← Back to US Funders Directory

State Farm Companies Foundation

Annual Giving
$8.4M

State Farm Companies Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $8.45 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: United States, primarily near State Farm employment hubs

Contact Details

Overview

Established in 1968, State Farm Companies Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation with total assets of approximately $15.9 million. The foundation distributes over $8 million annually in charitable contributions, representing 94% of its total expenses. As the philanthropic arm of State Farm Insurance, the foundation focuses on building safer, stronger, and better educated communities across the United States. The foundation operates primarily through an invitation-only grant process, though they do accept unsolicited support requests through an online questionnaire system.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates three primary grant programs:

  • Safety Grants: Auto safety, home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery
  • Community Development Grants: Affordable housing, business development, financial literacy, food insecurity
  • Education Grants: Higher education initiatives, K-12 academic performance improvement, STEM programs

Additional programs include:

  • Employee Matching Gift Program
  • Volunteer Support Program
  • Scholarship Programs

Priority Areas

  • Safety initiatives focusing on accident prevention and disaster response
  • Community development addressing economic stability and housing
  • Educational programs supporting underserved students
  • Financial literacy and economic empowerment

What They Don't Fund

  • Individuals seeking personal assistance
  • Religious programs or activities
  • Politically partisan programs or campaigns
  • Organizations located outside the United States
  • Programs not aligned with their three focus areas

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by Michael Tipsord, who serves as Chairman of the Board and President. Officers serve without compensation, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to maximizing charitable impact. The board consists primarily of State Farm executives who guide the strategic direction of philanthropic efforts.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

State Farm Companies Foundation operates primarily through an invitation-only grant process. However, organizations can submit unsolicited support requests via an online questionnaire available on their website. The foundation notes they "receive a large number of requests" and cannot support every application received.

For those seeking support:

  1. Complete the online questionnaire at the State Farm corporate responsibility website
  2. Ensure your organization is a qualified 501(c)(3), educational institution, government entity, or 501(c)(4) volunteer fire company
  3. Align your request clearly with one of the three focus areas
  4. Demonstrate impact in communities near State Farm employment hubs

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations should focus on building visibility through:

  • Demonstrating measurable impact in State Farm's priority areas
  • Operating in communities where State Farm has significant employment presence
  • Establishing track records in safety, education, or community development initiatives

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation reserves the right to discontinue or change grant programs at any time without notice.

Success Rates

The foundation does not publish application numbers or success rates. They acknowledge receiving "a large number of requests" annually.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified in available documentation.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and structure:

  • Geographic alignment: Focus on communities near State Farm's major employment centers
  • Clear program fit: Proposals must directly address safety, community development, or education
  • Organizational eligibility: Ensure proper 501(c)(3) status or other qualifying designation
  • Measurable outcomes: Demonstrate potential for quantifiable community impact
  • Sustainability: Show how programs will continue beyond initial funding

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • State Farm Companies Foundation primarily operates through invitation-only grants, making relationship building essential
  • Unsolicited requests are accepted but face significant competition
  • Focus areas are strictly limited to safety, community development, and education
  • Geographic proximity to State Farm operations appears to be a significant factor
  • The foundation makes substantial annual distributions ($8.45 million in 2024)
  • No individuals or religious/political programs will be considered
  • The foundation maintains flexibility to change programs without notice

References

← Back to US Funders Directory