Branches Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,361,300 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Data requires 990-PF review
• Geographic Focus: National (based on grant to Compassion International)

Contact Details

• Phone: (605) 336-6832
• Address: 401 E 8th Street # 319, Sioux Falls, SD 57103-7031
• Website: None identified
• Email: Not publicly available
• Administrative Support: Dorsey & Whitney Trust Company LLC

Overview

The Branches Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000 and managed by trustees Todd J. Christianson and Trudy A. Christianson. With total assets of approximately $29 million as of the most recent filings, the foundation has demonstrated consistent grant-making activity, awarding over $7.2 million through 93 individual grants since 2018. The foundation made 31 grants totaling $3,361,300 in 2023, with charitable disbursements representing 89.3% of their total expenses. Operating without a public website or formal application process, the foundation exemplifies the trustee-directed model common among family foundations, making strategic grants based on the trustees' philanthropic priorities and established relationships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs. Grants are made at trustee discretion with amounts varying based on recipient organizations and projects. Historical data shows consistent support for organizations like Compassion International Inc., though complete recipient lists require review of Form 990-PF filings.

Priority Areas

Based on known recipients including Compassion International, the foundation appears to support:

• International development and humanitarian work
• Faith-based organizations
• Community services

What They Don't Fund

No explicit exclusions are publicly stated. As a private family foundation without a public application process, funding is limited to organizations selected by trustees.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Todd J. Christianson
• Trudy A. Christianson

The foundation operates with minimal administrative overhead, utilizing Dorsey & Whitney Trust Company LLC for administrative support services. As a family foundation, grant-making decisions rest entirely with the two trustees who determine funding priorities and select recipient organizations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are made entirely at the discretion of the trustees, Todd J. and Trudy A. Christianson. Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications or proposals. Grant recipients are selected based on the trustees' established relationships and philanthropic interests.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made at trustee discretion without a formal application timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept public applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept public applications.

Application Success Factors

As this is a private family foundation without a public application process, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations that receive funding from the Branches Foundation typically:

• Have established relationships with the trustees
• Align with the Christianson family's philanthropic values and interests
• May be introduced through mutual connections or professional networks
• Demonstrate impact in areas of trustee interest

The foundation's consistent support of certain organizations like Compassion International suggests they value long-term partnerships with established organizations that align with their giving priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Branches Foundation is an active grant maker distributing over $3 million annually but does not accept unsolicited applications • All funding decisions are made at the discretion of trustees Todd J. and Trudy A. Christianson • The foundation maintains no public website or published grant guidelines • Organizations seeking support would need existing relationships with the trustees or introductions through mutual connections • Complete grant recipient lists are available through Form 990-PF filings on ProPublica and other nonprofit databases • The foundation demonstrates commitment to consistent, substantial giving with 89.3% of expenses going to charitable disbursements

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Branches Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2024. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/416463939
• Instrumentl Database - Branches Foundation Grant History. Accessed February 2024.
• Grantmakers.io - Branches Foundation Profile and Grant Data. Accessed February 2024.
• IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search. Accessed February 2024.
• Candid (Foundation Directory) - Branches Foundation Profile. Accessed February 2024.