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The Harding Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,140,000 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $53.8 million
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: National (Christian Science organizations), with additional focus on St. Louis, MO area

Contact Details

Address: The Glenmede Trust Company NA, 1650 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7391

Phone: 215-419-6000

EIN: 38-2849003

Overview

The Harding Foundation was established in 1988 in Michigan as a private family foundation and is now headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Managed by The Glenmede Trust Company, the foundation maintains total assets of $53.8 million and distributed $3.14 million in charitable grants in 2024, representing 92.6% of its expenses. The foundation's primary mission is to support nonprofit organizations dedicated to the cause of Christian Science, while also providing additional grants to organizations in the St. Louis, Missouri area. As a private grantmaking foundation, it operates under trustee direction with leadership including Paula K. Turrentine (Chairman/President), Milo I. Mott (Vice President/Treasurer), and Paula M. Switzer (Vice President/Secretary).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private grantmaking foundation with trustee-directed giving. Specific grant amounts and ranges are not publicly disclosed, but with annual charitable disbursements of $3.14 million, the foundation makes meaningful investments in its focus areas.

Priority Areas

  • Christian Science Organizations: Primary focus on nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting or contributing to the cause of Christian Science
  • St. Louis, MO Area: Additional grants provided to organizations in the St. Louis, Missouri region addressing various areas of interest

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation's narrow focus on Christian Science organizations and the St. Louis, MO area indicates limited scope for other types of applications.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three key officers, each compensated at $77,000 annually:

  • Paula K. Turrentine: Chairman and President
  • Milo I. Mott: Vice President and Treasurer
  • Paula M. Switzer: Vice President and Secretary

The foundation is professionally managed by The Glenmede Trust Company NA, a Philadelphia-based trust company with extensive experience in philanthropic services.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Harding Foundation does not have a public application process. As a private family foundation operating under trustee discretion, grants are typically awarded through the trustees' own initiative and knowledge of organizations working in their areas of interest. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Grants are made to organizations that the trustees have identified as aligned with the foundation's mission of supporting Christian Science and serving the St. Louis, MO area.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's structure and focus, organizations seeking support should:

  • Direct Connection to Christian Science: Organizations must have a clear mission dedicated to supporting or contributing to the cause of Christian Science. The trustees appear to work within established Christian Science networks to identify grant recipients.

  • St. Louis, MO Connections: For non-Christian Science organizations, a strong connection to the St. Louis, Missouri area is essential, as this represents the foundation's secondary area of interest.

  • Glenmede Trust Relationship: Since The Glenmede Trust Company manages the foundation at 215-419-6000, organizations might consider whether they have existing relationships or connections through Glenmede's broader network of philanthropic clients.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed as grants are made at the discretion of the trustees rather than through scheduled application cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not have a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the Harding Foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations that receive funding from this foundation are typically:

  • Established Christian Science Organizations: Organizations with demonstrated commitment to Christian Science principles and practice, likely already known within Christian Science networks
  • St. Louis Community Organizations: For non-Christian Science grants, organizations with strong ties to and impact in the St. Louis, Missouri community
  • Trustee Awareness: Organizations that come to the trustees' attention through their networks, professional advisors at Glenmede Trust, or other trusted sources

The foundation's consistent allocation of over 90% of expenses to charitable disbursements demonstrates a strong commitment to its grantmaking mission, even as it operates without soliciting public applications.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Available: This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications - do not submit proposals unless specifically invited
  • Narrow Mission Focus: The foundation has a highly specific focus on Christian Science organizations, limiting potential applicants
  • Trustee-Directed Giving: All grants are made at trustee discretion based on their knowledge and networks
  • Strong Financial Position: With $53.8 million in assets and $3.14 million in annual giving, the foundation has substantial resources but distributes them through closed channels
  • Secondary Geographic Focus: Non-Christian Science organizations in the St. Louis, MO area may receive consideration
  • Professional Management: Managed by Glenmede Trust Company, a respected Philadelphia-based trust and wealth management firm
  • Efficient Operations: 92.6% of expenses go directly to charitable grants, indicating minimal overhead

References

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