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Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$0.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $12,444 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $5,000
  • Geographic Focus: United States (no foreign applicants)

Contact Details

Website: https://timmonsfoundation.org/

Address:
Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation
C/O US Bank NA Trust Dept
PO Box 8
Joplin, MO 64802-0008

Phone: (417) 625-3202

Application Portal: Online applications accepted through website

Overview

The Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation was established in 1967 by Bess Cole Spiva Timmons (1901-1954+) to enable her children and grandchildren to continue her existing program of charitable assistance. The foundation has been tax-exempt since December 1967 and is headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, with administrative registration in Wilmington, Delaware. As of December 2023, the foundation held assets of approximately $5.3 million. The foundation focuses on supporting smaller, grassroots organizations with limited federal, state, or local financial assistance in areas of education (particularly for minorities), health care, medical research, the arts, social services, and ecological preservation. Notably, the foundation gave only $12,444 across 3 grants in 2023, a significant decrease from 44 awards in 2022 and 45 awards in 2021, suggesting a strategic shift or funding constraints.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single general grant program with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Applications are accepted through an online portal on a fixed application period (March 1 - July 1 annually), with a maximum number of applications accepted on a first-come basis.

Recent Grant Recipients (2023):

  • Slammin Famine (Loveland, CO): $5,000 for General & Unrestricted purposes
  • UrbanPromise Charlotte (Charlotte, NC): $4,000 for General & Unrestricted purposes
  • Living Fire Arts Network (Fort Collins, CO): $3,000 for Blues Behind Bars Outreach Program

Priority Areas

The foundation actively funds organizations working in:

  • Education: Particularly programs benefiting minorities
  • Health Care: Health services and access programs
  • Medical Research: Research initiatives in various medical fields
  • The Arts: Arts programs and cultural initiatives
  • Minority-Focused Programs: Programs with emphasis on benefiting minority groups
  • Social Services: Community-based social service programs
  • Ecology: Environmental preservation and ecological programs
  • Experimental Ventures: Consideration given to innovative approaches in the designated areas

Strong Preference For:

  • Smaller, grassroots organizations
  • Groups with local appeal
  • Organizations with significant volunteer support
  • Tax-exempt organizations with limited financial assistance from government sources

What They Don't Fund

  • Salaries or operating expenses
  • Payroll expenses
  • Endowments
  • Major building projects
  • Major acquisitions
  • Individuals
  • Foreign-based organizations or associations

Governance and Leadership

The Bess Spiva Timmons Foundation operates as a family foundation, managed by descendants of the founder. Specific board member names are not publicly disclosed in accessible databases. The foundation is administered through the US Bank NA Trust Department in Joplin, Missouri.

The foundation's governing philosophy emphasizes Mrs. Timmons' original vision of enabling her children and future generations to carry on her charitable work in the designated focus areas.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online through the foundation's website at timmonsfoundation.org.

Application Period: March 1 through July 1 annually, or until the application limit is reached.

Important Note: The foundation limits the number of grant proposals considered annually due to high application volume. Applications that exceed the maximum number will not be considered, even if submitted before the July 1 deadline. This operates on a first-come, first-served basis during the application window.

Application Requirements:

  • Letter application format
  • Current IRS 501(c)(3) designation required
  • Must be a U.S.-based organization

Decision Timeline

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific decision timelines or notification methods. Based on the application period closing July 1, decisions are likely made later in the year, but exact timeframes are not available.

Success Rates

Specific success rate data is not publicly available. However, grant activity data shows:

  • 2023: 3 grants awarded
  • 2022: 44 grants awarded
  • 2021: 45 grants awarded
  • 2020: 48 grants awarded
  • 2019: 62 grants awarded

The dramatic decrease in 2023 (from 44 to 3 awards) represents a 93% reduction in number of grants, though total application numbers are not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not publicly disclosed a reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Applicants should contact the foundation directly to inquire about reapplication guidelines.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated preferences and funding patterns, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

Organizational Characteristics:

  • Grassroots and Local Focus: The foundation explicitly states it "generally prefers smaller, grass-roots groups with local appeal and the support of volunteers"
  • Limited Financial Resources: Organizations with limited federal, state, or local financial assistance are favored
  • Volunteer Engagement: Strong volunteer support is valued

Program Characteristics:

  • Alignment with Focus Areas: Clear connection to education, health, medical research, arts, minority programs, social services, or ecology
  • Innovative Approaches: Consideration given to experimental ventures in designated areas
  • Community Impact: Programs with demonstrated local appeal and community connection

Grant Request Structure:

  • Program-Specific Funding: Focus grant requests on specific programs rather than general operating support
  • Appropriate Grant Size: Request amounts within the $1,000-$5,000 range
  • Avoid Restricted Areas: Do not request funding for salaries, buildings, endowments, or acquisitions

Application Timing:

  • Apply Early: Given the first-come, first-served application cap during March 1-July 1, submit applications as early as possible in the window

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Apply immediately when the window opens March 1 - the foundation caps total applications accepted and operates first-come, first-served
  • Position your organization as grassroots, volunteer-driven, and locally focused - these are the foundation's explicitly stated preferences
  • Request between $1,000-$5,000 for program-specific initiatives, not general operating support or capital projects
  • Emphasize limited access to government funding - the foundation favors organizations with limited federal, state, or local financial assistance
  • Be aware of dramatic funding decrease - the foundation gave only 3 grants in 2023 versus 44 in 2022, suggesting highly competitive environment or strategic changes
  • Highlight innovative or experimental approaches within the priority areas - the foundation shows interest in new ventures
  • Ensure strong alignment with at least one priority area: education (especially for minorities), health, medical research, arts, minority programs, social services, or ecology

References

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