Whitcomb Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,880,000 (2024)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (no public process)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $330,000
• Geographic Focus: Georgia, Michigan, Illinois (primarily)

Contact Details

• Website: None available
• Phone: Not publicly listed
• Email: Not publicly listed
• Application Method: No public application process - invitation only

Overview

The Whitcomb Family Foundation Inc, established as a 501(c)(3) private foundation in 2016, is a family-run charitable organization with assets of approximately $19.57 million as of 2024. The foundation distributes nearly $3.9 million annually to preselected charitable organizations, with 97.3% of expenses going directly to charitable disbursements. Operating without paid staff, the foundation is governed by five Whitcomb family members who serve as voluntary trustees. The foundation has significantly grown its assets and giving capacity, increasing from $12.9 million in assets in 2023 to $19.57 million in 2024, primarily through substantial family contributions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grants with no formal programs:

• General Support Grants: $2,500 - $330,000 (distributed to preselected organizations)
• Application Method: Invitation only - no public application process

Priority Areas

• Education
• Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
• Human Services
• Religious Organizations (particularly church renovations and faith-based programs)
• Youth Development Programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's giving history shows no funding for:

• Individual requests
• Unsolicited proposals
• International organizations
• Political causes

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors (all unpaid positions):

• Elizabeth Whitcomb - President & Director
• Richard A. Whitcomb - Treasurer & Director
• David A. Whitcomb - Secretary & Director
• Richard W. Whitcomb - Vice President & Director
• Brendan P. Whitcomb - Director

The foundation operates with no full-time employees, with all administrative and grant-making decisions handled by the family board members.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations" and "does not accept unsolicited requests for funds." All grant recipients are identified and selected proactively by the board of trustees.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, organizations are typically identified through:

• Existing relationships with Whitcomb family members
• Organizations operating in communities where the family has connections (particularly Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois)
• Referrals from current grant recipients or trusted advisors
• Board service overlap where Whitcomb family members may serve

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - decisions are made internally by trustees without external application process.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply directly.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, based on their giving history:

• The foundation shows preference for organizations with strong community impact in their focus states
• They support both large capital projects (e.g., $330,000 church renovation) and smaller operational grants
• Religious and faith-based organizations receive significant support
• Youth-focused programs align with their priorities
• Organizations receiving grants often receive recurring support over multiple years

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a legitimate grant-making foundation but operates entirely through trustee discretion
• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - they will not be considered
• The foundation has substantially increased its capacity (assets grew by over 50% in one year)
• Focus areas are consistent: education, human services, and religious organizations
• Geographic preference is clear: Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois receive the majority of funding
• Median grant size of $20,000 suggests they make both major and modest grants
• Building relationships with current grantees may be the only pathway to consideration

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings (2016-2024): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/475620198 (Accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-whitcomb-family-foundation,475620198/ (Accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Whitcomb Family Foundation Inc: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/whitcomb-family-foundation-inc (Accessed February 2026)
• Grantmakers.io Profile: https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/475620198-whitcomb-family-foundation-inc/ (Accessed February 2026)
• IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search - EIN 47-5620198 (Accessed February 2026)