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Barker Welfare Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.8M
Grant Range
$6K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2mo

Barker Welfare Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,848,531 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Data not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Approximately 6 weeks after board meeting (2 meetings per year)
  • Grant Range: $6,000 - $50,000
  • Average Grant: $11,230
  • Geographic Focus: New York City (five boroughs only), Michigan City (Indiana), and Chicago (by invitation only)
  • Total Assets: $93.2 million

Contact Details

Address: P.O. Box 31432, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

Phone: (561) 677-9119

Email: info@barkerwelfare.org

Website: www.barkerwelfare.org

Pre-Application Contact: Telephone consultation recommended before submitting funding inquiry

Overview

The Barker Welfare Foundation was established in 1934 by Catherine Barker Hickox (1896-1970) and has been operating for over 90 years as a family foundation with approximately $93.2 million in assets. The foundation originated from the sale of the Haskell & Barker Car Company to Pullman Company, with Catherine Barker first establishing the Barker Annuity Fund in 1924 to support former employees. After fulfillment of the Annuity Fund, the remaining balance was transferred to create the Foundation, which is operated with the involvement of numerous Barker-Hickox heirs. The foundation's mission is to make grants to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life, with an emphasis on strengthening youth and families to reflect the philosophy of Catherine B. Hickox. In 2024, the foundation made 167 grants totaling $1,848,531. The foundation maintains a focused geographic approach, primarily supporting organizations in New York City's five boroughs and Michigan City, Indiana, with Chicago grants awarded by invitation only.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a biannual grant cycle with two application deadlines:

  • Spring Cycle: Proposals due by February 1
  • Fall Cycle: Proposals due by August 1

Grant amounts typically range from $6,000 to $50,000, with an average grant size of $11,230. Applications are accepted through an online funding inquiry system on a rolling basis year-round, with formal proposals reviewed at twice-yearly board meetings.

Priority Areas

The foundation funds established organizations and charitable institutions focusing on:

  • Youth and Families: Child welfare agencies, youth programs, and family support services
  • Education: K-12 programs, charter schools, and educational initiatives
  • Arts and Culture: Museums, fine and performing arts organizations serving local communities
  • Health and Welfare: Health services, rehabilitation programs, and social services
  • Community Support: Programs for the elderly, aid to the handicapped, libraries, environmental programs, recreation, and civic affairs

Geographic Restrictions:

  • New York City (five boroughs only)
  • Michigan City, Indiana
  • Chicago, Illinois (by invitation only - applicants cannot apply unsolicited)

What They Don't Fund

The foundation explicitly excludes:

  • Individual applicants
  • Scholarships and fellowships
  • Organizations working outside the United States
  • Federated campaigns
  • Disease or disability-specific research
  • Medical research
  • Endowment funds
  • Start-up organizations or start-up programs
  • Emergency funds or deficit financing
  • Intermediary organizations
  • Private schools
  • National agencies
  • Lobbying activities

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

Officers:

  • Alline Matheson - Director & President
  • Frances B. Hickox - Director & 1st Vice President
  • Sarane R. O'Connor - Director & 2nd Vice President
  • Betsy L. Turner - Director & Treasurer
  • James A. B. Hickox - Director & Secretary

Additional Directors:

  • Thornton Matheson
  • Danielle H. Moore
  • Alexander B. Ross
  • Sarane H. Ross - Director & President Emerita
  • Stephen B. Ross
  • Walter L. Ross III
  • Adam J. Wawrynek

Staff:

  • Susan M. De Maio - Assistant Secretary & Executive Director

The board comprises multiple Barker-Hickox family heirs, maintaining the founder's philanthropic vision while governing the foundation's strategic direction.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Initial Contact: A telephone call to (561) 677-9119 is strongly suggested before submitting a funding inquiry to determine if your organization falls within the foundation's current policy and geographic focus.

  2. Online Funding Inquiry: Complete the online funding inquiry form available at www.barkerwelfare.org/funding-inquiry, which requires:

    • Organization's legal name and contact information
    • Mission statement and executive leadership details
    • Staff and volunteer numbers
    • Total organizational budget
    • Specific program/project details
    • Amount requested
    • Target population served
    • Program goals, objectives, and measurable activities

  3. Required Attachments:

    • Front page of most recent IRS Form 990
    • Current organizational budget
    • Separate project budget (if requesting project funding)
    • Copy of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt documentation

  4. Eligibility Requirements Before Applying:

    • Minimum two years of current audited financial statements (or CPA Review)
    • Two years of complete IRS Form 990s with all schedules
    • Must be classified as a public charity under 501(c)(3)
    • Established organizations preferred (start-ups discouraged)

  5. Grant Advisory Committee Review: If the funding inquiry appears suitable based on the foundation's current policy, the Grants Advisory Committee will request a full Grant Application Form and Checklist.

