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Ros Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.6M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M

Ros Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,200,000 - $3,100,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $150,000
  • Median Grant: $10,000
  • Number of Grants: 97-123 annually
  • Geographic Focus: Wisconsin, with emphasis on the Milwaukee area

Contact Details

Address: 4811 S 76th Street, Suite 211, Greenfield, WI 53220

Note: The foundation does not appear to maintain a public website, phone number, or email contact. Applications are submitted by mail to the address above.

Overview

The Ros Foundation is a private family foundation established in February 1999 in Wisconsin. As of 2024, the foundation holds total assets of approximately $61.5 million and distributes between $2.2 million and $3.1 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation is governed by trustees Brian Riordan and Susan L. Riordan. The Ros Foundation operates as a traditional private foundation with private donations funding specific charitable projects. The foundation makes between 97 and 123 grants annually, demonstrating a consistent commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations throughout Wisconsin, with particular emphasis on the Milwaukee metropolitan area. The foundation's investment income from dividends and asset sales primarily funds its grantmaking activities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Ros Foundation does not operate named grant programs but accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Grant amounts typically range from $5,000 to $150,000, with a median award of $10,000.

Application Method: Rolling basis - no specific form required. Applications accepted via mail with supporting documentation.

Priority Areas

The Ros Foundation supports a diverse range of charitable causes including:

  • Food security: Food pantries and hunger relief programs
  • Children and youth: Children's charities and youth development programs
  • Education: Local scholarship programs and library funding
  • Religious programs: Faith-based initiatives and organizations
  • Senior services: Elderly assistance programs and gerontology research
  • Animal welfare: Animal welfare groups and related causes
  • Health research: Medical research, with particular interest in eye diseases, blindness, and vision impairments

What They Don't Fund

Based on available information, the foundation's primary restriction is geographic:

  • Organizations outside Wisconsin: Requests from groups outside the specified Wisconsin service area are not considered
  • Organizations outside the Milwaukee emphasis area: While Wisconsin-based organizations may apply, preference is given to the Milwaukee area

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Brian Riordan
  • Susan L. Riordan

The foundation operates as a family foundation with a streamlined governance structure. The Riordans oversee all grantmaking decisions and foundation operations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Ros Foundation accepts unsolicited applications and does not require completion of a specific application form.

Application Materials:

  • Letter stating the organization's charitable purpose
  • Organizational brochure or informational materials
  • Copy of IRS determination letter (501(c)(3) status)

Submission Method: Mail application materials to the foundation's address at 4811 S 76th Street, Suite 211, Greenfield, WI 53220.

Application Timing: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year - there are no fixed deadlines.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should allow adequate time for trustee review and should not expect immediate responses.

Success Rates

With approximately 97-123 grants awarded annually from an unknown number of applications, specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, the foundation does accept unsolicited applications and actively makes grants to organizations throughout its service area.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly with questions about reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Given the limited public information available about the foundation's specific preferences and grant review criteria, the following factors appear important based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns:

Geographic alignment: Organizations must be based in Wisconsin, with strong preference for Milwaukee-area nonprofits. Requests from outside the designated service area are explicitly not considered.

Mission alignment: Applications should clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more of the foundation's priority areas (food security, children's services, education, religious programs, senior services, animal welfare, or medical research).

Modest requests: With a median grant of $10,000 and most grants falling in the $5,000-$54,000 range, organizations should request amounts appropriate to the foundation's typical giving patterns. Requests above $150,000 appear to be rare.

Clear charitable purpose: Since the foundation requests letters stating charitable purpose rather than extensive proposals, applications should clearly and concisely articulate the charitable need and how grant funds would be used.

Established 501(c)(3) status: The foundation requires proof of tax-exempt status, indicating preference for established organizations rather than startup initiatives.

Broad charitable approach: The foundation supports a wide range of causes rather than focusing narrowly on a single issue, suggesting openness to various types of charitable work within its priority areas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic focus is critical: Only Wisconsin organizations should apply, with Milwaukee-area nonprofits having the strongest alignment. Out-of-state requests are not considered.

  • Keep requests modest: With a $10,000 median grant, target requests in the $5,000-$50,000 range for best alignment with typical giving patterns.

  • Simplicity matters: The foundation prefers simple application materials (letter, brochure, IRS letter) rather than extensive proposals - keep it concise and clear.

  • Rolling deadlines provide flexibility: With no fixed application deadlines, organizations can apply when ready and time requests to their programmatic needs.

  • Diverse funding interests: The foundation supports a wide range of causes from food pantries to medical research, so don't self-select out if your mission aligns with any of their broad priority areas.

  • Private family foundation approach: With only two trustees making decisions, the foundation operates with flexibility and discretion - building awareness of your organization's work may be valuable.

  • Consistent grantmaker: Making 97-123 grants annually demonstrates active, ongoing grantmaking - this is not a dormant foundation.

References

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