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Lincoln Financial Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$8.8M
Grant Range
$0K - $0.3M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8.8 million
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $32 - $250,000
  • Geographic Focus: 11 U.S. cities where Lincoln Financial has offices

Contact Details

Primary Contact:

Overview

Founded in 1962, Lincoln Financial Foundation Inc is a corporate foundation sponsored by Lincoln Financial Group (Fortune 250). With annual giving of approximately $8-10 million and assets of $4.1 million, the foundation focuses on financial wellness, education, and human services in communities where Lincoln Financial maintains business operations. The foundation transitioned from accepting public applications to a proactive, invitation-only model, identifying and approaching organizations that align with their strategic priorities. They emphasize evidence-based programs with measurable outcomes, particularly those serving economically disadvantaged populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Strategic Partnership Grants: $100,000 - $250,000 (for established partners with proven outcomes)
  • Community Grants: $245 - $50,000 (typical range for community organizations)
  • Employee Matching Gifts: Up to $10,000 per employee annually (1:1 match)
  • LIVE Volunteer Grants: $500 (after 50 hours of employee volunteerism)

Priority Areas

  • Financial wellness and literacy education for low-income individuals
  • K-12 and adult education programs
  • Workforce development and job training
  • Human services supporting vulnerable populations
  • Arts and culture organizations in priority cities

What They Don't Fund

  • Organizations outside their 11 priority cities
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations
  • Programs without demonstrated outcomes
  • Unsolicited proposals (invitation-only model)

Governance and Leadership

Foundation Leadership:

  • Chairman: Sean N. Woodroffe (Chief People, Communications and Enterprise Services Officer at Lincoln Financial Group)
  • President & CEO: Allison Green Johnson (Senior VP, Chief Diversity Officer at Lincoln Financial Group)
  • Executive Director: Meghan Wright (VP, Community Impact & Charitable Giving)
  • Financial Wellness Director: Chelsea Barrish (Assistant VP, National Director)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation proactively identifies and approaches organizations that align with their strategic priorities. They transitioned from accepting unsolicited applications to an invitation-only model focused on strategic partnerships with proven outcomes.

Getting on Their Radar

  • Build relationships through local United Way partnerships in priority cities where Lincoln Financial employees are actively involved in campaigns
  • Cultivate connections with Lincoln Financial employees who can champion your organization internally through the matching gift and volunteer programs
  • Participate in community initiatives in Philadelphia, Hartford, Chicago, Fort Wayne, Greensboro, Omaha, or Concord where foundation staff are likely to notice high-impact programs
  • Executive Director Meghan Wright and Financial Wellness Director Chelsea Barrish are known to actively scout for programs aligned with foundation priorities in their geographic areas

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available (invitation-only model)

Success Rates

Not applicable - foundation approaches organizations rather than accepting applications

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only model

Application Success Factors

Based on recent grant recipients and foundation statements:

  • Geographic location in one of 11 priority cities is critical - Philadelphia, Hartford, Chicago, Fort Wayne, Omaha, Concord, and Greensboro receive the most funding
  • Foundation emphasizes "mission-aligned partners with proven outcomes" - organizations must demonstrate measurable impact
  • Recent grants show preference for organizations addressing financial wellness (LIFT-Philadelphia, Greensboro Chamber Foundation)
  • Multi-year partnerships appear common for successful grantees (United Way organizations, City Year)
  • Employee engagement opportunities increase visibility - organizations where Lincoln Financial employees volunteer receive additional support through LIVE grants
  • Financial literacy programs receive particular attention, reflecting corporate expertise in financial services

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Do not submit unsolicited proposals - the foundation will approach you if interested
  • Focus on building exceptional programs with measurable outcomes in priority geographic areas
  • Leverage employee connections: recruit Lincoln Financial volunteers and cultivate individual donors for matching gifts
  • Connect through United Way partnerships in priority cities for increased visibility
  • Demonstrate clear alignment with financial wellness, education, or workforce development priorities
  • Build long-term relationships rather than seeking one-time grants - foundation favors multi-year strategic partnerships
  • Consider the foundation's corporate background - programs that align with financial services expertise may have advantages

References

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