Banyan Gate Foundation

Quick Stats

Total Assets: $41.1 million
Annual Giving: Approximately $161,618 in grants (most recent fiscal period)
Grant Range: $20,000 - $5,000,000
Average Grant: $20,000
Total Historical Grants: 1,026 grants awarded
Geographic Focus: Naples, FL; Durham and Greensboro, NC
New Applicant Success Rate: 12%

Contact Details

Address: Naples, FL

Note: Specific contact information (website, phone, email) is not publicly available for this foundation.

Overview

The Banyan Gate Foundation (EIN: 45-5393468) is a private family foundation based in Naples, Florida, established and led by Michael J. Barry and Amy B. Barry. With total assets of $41.1 million, the foundation has awarded over 1,000 grants since its inception. The foundation's philanthropic focus centers primarily on supporting Duke University (Michael Barry's alma mater, Class of 1977) and Naples-area nonprofit organizations. In its most recent fiscal period, the foundation reported revenue of $1.56 million and expenses of $161,618, maintaining a low expense ratio of 10.3%. The foundation is characterized by its volunteer leadership, with both trustees serving without compensation, and its selective grantmaking approach focusing on education, healthcare, and community services.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Banyan Gate Foundation operates as a private family foundation without formal grant programs or public application cycles. Recent grant awards include:

Major Educational Endowments: $5,000,000 (Duke University Lindquist Chair Fund, 2023)
Athletic Programs: $463,200 (Duke University Track and Field, 2023)
Equipment and Capital: $20,000 - $50,000 range
Community Healthcare: $50,000 (NCH Healthcare System, 2023)
Social Services: $50,000 (Hearts with Hands, 2023)
Religious Organizations: $50,000 (Naples United Church of Christ, 2022)

Priority Areas

Based on grant history, the foundation prioritizes:

Higher Education: Particularly Duke University, including endowed chairs, scholarships, athletic programs, and equipment
Healthcare: Support for healthcare systems and medical facilities in Naples, FL
Community Services: Social service organizations serving the Naples community
Faith-Based Organizations: Religious institutions and church-based community programs
Geographic Focus: Strong preference for Durham/Greensboro, NC (Duke University area) and Naples, FL

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation, specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, grant history suggests limited funding outside of:

Organizations outside Florida and North Carolina
National or international organizations without local ties
Organizations unrelated to the trustees' personal interests and affiliations

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team (both positions are unpaid):

Michael J. Barry, President - Duke University alumnus (Class of 1977) with strong ties to the university and Naples community
Amy B. Barry, Vice President and Secretary - Co-leads the foundation's philanthropic activities alongside her husband

The foundation operates with a lean governance structure, with both trustees serving voluntarily without compensation, reflecting a personal, hands-on approach to philanthropy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Banyan Gate Foundation does not have a public application process. As a private family foundation, grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, Michael J. Barry and Amy B. Barry. The foundation's grantmaking appears to be primarily relationship-based and invitation-only, with a strong focus on organizations and institutions with which the trustees have personal connections.

The foundation is listed as "Open to New Applicants" in some foundation directories, with a 12% funding rate for new applicants, suggesting that while public applications are not solicited, the trustees may consider funding requests from organizations that align with their interests.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation with trustee-directed grantmaking, funding decisions are made on an ongoing basis at the discretion of the trustees.

Success Rates

New Applicant Success Rate: 12% (as reported in foundation directories)
Total Grants Awarded: 1,026 grants historically
Recent Activity: Limited number of grants in recent fiscal periods (1 grant of $20,000 in 2024), with larger grants made periodically

Reapplication Policy

No public information is available regarding reapplication policies. As a private foundation with discretionary grantmaking, this would likely be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Application Success Factors

Given the foundation's private nature and relationship-based grantmaking, the following factors appear critical:

Personal Connection to Duke University: The foundation's largest grants support Duke University, reflecting Michael Barry's alumni status and ongoing commitment to his alma mater
Naples Community Ties: Local Naples organizations have received significant support, suggesting geographic proximity and local knowledge matter
Institutional Credibility: Grant recipients include established institutions (Duke University, NCH Healthcare System) and recognized nonprofits
Multi-Year Relationships: The pattern of multiple grants to Duke University suggests the foundation values ongoing relationships rather than one-time grants
Alignment with Trustee Values: Education, healthcare, community service, and faith-based work appear to align with the trustees' philanthropic interests
Financial Stability: The foundation supports established organizations with proven track records

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

This is a private family foundation without a public application process; traditional grant proposals are unlikely to be successful without a prior relationship or introduction
Duke University connections are the strongest pathway to funding, with over $5.4 million awarded to Duke in recent years
Naples-based organizations in healthcare, social services, and faith communities have the best chances among non-Duke entities
The foundation makes selective, high-impact grants rather than numerous small grants; recent activity shows just one $20,000 grant in 2024 but a $5 million grant in 2023
Personal relationships and trustee discretion drive all funding decisions; networking within Naples philanthropic circles or Duke alumni networks may be valuable
The foundation's volunteer leadership and low expense ratio (10.3%) indicate trustees are personally engaged in grantmaking decisions
Organizations should focus on building long-term relationships rather than one-time funding requests, as evidenced by repeated grants to the same institutions

References

Banyan Gate Foundation Profile, Grantable.co - Accessed December 27, 2025
Foundation financial data sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings via nonprofit databases
Grant award information compiled from foundation directories and public 990-PF disclosures