← Back to US Funders Directory

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Annual Giving
$28.0M
Grant Range
$25K - $1.0M
Decision Time
3mo

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $28-30 million
  • Grant Range: $25,000 - $250,000 (select long-term partners receive $500,000 - $1 million+)
  • Number of Grants: 41-58 grants annually
  • Decision Time: Within 30 days for initial review; up to 3 months for invitation to full proposal
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Greater Phoenix area/Arizona (50%+ of giving), with national reach for organizations serving Arizona residents or of personal importance to the Parsons
  • Multi-Year Funding: 46% of grants are multi-year commitments
  • General Operating Support: 68% of grants support general operations

Contact Details

Website: https://tbrpf.org

Email: grants@tbrpf.org

Location: 15475 N 84th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260-1827

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram

Application Portal: https://tbrpf.org/grants/

Overview

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation was established in 2012 by GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons and business executive Renee Parsons. The foundation has awarded over $296 million to more than 160 partner organizations since its inception. With a mission that states "We Deal in Hope®," the foundation inspires hope by providing critical funding at critical times to communities striving to make a difference. The foundation's giving is driven by the core belief that all people—regardless of race, religion, roots, economic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity—deserve access to quality healthcare, education, and a safe place to call home. The foundation was formed to reach low-income and underserved populations, marginalized communities, and causes often overlooked or underfunded by mainstream philanthropy. Bob and Renee Parsons signed The Giving Pledge in December 2013, committing to give away at least half their net worth to philanthropy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation accepts grant applications year-round through a three-step process:

  1. Eligibility Quiz: Ten questions to verify initial eligibility
  2. Letter of Interest: Submission reviewed within 30 days
  3. Formal Grant Application: Invitation-only via email to grants portal (may take up to 3 months)

Grant Amounts:

  • Standard grants: $25,000 - $250,000
  • Long-term partners: $500,000 - $1 million+
  • Multi-year grants available (46% of all grants)
  • General operating support emphasized (68% of grants)

Recent Grant Examples (2024):

  • Elevate Phoenix: $500,000 (two-year grant for K-12 student support)
  • Arizona Friends of Foster Children: $375,000 (multi-year grant for Keys to Success program)
  • First Place AZ: $600,000 (three-year grant for housing and leadership initiatives)
  • St. Joseph the Worker: $500,000 (multi-year grant for Workforce Villages Program)
  • Jobs for Arizona's Graduates: $300,000 (three-year grant for career readiness)
  • Hushabye Nursery: $300,000 (support for infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome)
  • The ASU Foundation: $937,000 (three-year grant for DREAMer scholarships)
  • New Schools For Phoenix: $750,000 (three-year grant)

Priority Areas

Youth & Education

  • Programs supporting at-risk youth
  • Educational access and equity initiatives
  • Youth aging out of foster care
  • Mentorship and career readiness programs
  • Scholarship programs for underserved populations
  • Organizations breaking cycles of poverty and discrimination through education

Health & Home

  • Supportive services and housing intervention strategies for homeless populations
  • Dental and medical clinics for uninsured and undocumented individuals
  • Wellness centers focused on underserved populations
  • Mental health services, including psychedelic-assisted therapy research
  • Programs addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
  • Workforce development programs that include housing support

Military & First Responders (Note: Not currently accepting new proposals in this area)

  • Programs serving military veterans, particularly Marine Corps veterans (as Bob Parsons is a Vietnam veteran who received the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and Purple Heart)
  • Mental health and suicide prevention for veterans
  • Financial assistance and case management for military families
  • Long-term partnerships include Semper Fi & America's Fund (9-year partnership generating over $18.4 million through Double Down for Veterans campaign)

American Dream

  • Higher education access initiatives
  • Vocational training and career development
  • Programs breaking down employment barriers for marginalized groups
  • Support for organizations investing in businesses focused on people overcoming employment obstacles
  • Career skills development programs

What They Don't Fund

Based on eligibility requirements, the foundation does not fund:

  • Organizations that discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status
  • Organizations with annual budgets under $1 million
  • Organizations that have not been operating for at least 3 years
  • Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
  • Organizations without recent IRS Form 990 filings
  • Organizations without audited financial statements
  • Organizations that do not provide services in Maricopa County (unless they are national organizations with Arizona operations or are of personal importance to the Parsons)
  • New proposals in Military & First Responders area (as of current application cycle)

Governance and Leadership

Founders & Board:

  • Bob Parsons, President - GoDaddy founder, Vietnam War Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Bob states: "My childhood experiences made me aware of how important it is to look outside myself and help others in need."
  • Renee Parsons, Vice President - Michigan native and accomplished businesswoman who began her career in hospitality sales, joined GoDaddy in 2009 as corporate events planner, and served as VP of Events & Community Outreach heading up GoDaddy Cares. Renee reflects: "Charitable giving can come in many forms... Every contribution helps us to uplift our communities." She also notes: "To me, philanthropy will forever feel like unfinished business."
  • Anne O'Moore, Treasurer
  • Laura Mitchell, Executive Director
  • Marianne Curran-Guenther, Director

Foundation Philosophy: According to Bob Parsons: "We tackle controversial causes, things people don't necessarily like to talk about during dinner parties." The foundation's tagline "We Deal in Hope®" serves as their north star, guiding their commitment to vulnerable populations.

