← Back to US Funders Directory

Ventus Charitable Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.7M

Ventus Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,701,549 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $53,979,462
  • Average Grant Size: $50,046
  • Number of Grants (2024): 34 grants
  • Geographic Focus: Palm Beach County, Florida
  • Application Process: Does not accept unsolicited applications; invitation-only

Contact Details

Address: 3300 PGA Blvd Ste 350, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Website: www.ventuscharitablefoundation.org

Phone: (561) 614-1916

EIN: 47-2853600

Overview

The Ventus Charitable Foundation was established in 2015 by Meredith Trim as a private grantmaking foundation focused on supporting public education in Palm Beach County, Florida. The foundation's name, "Ventus" (Latin for "wind"), honors the clean, renewable wind energy that helped fund the foundation, reflecting its connection to NextEra Energy, the world's largest generator of renewable energy from wind and sun. With assets exceeding $53 million in 2024 (nearly doubling from $28.9 million in 2023), the foundation supports the "Winds of Change" in the community through strategic investments in nonprofit organizations and public K-12 schools. The foundation awarded 34 grants totaling approximately $1.7 million in 2024, with a particular emphasis on high-needs public schools and educational equity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation focuses its grantmaking on Palm Beach County, with documented programs including:

  • STEM Classroom Makeover Grants: Two grants awarded annually in partnership with Florida Power & Light's program, supporting classroom transformations in high-needs schools
  • Red Apple Supplies Capital Campaign: $6 million leading donor pledge to support a new facility for Red Apple Supplies, a free school supply store for Palm Beach County teachers
  • General Operating and Program Support: Grants to nonprofit organizations and public schools, averaging $50,046 per grant

Priority Areas

Primary Focus:

  • Public K-12 education in Palm Beach County
  • High-needs public schools
  • STEM education initiatives
  • Teacher resources and support
  • Educational equity and opportunity

Mission Statement: The foundation believes that "public education should be the engine of opportunity for all students in our community" and focuses on supporting teachers and students in the county's high-needs public schools.

Geographic Limitation: While the foundation's primary focus is Palm Beach County, Florida, some sources indicate the foundation has supported initiatives in other U.S. cities including major urban centers.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but their focus is clearly on education-related initiatives in Palm Beach County.

Governance and Leadership

Meredith Trim - President and Director (serves without compensation)

  • Founded the Ventus Charitable Foundation in 2015
  • Founder of Red Apple Supplies (RAS) in 2015, a free resource for teachers from high-needs public schools
  • Education: BA in American History and Literature from Harvard University; J.D. from Harvard Law School
  • Served on the Board of the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (2021-2024), where she served on the Community Impact and Finance Committees
  • Quote: "We believe that public education should be the engine of opportunity for all students in our community and this program supports the teachers and students in our county's high needs public schools."

James Robo - CFO and Director (serves without compensation)

  • Former Chairman and CEO of NextEra Energy, Inc. (2012-2022)
  • Transitioned to Executive Chairman in 2022
  • Led NextEra Energy's transformation into the world's largest generator of renewable energy from wind and sun
  • Connection to foundation: The foundation's name honors renewable wind energy, reflecting NextEra's role in funding the foundation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Ventus Charitable Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, with grants determined through trustee discretion.

While unsolicited applications are not accepted, their website indicates you may still contact them if you have an idea to share, though there is no guarantee of consideration.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation identifies grantees through:

  • Red Apple Supplies Network: Organizations and schools connected through the Red Apple Supplies program, which serves 80 schools in Palm Beach County, are likely to be on the foundation's radar
  • Board Connections: President Meredith Trim's board service on the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties (2021-2024) and involvement in Palm Beach County education circles provides networking opportunities
  • Partnership Programs: The foundation collaborates with Florida Power & Light on STEM Classroom Makeover Grants, suggesting organizations in FPL's network may have access

Specific Documented Approach: The foundation works directly with high-needs public schools in Palm Beach County and established nonprofit organizations serving these communities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented. As an invitation-only funder with trustee discretion, decision timelines likely vary based on strategic priorities and board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Not available. As the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional success rate metrics are not applicable.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only grantmaking model.

Application Success Factors

Since the Ventus Charitable Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, organizations cannot directly apply. However, based on the foundation's documented priorities and recent grants, the following factors characterize successful partnerships:

Alignment with Foundation Mission:

  • Public Education Focus: Organizations must demonstrate impact on public K-12 education in Palm Beach County
  • High-Needs Schools: The foundation specifically targets "high needs public schools," indicating preference for Title I schools or schools serving economically disadvantaged communities
  • Educational Opportunity: Projects should advance the mission that "public education should be the engine of opportunity for all students"

Recent Funded Projects:

  • STEM Education: STEM Classroom Makeover Grants supporting hands-on learning environments
  • Teacher Resources: Red Apple Supplies received a $6 million commitment; by 2024, RAS distributed over $1.4 million in supplies serving 80 schools
  • Capacity Building: Support for infrastructure (new facility for Red Apple Supplies) demonstrates willingness to fund organizational capacity

Connection to Renewable Energy Legacy: While not required, the foundation's origins in renewable wind energy (through NextEra Energy connection) may create affinity for environmental education or sustainability-focused programs.

Geographic Specificity: Palm Beach County location is essential for eligibility.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant applications; they identify and select their own grantees
  • Education-Only Focus: 100% focus on public K-12 education in Palm Beach County, with emphasis on high-needs schools
  • Significant Capacity: With $54 million in assets and $1.7 million in annual giving, the foundation has resources for substantial multi-year commitments (e.g., $6 million to Red Apple Supplies)
  • STEM Priority: Documented support for STEM classroom transformations indicates strong interest in science and technology education
  • Teacher-Centric: Support for Red Apple Supplies and other teacher resource programs shows commitment to supporting educators directly
  • Relationship-Driven: Getting on their radar requires presence in Palm Beach County education circles, particularly networks connected to Red Apple Supplies, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties, or Florida Power & Light partnerships
  • Strategic Philanthropy: Rapid asset growth (86% increase 2023-2024) and structured programs suggest sophisticated, strategic approach rather than reactive grantmaking

References

← Back to US Funders Directory