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W Dale Brougher Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$3.1M
Grant Range
$0K - $1.5M
00

W Dale Brougher Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,074,700 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $67.6 million (2024)
  • Grant Range: $100 - $1,516,500
  • Number of Awards: 54 grants (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania, Florida, New York (primary); Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire (secondary)
  • Application Policy: No unsolicited applications accepted

Contact Details

Address: 4333 Higel Ave, Sarasota, FL 34242-1201
Phone: 941-504-8823
EIN: 52-1499358

Overview

The W Dale Brougher Foundation Inc was established in 1986 in Maryland and is now based in Sarasota, Florida. The foundation operates as a private 501(c)(3) foundation with substantial assets of $67.6 million as of 2024. Named for its founder W. Dale Brougher (1922-2010), a York, Pennsylvania businessman who founded Brocker Rebar Company, Inc. in 1949, the foundation carries forward his legacy of community support and philanthropy. The foundation distributed $3,074,700 in grants across 54 awards in 2023, primarily funded through investment income including dividends ($2.7 million) and asset sales ($3.4 million). The foundation's enduring commitment to charitable giving reflects its founder's strong belief in supporting community organizations, particularly in areas connected to his business and philanthropic interests in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on a preselected grantee model without formal grant programs or application cycles. Grants range from $100 to over $1.5 million, with distributions made throughout the year based on trustee discretion.

Priority Areas

Based on IRS filings and historical giving patterns, the foundation focuses on:

  • Education: Support for educational institutions and programs
  • Human Services: Community support organizations and social services
  • Philanthropy & Grantmaking: Support for other charitable organizations and foundations
  • Community Development: Organizations serving the communities where W. Dale Brougher had business and personal connections, particularly York, Pennsylvania (home of the W. Dale Brougher Foundation YMCA) and Sarasota, Florida

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation:

  • Does not accept unsolicited grant applications
  • Does not fund organizations outside their preselected charitable network
  • Likely restricts funding to U.S.-based organizations given geographic focus

Governance and Leadership

Key Officers (2024)

  • Robert E. Bossert - President (Compensation: $267,216)
  • Nancy M. Brougher - Vice President (Compensation: $24,896)
  • Sonya Ness Eicholtz - Director (Compensation: $80,131)

The foundation maintains professional management with significant compensation for its president, indicating active administration of the substantial endowment and grant-making operations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly indicates on its IRS Form 990-PF that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grant decisions are made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees, who identify and select charitable organizations to support based on their own criteria and the foundation's mission to continue W. Dale Brougher's legacy of community support.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded to preselected organizations on a rolling basis throughout the year as determined by foundation trustees.

Success Rates

Not applicable for external applicants. All 54 grants awarded in 2023 went to preselected organizations already known to the foundation.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or reapplications.

Application Success Factors

Since the W Dale Brougher Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with preselected charitable organizations, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations that receive funding from this foundation typically have:

  • Established relationships: Long-standing connections to the foundation, its trustees, or the Brougher family
  • Geographic alignment: Strong presence in York, Pennsylvania or Sarasota, Florida communities where the foundation and its founder had ties
  • Mission alignment: Focus on education, human services, and community development priorities consistent with the foundation's values
  • Track record: Demonstrated impact and financial stability as established charitable organizations

The foundation's giving reflects W. Dale Brougher's community commitments, including support for organizations in York County, Pennsylvania where he founded his business and served on numerous boards including York Symphony Orchestra, Strand Capital Performing Arts Center, Junior Achievement, York Bank & Trust, and York Hospital.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications and works exclusively with preselected charitable organizations
  • Invitation-only funding: All grants are awarded at trustee discretion to organizations already in their network
  • Geographic focus: Primary giving to Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York, reflecting the founder's business and personal connections
  • Wide grant range: Awards from $100 to over $1.5 million demonstrate flexibility in grant sizing based on organizational needs and relationships
  • Stable annual giving: Consistent grant-making with 50+ awards annually funded by substantial investment income from $67+ million in assets
  • Legacy-driven: The foundation continues W. Dale Brougher's philanthropic vision, particularly supporting education, human services, and community organizations
  • Professional management: Significant staff compensation indicates active, professional administration rather than passive grant-making

References

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