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Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.0M

The Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,045,852 (2024 data)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Applications accepted January 1 - September 30; grants typically paid in current calendar year
  • Grant Range: Not publicly specified
  • Geographic Focus: Stoughton and Dane County, Wisconsin (no statewide or national requests)
  • Total Assets: $61,287,832

Contact Details

The Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation, Inc. 3039 Shadyside Drive PO Box 600 Stoughton, WI 53589-0600

Contact for Grant Inquiries: June Bunting, Secretary (and current President as of recent filings) Phone: (608) 873-4378

Website: https://edwinandjanetbryantfoundation.org/

Overview

The Edwin E. and Janet L. Bryant Foundation was established in December 1993 as the BGB Foundation, Inc., and renamed in 1998 to honor Edwin E. Bryant, founder, chairman, and CEO of Nelson Industries, Inc. until his death in 1972. The foundation was created by Janet L. Bryant with an initial gift of $1,000, later expanded through gifts of Nelson Industries stock. After the company was sold in 1998, the foundation became more actively funded. Following Janet Bryant's death in 2010, the foundation continues to operate according to her vision of continuing Edwin Bryant's "spirit of volunteering and sharing" in the community.

The foundation has total assets of over $61 million and distributes approximately $3 million annually in charitable giving. The foundation maintains two primary programs: a scholarship program for students from Wisconsin communities where Nelson Industries had manufacturing plants, and a community grants program supporting nonprofit organizations in the Stoughton and Dane County area. The foundation prefers to remain relatively anonymous while meeting legal requirements, reflecting the Bryants' modest approach to philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Grants Program

  • Focus: Project support and equipment for local nonprofit organizations
  • Geographic Area: Stoughton (primary focus), with Dane County requests considered on case-by-case basis
  • Application Period: January 1 - September 30 annually
  • Payment: Grants typically paid in current calendar year
  • Multi-year grants may be considered

Scholarship Program (separate from community grants)

  • Annual awards of up to $12,000 for full-time four-year college students
  • Up to $4,000 for full-time two-year or vocational/technical students
  • Available to graduates of high schools in Wisconsin communities where Nelson Industries had manufacturing locations

Priority Areas

The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that:

  • Enhance the quality of life for residents of Stoughton and Dane County
  • Provide community services and programs
  • Need equipment or project support
  • Serve local residents (income-generating organizations only funded if helping low-income participants access services)

What They Don't Fund

  • National or statewide causes
  • Existing debts
  • Costs already obligated or incurred
  • Organizations outside Stoughton/Dane County area

Governance and Leadership

Board Officers and Trustees

Current Leadership:

  • June C. Bunting - President and Secretary (Compensation: $260,198 in 2024)
  • Jerry A. Gryttenholm - CFO and Treasurer (Compensation: $236,438 in 2024)
  • David W. Bjerke - Vice President
  • Rockne G. Flowers - Former President (served in earlier years)

Honorary Position:

  • Janet L. Bryant - Honorary Chairman (deceased 2010)

The board consists of the original trustees appointed when the foundation was created in 1993. David W. Bjerke, Jerry A. Gryttenholm, and June C. Bunting have served as trustees since the foundation's inception, providing continuity and deep knowledge of the founders' intentions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Eligibility Verification: Ensure your organization is a 501(c)(3) or tax-exempt charitable organization located in the Stoughton area (Dane County requests may be considered)

  2. Obtain Application Form: Use the foundation's Grants Request form available on their website

  3. Required Documentation:

    • Completed Grants Request form
    • Copy of 501(c)(3) IRS determination letter
    • Documentation demonstrating non-discriminatory selection process for beneficiaries

  4. Submission: One application per organization per year

  5. Contact: Direct questions to June Bunting at (608) 873-4378

Decision Timeline

  • Application Window: January 1 - September 30
  • Grant Awards: Typically paid in current calendar year
  • Reporting Requirements:
    • Documentation of actual expenses incurred
    • Project/program result report

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. The foundation distributes approximately $3 million annually in total charitable giving, which includes both community grants and scholarship awards.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations are limited to one application per year. The foundation's guidelines do not specify restrictions on reapplication in subsequent years for unsuccessful applicants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and structure:

  1. Local Focus is Critical: The foundation explicitly states "no national or statewide requests will be considered." Applications must demonstrate clear benefit to Stoughton residents, with Dane County requests considered on a case-by-case basis.

  2. Project-Specific Requests: The foundation supports "project support and equipment" rather than general operating support. Applications should focus on specific, tangible projects or equipment needs.

  3. Clear Community Benefit: Given the foundation's mission to "enhance the quality of life" in Stoughton, applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project will improve residents' lives.

  4. Complete Documentation: The foundation requires documentation of expenses and results, indicating they value accountability and measurable outcomes.

  5. Spirit of Volunteering: The foundation honors Edwin Bryant's "spirit of volunteering and sharing." Applications that demonstrate community engagement and volunteer involvement may align well with this philosophy.

  6. Income-Generating Organizations: If your organization generates income, clearly explain how the grant will help low-income participants access services, as this is the only circumstance under which the foundation will consider such organizations.

  7. Avoid Debt Refinancing: The foundation will not fund existing debts or costs already obligated. Applications should be for future projects or equipment purchases.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic eligibility is strict: Only Stoughton-area organizations should apply; Dane County organizations should verify eligibility before applying
  • One chance per year: With only one application allowed annually, make it count by carefully addressing all requirements
  • Project-focused approach: Frame your request around a specific project or equipment need, not general operations
  • Documentation matters: Be prepared to provide detailed expense documentation and results reporting
  • Substantial funder: With $3M in annual giving and $61M in assets, this is a significant local funder worth cultivating relationships with
  • Long-tenured leadership: The same trustees have served since 1993, suggesting consistency in decision-making and potentially the value of long-term relationships
  • Apply early in the window: With a January 1 - September 30 application period and grants paid in the current calendar year, earlier applications may have better chances

References

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