian education and faith-based organizations
  • Free-market and liberty-focused organizations

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are publicly documented, but the foundation's giving history suggests they do not typically fund:

  • Political campaigns or lobbying activities
  • Individual assistance
  • International organizations

Governance and Leadership

Current Board of Directors (2024):

  • Cynthia M Foster - President
  • Peter S Pankey - Vice President and Treasurer (son of founders)
  • Diana J Bowen - Secretary
  • James H Pankey - Director (son of founders)
  • Roberta P Sweet - Director (daughter of founders)
  • David A Poole - Director

All board members serve without compensation. The foundation is operated by the Pankey children following their mother Elizabeth's passing in 2021.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of directors based on pre-existing relationships, board member recommendations, and alignment with the founders' philanthropic values.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's connection to organizations like Hillsdale College and the Freedom Foundation, organizations may establish relationships through:

  • Connections with current board members, particularly the Pankey children who serve as directors
  • Alignment with the founders' documented interests in conservative education, free-market principles, and Christian values
  • Participation in Orange County philanthropic and civic organizations where the Pankey family has been historically active

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and the founders' documented values:

  • Strong alignment with conservative educational philosophy: Elizabeth Pankey received honorary doctorates from both Hillsdale College and Chapman University
  • Demonstrated impact in Orange County or educational excellence nationally: While based in California, the foundation funds organizations across the United States
  • Connection to free-market principles: Support for organizations like The Reason Foundation indicates preference for liberty-focused initiatives
  • Christian or values-based education programs: Significant support for Houston Christian High School demonstrates openness to faith-based education
  • Established track record: Recipients tend to be well-established institutions rather than startup organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a family foundation operating without public application processes - relationships and board connections are essential
  • The foundation has significant giving capacity ($2.95 million in 2024) despite modest assets, suggesting active philanthropic commitment
  • Educational institutions, particularly those with conservative or classical approaches, appear to be primary beneficiaries
  • Geographic location is not a barrier - the foundation funds organizations nationwide
  • With the transition to second-generation leadership following Elizabeth Pankey's death in 2021, the foundation maintains the founders' values while potentially being open to new relationships
  • Organizations aligned with free-market principles, Christian values, or classical education may find philosophical alignment
  • The average grant size of $45,000 suggests the foundation makes both major gifts and smaller strategic investments

References

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