From their Giving Pledge statement: "Renee and I have always believed every child has the right to good nutrition, the best medical care, a good education, a happy and stress free environment and the hope that they too will share in the American Dream."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation accepts applications year-round through a structured three-step process:

Step 1: Eligibility Quiz

  • Complete a ten-question online quiz to verify eligibility
  • Available at: https://tbrpf.org/grants/eligibility/
  • Key requirements verified:
    • 501(c)(3) non-profit status with valid IRS determination letter
    • Operating for 3+ years
    • Annual budget of $1,000,000 or more
    • Filed Form 990 with IRS within the last year
    • Financial statements audited by independent accountant
    • Provides services in Maricopa County
    • Does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status
    • Aligns with one or more focus areas (Youth & Education, Health & Home, Military & First Responders, American Dream)

Step 2: Letter of Interest

  • Submit additional information about your organization and specific projects/campaigns
  • Foundation reviews within 30 days
  • Foundation will contact promising applicants or indicate the request is not a current fit

Step 3: Formal Grant Application (Invitation Only)

  • Receive email invitation from foundation staff with link to grants portal
  • Create account to complete formal application
  • Submit:
    • Formal proposal
    • Audited financial statements
    • Organizational questionnaire covering leadership and staff, vision and strategy, financial health and outlook

Decision Timeline

  • Initial Review: Within 30 days of Letter of Interest submission
  • Invitation to Apply: May take up to 3 months after initial review
  • Full Process: Approximately 3-4 months from initial submission to final decision for invited applicants

Success Rates

While specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, the foundation:

  • Awards 41-58 grants annually (2023-2024 data)
  • Reviews applications year-round
  • Has awarded over $296 million to 160+ partner organizations since 2012
  • Describes itself as "an accessible and approachable funder that encourages nonprofits to reach out and inquire about how to optimize their application"
  • Notes that "there is still plenty to go around for first-time grantseekers, with open-application grants still ranging into the hundreds of thousands of dollars"
  • Favors long-term partnerships, with "biggest grants by a wide margin go to the same long-term grant partners"

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly disclosed. Organizations are encouraged to contact the foundation directly at grants@tbrpf.org for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Demonstrated Impact: The foundation "provides transformational gifts to nonprofit organizations that are successfully addressing key issues and can demonstrate and measure the impact of their work." Applications should clearly articulate measurable outcomes and evidence of effectiveness.

Serving Overlooked Populations: The foundation explicitly seeks to fund "low-income and underserved populations, marginalized communities, and causes often overlooked or underfunded by mainstream philanthropy." Organizations serving these populations should emphasize this alignment.

Long-Term Vision: With 46% of grants being multi-year commitments, the foundation values sustainable programs with long-term impact. Several partners have received support since 2012, demonstrating the foundation's commitment to ongoing partnerships.

General Operating Support: With 68% of grants supporting general operations rather than specific projects, the foundation understands the importance of organizational sustainability and flexibility.

Tackling Difficult Issues: As Bob Parsons states, "We tackle controversial causes, things people don't necessarily like to talk about during dinner parties." Don't shy away from addressing challenging or stigmatized issues.

Non-Discrimination: The foundation explicitly requires that organizations do not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status. Organizations should highlight inclusive policies and practices.

Arizona Connection

Organizations should emphasize their Maricopa County/Arizona presence, as:

  • Arizona-based organizations receive more than half of the foundation's giving
  • The foundation's primary focus is on the Greater Phoenix area
  • National organizations must have operations serving Arizona residents or demonstrate personal importance to the Parsons

Marine Corps Veterans

Given Bob Parsons' Marine Corps background, programs serving Marine veterans may receive particular attention, though the foundation currently is not accepting new Military & First Responder proposals.

Direct Communication

The foundation "encourages nonprofits to reach out and inquire about how to optimize their application," suggesting that applicants should not hesitate to contact foundation staff with questions before or during the application process.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Meet the $1 million threshold: The foundation requires organizations to have annual budgets of at least $1 million, demonstrating capacity for significant impact and financial sustainability.

  2. Emphasize measurable impact: The foundation seeks organizations that can "demonstrate and measure the impact of their work"—include specific metrics, outcomes data, and evidence of effectiveness.

  3. Think long-term: With 46% of grants being multi-year and a preference for sustained partnerships, present your work as part of a long-term vision rather than a one-time project. The foundation describes being "in the fight for the long haul."

  4. Arizona connection is critical: Unless you're a national organization with Arizona operations or have personal significance to the Parsons, ensure you clearly demonstrate service to Maricopa County residents.

  5. Don't shy away from controversial issues: The foundation explicitly seeks to fund "controversial causes" and populations "overlooked or underfunded by mainstream philanthropy"—this is a differentiator, not a liability.

  6. Request general operating support: With 68% of grants supporting general operations, you don't need to limit your request to a specific program. The foundation values organizational sustainability.

  7. Be patient and accessible: The process can take 3-4 months from initial submission to decision. The foundation is described as "accessible and approachable," so maintain open communication and don't hesitate to ask questions at grants@tbrpf.org.

References

← Back to US Funders Directory