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The Lynn And Foster Friess Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$7.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $6.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,500,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified (rolling basis)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $6,000,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Georgia (inner-city programs), Wyoming (local causes), and national Christian organizations
  • Total Assets: $125,647,658

Contact Details

Mailing Address: Lynette Friess PO Box 9790 Jackson, WY 83002

Phone: (307) 739-9699 or (307) 733-9587

Website: None

Note: The foundation does not have a website. Applications should be submitted by mail to the address above.

Overview

The Lynn And Foster Friess Family Foundation was established in October 1981 by Foster Friess, a prominent investment manager who passed away in May 2021, and his wife Lynn (Lynnette) Friess. With assets exceeding $125 million and annual giving of approximately $7.5 million, the foundation focuses on faith-based entrepreneurial programs that emphasize one-on-one mentoring in inner-city communities. The foundation is rooted in Christian values, with Foster Friess having described himself as viewing his wealth through the lens of stewardship rather than ownership, frequently stating, "It is God's money." Following Foster's death, Lynn Friess continues to lead the foundation as President, with their son Stephen Friess serving as Secretary. The foundation has been recognized for innovative philanthropic approaches, including leveraging giving by involving others and supporting disaster relief, Christian education, and mentoring programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines. Applicants submit proposals describing their intended use of funds directly to the foundation office.

Primary Funding Streams:

  • Christian Organizations & Ministry: $4,500,000 - $6,000,000 (National Christian Foundation has been the largest recipient in recent years)
  • Faith-Based Mentoring Programs: $5,000 - $500,000 (Focus on one-on-one mentoring in inner-city settings)
  • Local Wyoming Causes: $5,000 - $10,000 (Jackson Hole Classical Academy, Community Bible Church, Good Samaritan Mission, National Museum of Wildlife Art)
  • Disaster Relief: Variable amounts (past support included $5 million for Asian tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and Haiti earthquake relief)

Priority Areas

Core Focus:

  • Faith-based entrepreneurial inner-city programs with one-on-one mentoring components
  • Christian education and religious organizations (86% of giving)
  • Christian mobile medical services in underserved areas
  • Clean water programs (Water Mission's work in Malawi and Africa)
  • Disaster relief and recovery efforts
  • Organizations promoting peaceful, pluralistic Islam and combating religious extremism
  • Social & Human Services (3% of giving)
  • Education programs aligned with Christian values (2% of giving)

Geographic Priorities:

  • Primary: Georgia (inner-city programs)
  • Secondary: Wyoming (local community causes)
  • National and international Christian organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's strong focus on Christian and faith-based causes suggests:

  • Secular organizations without religious alignment may not be competitive
  • General operating support for non-religious institutions
  • Programs inconsistent with conservative Christian values

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership:

  • Lynnette (Lynn) Friess, President: Widow of Foster Friess and co-founder of the foundation. Following her husband's death in 2021, Lynn has continued active philanthropic leadership and remains engaged in faith-based causes.
  • Stephen Friess, Secretary: One of Foster and Lynn's four children, involved in foundation management.

Founder's Philosophy:

Foster Friess (1940-2021) shaped the foundation's approach with his distinctive philosophy on giving. Key perspectives include:

  • On stewardship: "People accuse Lynn and I of being generous but we look at ourselves not as owners but as stewards. It is God's money."

  • On faith: Friess often said his "number-one mentor was Jesus, calling him the greatest role model of all" and described God as "the chairman of the board of my life."

  • On the joy of giving: "If you could read just a few of the responses we get from recipients … you would truly understand why the term, 'It is more blessed to give than receive' is such a truism."

  • On his favorite Biblical principle: Frequently referenced Galatians - "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Foster was known for creative approaches to philanthropy, including giving $100,000 checks to 400 friends and family members and asking them to choose charities to receive the donations—an innovative approach that totaled $40 million in giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Application Requirements:

  • Submit a written proposal describing the intended use of funds
  • Mail applications to: Lynette Friess, PO Box 9790, Jackson, WY 83002
  • Contact by phone: (307) 739-9699 or (307) 733-9587

Important Notes:

  • The foundation does not have a website or online application portal
  • Applications are accepted via mail only
  • No formal application form is required—applicants should describe their programs and funding needs

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly specified. Given the foundation's structure as a family foundation with a small number of large grants (approximately 1-2 major awards per year in recent years), decisions likely occur as the board reviews proposals on an ongoing basis rather than at fixed intervals.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. However, recent grant patterns indicate:

  • The foundation made 1 award in 2024 and 1 award in 2023
  • The majority of funding (over 99% from 2007-2009, and significant amounts in recent years) has gone to the National Christian Foundation
  • A small number of local Wyoming organizations receive grants
  • This suggests a highly selective process with a focus on strategic, large-scale partnerships

Reapplication Policy

There is no publicly stated reapplication policy. Given the rolling application process, organizations may submit proposals at any time.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's documented priorities and funding patterns, successful applications should:

1. Demonstrate Strong Christian Faith Foundation

  • The foundation's giving is overwhelmingly focused on Christian causes (86% to religion)
  • Programs must align with conservative Christian values
  • Faith-based approaches are essential, not optional

2. Emphasize One-on-One Mentoring

  • Foster Friess consistently described the foundation's core mission as supporting "faith-based entrepreneurial inner-city programs, especially one-on-one mentoring"
  • Mentoring programs with direct, personal relationship-building appear most competitive

3. Show Entrepreneurial Approaches

  • The foundation values "entrepreneurial" programs that create sustainable change
  • Foster Friess was known for leveraging giving and creating "micro-impacts with macro consequences"
  • Innovative, multiplicative approaches are favored over traditional service models

4. Focus on Inner-City Communities

  • Geographic priority is Georgia for inner-city programs
  • Mobile medical services in underserved areas have received support
  • Programs serving disadvantaged urban populations align with priorities

5. Demonstrate Measurable Impact

  • Foster Friess personally traveled to Haiti to verify how donations were used
  • The foundation values accountability and tangible results
  • Clear outcomes and stewardship of resources matter

6. Consider Strategic Partnership Through National Christian Foundation

  • The majority of recent giving flows through NCF
  • Organizations may benefit from exploring NCF as a pathway to Friess funding
  • Direct grants appear reserved for select causes and local Wyoming organizations

Recent Funding Examples:

  • National Christian Foundation: $6,000,000
  • CFWNC Fazlo Children's Charity Fund: $8,300
  • AQUABILITY: $5,000
  • Jackson Hole Classical Academy (local)
  • Community Bible Church (local)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Faith alignment is essential: This foundation funds Christian organizations and faith-based programs exclusively. Secular organizations are unlikely to be competitive.

  • Think large or local: Recent patterns show very large strategic grants ($4.5-7.5 million) to major partners like NCF, or small local grants to Wyoming organizations. Mid-range grants appear less common.

  • Mentoring matters most: If your program doesn't include one-on-one mentoring, particularly in inner-city settings, it may not align with the foundation's core mission.

  • Stewardship and accountability: The foundation values careful stewardship of resources. Demonstrate how you'll use funds responsibly and produce measurable results.

  • Rolling timeline means no rush: With no deadlines, take time to craft a compelling proposal that clearly articulates your Christian mission, mentoring approach, and entrepreneurial model.

  • Consider the NCF pathway: Given the foundation's strong relationship with National Christian Foundation, organizations might explore NCF donor-advised fund grants as an alternative or complementary pathway.

  • Simple application process: Don't overthink the application—submit a clear, compelling letter describing your intended use of funds, faith foundation, and mentoring approach.

References

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