  6. Proposal Deadlines:

    • February 1 (Spring board meeting)
    • August 1 (Fall board meeting)

Decision Timeline

  • Review Cycle: The board meets twice per year (Spring and Fall) to review complete proposals
  • Decision Notification: The foundation makes every effort to inform applicants promptly of their proposal status
  • Grant Distribution: Organizations approved for grants receive funds approximately six weeks after the board meeting
  • Total Timeline: Approximately 6-8 weeks from board meeting to grant distribution for approved proposals

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose success rates or the total number of applications received. However, grant activity data shows:

  • 2024: 167 awards
  • 2023: 202 awards
  • 2022: 212 awards
  • 2021: 237 awards
  • 2020: 322 awards

Reapplication Policy

Important: An applicant whose proposal has been declined must wait at least one year before reapplying to the foundation.

Note: If you have received a grant within the last two years, please call the foundation before completing a new inquiry form.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Catherine B. Hickox's Philosophy

The foundation's mission explicitly states that grants should "reflect the philosophy of Catherine B. Hickox, the Founder," emphasizing initiatives that strengthen youth and families. Successful applications demonstrate clear alignment with this foundational philosophy and show how the proposed program improves quality of life for these populations.

Established Track Record Required

The foundation explicitly discourages start-up organizations from applying and requires a minimum of two years of audited financials and IRS Form 990s. This policy indicates the foundation values:

  • Organizational stability and proven operational capacity
  • Financial accountability and transparency
  • Demonstrated impact over time
  • Sustainable programming

Geographic Precision

Applications must clearly demonstrate that the organization primarily serves one of the foundation's three geographic focus areas:

  • New York City: Only the five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
  • Michigan City, Indiana: Local organizations serving this community
  • Chicago: Only by foundation invitation - do not apply if you have not been invited

Proposals from organizations outside these areas or serving broader regions will not be considered, regardless of program quality.

General Operating vs. Project Support

Based on recent grant examples from the 2023-2024 annual report, the foundation funds both general operating support and specific projects. Examples include:

  • Chicago Youth Centers: $20,000 for General Operating Support
  • North Central Community Action Agencies: $6,000 for equipment (iPads and recreation)
  • Art Institute of Chicago: $15,000 for K-12 student and teacher programs

Documentation Requirements Are Non-Negotiable

The foundation requires complete documentation including two years of 990s with "ALL schedules" (emphasized in their materials). Missing schedules or incomplete financial documentation will likely result in disqualification before reaching the full proposal stage.

No Site Visits Before Submission

The foundation's policy explicitly states: "Site Visits will not be arranged prior to the submission of a proposal." This means applicants cannot rely on in-person meetings to make their case before applying - the written materials must stand on their own merit.

Recent Grant Examples

Successful 2023-2024 grants ranged from $6,000 to $50,000 and included:

  • Large Awards: Goddard-Riverside Community Center ($50,000, General Operating Support)
  • Mid-Range Awards: Good Shepherd Services ($25,000, General Operating Support); Success Academy Charter School ($25,000, General Operating Support)
  • Smaller Awards: North Central Community Action Agencies ($6,000, equipment)

This range suggests the foundation considers organization size, program scope, and specific needs when determining grant amounts.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Call first: A preliminary phone consultation is strongly suggested and can save significant time by confirming your organization's eligibility before investing in a full application.

  • Geographic focus is absolute: If your organization does not primarily serve NYC's five boroughs or Michigan City, Indiana, do not apply (unless specifically invited for Chicago). The foundation's geographic restrictions are strictly enforced.

  • Emphasize youth and families: Even if your organization serves multiple populations, center your proposal on how the program strengthens youth and families, as this directly reflects Catherine B. Hickox's founding philosophy.

  • Demonstrate stability: With a two-year financial history requirement and explicit discouragement of start-ups, focus on your organization's track record, sustainable programs, and proven impact.

  • Complete documentation is critical: Ensure all required documents are thorough and complete, especially IRS Form 990s with all schedules - incomplete applications will not advance.

  • Plan for the timeline: With only two board meetings per year (February and August deadlines), missed deadlines mean waiting six months for the next cycle. Grant distribution occurs approximately six weeks after approval.

  • If declined, wait a full year: The foundation's reapplication policy requires at least a one-year waiting period after rejection, so ensure your first application is as strong as possible.

References

  1. Barker Welfare Foundation Official Website. "Home." www.barkerwelfare.org. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  2. Barker Welfare Foundation. "Funding Inquiry." www.barkerwelfare.org/funding-inquiry/. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  3. Barker Welfare Foundation. "Directors." www.barkerwelfare.org/directors/. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  4. Barker Welfare Foundation. "2024-2025 Annual Report." www.barkerwelfare.org/annual_reports/2024-2025-annual-report/. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  5. Barker Welfare Foundation. "2023-2024 Annual Report." www.barkerwelfare.org/annual_reports/2023-2024-annual-report/. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  6. Charity Navigator. "Barker Welfare Foundation." www.charitynavigator.org/ein/366018526. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  7. Instrumentl. "Barker Welfare Foundation | Palm Bch Gdns, FL | 990 Report." www.instrumentl.com/990-report/barker-welfare-foundation. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  8. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Barker Welfare Foundation." projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/366018526. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  9. Candid (Foundation Directory). "The Barker Welfare Foundation | Foundation Directory." fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BARK004. Accessed January 6, 2026.

  10. Grantmakers.io. "Barker Welfare Foundation Profile." www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/366018526-barker-welfare-foundation/. Accessed January 6, 2026.

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