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Sankey Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.9M
Grant Range
$100K - $0.2M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $915,000+
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: $100,000 - $230,000 (based on documented grants)
  • Geographic Focus: International/Developing Nations

Contact Details

Overview

The Sankey Family Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000 with over $25 million in assets and annual grant-making exceeding $915,000. Founded by Jim Sankey (who passed away in 2024) and now led by the Sankey family, the foundation has a faith-based mission inspired by James 1:27, focusing on serving orphans, widows, and vulnerable communities globally. Over their 25+ years of operation, they have funded 20 projects, improved 50,000 lives, and served 10 communities. The foundation partners with organizations providing direct assistance, creating sustainable solutions, and restoring dignity to those in extreme poverty, particularly in developing nations including Romania, Tanzania, and Ukraine.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not publicly detail specific grant programs but has demonstrated consistent funding in the following ranges:

  • Large Grants: $200,000 - $230,000 (orphan care and humanitarian aid)
  • Medium Grants: $100,000 - $150,000 (refugee relief and special projects)
  • Application available through website portal (rolling basis implied)

Priority Areas

  • Orphan care programs globally
  • Support for widows in distress
  • Extreme poverty relief in developing nations
  • Christ-centered ministries serving vulnerable populations
  • Ukrainian refugee relief
  • Medical care and humanitarian aid
  • Health and wellness initiatives
  • Type 1 diabetes research

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, evidence suggests they do not prioritize:

  • Purely domestic U.S. programs without vulnerable population focus
  • Organizations without direct service components
  • Programs not aligned with their orphan/widow/poverty mission

Governance and Leadership

Beth Sankey - President/Treasurer and family matriarch, described as "the heart and soul of the foundation," ensuring mission alignment with family values and serving as key decision-maker for grant awards.

James K. Sankey - President (IRS filings)

Clay Sankey - Board member focusing on health and wellness initiatives

Wes Sankey - Board member handling technical/digital leadership

Brooke Sankey - Board member bringing marketing and strategic thinking expertise

Alan J. Tobin - Secretary

The foundation was founded by Jim Sankey who traveled globally to fund nonprofit organizations and humanitarian efforts until his unexpected passing in 2024. His vision and legacy continue through family leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are accepted through the foundation's website at https://www.sankeyfoundation.org/grant. While they have an online application portal, specific requirements, deadlines, and review criteria are not publicly detailed. Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly at 330-472-0095 for detailed application guidelines.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified. Contact foundation for current processing timeframes.

Success Rates

Application numbers and approval rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No publicly available information on reapplication policies or waiting periods.

Application Success Factors

Based on documented grant recipients and foundation statements:

  • Mission Alignment: The foundation explicitly seeks "organizations that share our commitment to caring for the most vulnerable"
  • Direct Assistance Focus: Preference for programs providing hands-on, direct assistance rather than purely administrative or advocacy work
  • Sustainable Solutions: The foundation values "initiatives that create sustainable solutions" beyond short-term relief
  • Dignity and Restoration: Programs should "restore dignity to those in need" - holistic approaches preferred
  • Proven Track Record: Recent recipients like Assist International and Remember the Children have 26+ years of experience
  • International Humanitarian Work: Strong preference for work in developing nations, particularly Romania, Tanzania, and areas with refugee crises
  • Faith-Based Connection: While serving people "regardless of faith or background," faith-based organizations with Christ-centered missions appear to have strong alignment

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation has substantial assets ($25.6M) and consistent annual giving, indicating financial stability and capacity for significant grants
  • Faith-based mission is central but inclusive - they serve all regardless of faith, though Christ-centered organizations may have natural alignment
  • International work in developing nations is strongly preferred over domestic U.S. programs
  • Focus must be on orphans, widows, or extremely vulnerable populations - this is non-negotiable given their mission
  • Direct contact via phone (330-472-0095) may yield more specific application guidance than available online
  • Family-led foundation means relationship building and mission alignment are likely crucial factors
  • Recent passing of founder Jim Sankey in 2024 may mean evolving priorities - verify current focus areas when applying

References

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