← Back to US Funders Directory

Robert N Brewer Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.8M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $821,632 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies by program (scholarships and medical research grants)
  • Total Assets: $25.9 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Southern Illinois (Herrin and Marion) for scholarships; national (Mayo Clinic) for medical research

Contact Details

Address: 2 N. Park Ave., Herrin, IL 62948

Phone: 618-988-1234 (Contact: Marie)

Website: Not available

Email: Not available

Overview

The Robert N Brewer Family Foundation was established in 1997 by Robert N. Brewer, founder of Best Inns of America who owned 35 motels at the peak of his business career. Despite never achieving higher than a high school education himself, Brewer established this private family foundation to provide educational opportunities to students in his community and to support lung disease research. The foundation has awarded more than 700 scholarships to Herrin and Marion high school graduates since 2001, enabling over 434 students to obtain college degrees. With total assets of $25.9 million as of 2024, the foundation gave $821,632 in charitable disbursements. Brewer was designated as Citizen of the Millennium in Southern Illinois in recognition of his remarkable generosity. His son, Robert Denver "Denny" Brewer (1946-2012), immortalized his father's legacy by leading the foundation. The foundation currently distributes over $2 million in total scholarships to date and pledged $2 million to Mayo Clinic for lung disease research, establishing one of the nation's best programs for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Related Interstitial Lung Disease Research.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Educational Scholarships

  • Scholarships for post-secondary education for graduates of Herrin High School and Marion High School
  • Open to students with a cumulative GPA of "C or better"
  • Application by request from the foundation
  • Specific scholarship amounts not publicly disclosed

Medical Research Grants

  • $2 million pledge to Mayo Clinic for Lung Diseases Research Program
  • Focus on Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and Related Interstitial Lung Disease Research
  • Founded the research program in 2000, now recognized as one of the best programs in the nation

Priority Areas

  • Post-secondary education for local Southern Illinois students
  • Lung disease research, specifically idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung diseases
  • Supporting students committed to hard work and community improvement
  • Providing opportunities for students to achieve career goals and contribute to their communities

What They Don't Fund

  • Students outside of Herrin High School and Marion High School (for educational scholarships)
  • Students with GPAs below "C"
  • Geographic areas outside Southern Illinois for educational grants

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three directors who each receive $12,000 in annual compensation:

  • Marie A. DeLaney - President
  • Christopher B. Osman - Director
  • Zachary A. Lukens - Director

The foundation operates with no full-time employees.

On the Foundation's Mission: The foundation aims to "provide them with opportunity to achieve and succeed" and support students with "commitment to hard work" who will contribute to community improvement. The foundation represents a "remarkable legacy of achievement and philanthropy" aimed at supporting local students.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Educational Scholarships: The foundation requires completion of a scholarship application form, which can be obtained by:

  • Writing to: Robert N. Brewer Family Foundation, 2 N. Park Ave., Herrin, IL 62948
  • Calling: 618-988-1234 (ask for Marie)
  • Contacting high school guidance offices at Herrin High School or Marion High School (full application criteria is distributed to all HHS seniors during December of each year)

Initial approach should be by letter or telephone to request the scholarship application.

Medical Research Grants: The foundation does not appear to have a public application process for medical research grants. The Mayo Clinic partnership was established through direct engagement.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Students should contact the foundation or their school guidance counselors for specific information about scholarship award notifications.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose success rates. However, since 2001, more than 700 scholarships have been awarded to graduates from the two eligible high schools, enabling over 434 students to obtain college degrees.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly disclosed. Students should contact the foundation directly for information about reapplication eligibility.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and history:

  • Academic Achievement: While the minimum requirement is a "C or better" GPA, demonstrating strong academic performance will strengthen applications
  • Commitment to Hard Work: The foundation specifically values students who demonstrate dedication and work ethic, reflecting founder Bob Brewer's own values
  • Community Connection: Preference for students who will contribute to their communities after completing their education
  • Local Ties: Must be a graduate of Herrin High School or Marion High School and a resident of Illinois with emphasis on the Herrin and Marion area
  • Post-Secondary Education Goals: Clear articulation of educational and career goals for post-secondary education

The foundation was established by an entrepreneur who succeeded despite limited formal education, suggesting a potential appreciation for students who demonstrate determination and ambition regardless of background.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This foundation has a highly specific geographic focus - only graduates of two Southern Illinois high schools are eligible for educational scholarships
  • The foundation values hard work and community commitment, reflecting founder Bob Brewer's own values as a self-made businessman
  • With over 700 scholarships awarded since 2001, the foundation has a sustained commitment to educational support
  • The application process is straightforward but requires direct contact with the foundation or school guidance offices
  • Minimum GPA requirement of "C or better" indicates the foundation is accessible to a broad range of students, not just top academic performers
  • The foundation also supports medical research, specifically lung disease research, though this appears to be through direct partnerships rather than open applications
  • Contact Marie at 618-988-1234 for scholarship applications and inquiries

References

← Back to US Funders Directory