Nora Roberts Foundation Inc
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $8.02 million (2024)
- Total Assets: $105.4 million
- Decision Time: Not specified
- Grant Range: Not specified
- Geographic Focus: United States
Contact Details
- Website: https://norarobertsfoundation.org
- Phone: Not publicly listed
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Location: Glenn Dale, MD
Overview
The Nora Roberts Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation established in 2000 with tax-exempt status. With over $105 million in assets and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $8 million, the foundation operates on the belief that "literacy is a human right." The foundation prioritizes supporting literacy organizations while also funding initiatives in the arts, children's services, social justice, and environmental causes. The foundation maintains a significant endowment funded through contributions, investment dividends, and asset sales, allowing for substantial and sustainable grant-making activities.
Funding Priorities
Priority Areas
The foundation focuses on five key areas:
- Literacy (primary focus) - Organizations promoting reading and literacy skills
- Arts - Cultural and artistic programs
- Children - Youth development and children's services
- Social Justice - Programs addressing equity and justice issues
- Environment - Environmental protection and conservation initiatives
What They Don't Fund
[Information not available from research]
Governance and Leadership
The foundation is led by:
- Eleanor Wilder - President
- Bruce Wilder - Vice President
- Jason M. Aufdem Brinke - Treasurer
- Kathryn Pong - Secretary
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
- Organizations can apply once per calendar year
- Applications are accepted year-round
- The foundation manually sets up applicant accounts
- Applications must be submitted through the foundation's online system
- Organizations should check the applicants page for detailed instructions
- The foundation recommends submitting applications early to address any potential issues
Decision Timeline
[Specific timeline information not available]
Success Rates
[Information not available from research]
Reapplication Policy
Organizations are limited to one application per calendar year.
Application Success Factors
Based on the foundation's stated priorities:
- Strong alignment with literacy initiatives will likely receive priority consideration
- Organizations should clearly demonstrate how their work advances one of the five focus areas
- Given the foundation's belief that "literacy is a human right," applications that frame literacy work in terms of equity and access may resonate
- The foundation's recommendation to apply early suggests thorough review processes
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The foundation has substantial resources with over $8 million in annual charitable disbursements
- Literacy organizations appear to have the strongest alignment with the foundation's core mission
- The application process requires manual account setup by foundation staff, indicating a controlled and selective process
- Organizations are limited to one application per year, so timing and quality are crucial
- The foundation accepts applications year-round, providing flexibility in submission timing
- Be aware of potential scams - the foundation explicitly states they do not solicit donations
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Nora Roberts Foundation Inc (accessed December 31, 2025)
- Nora Roberts Foundation Official Website: https://norarobertsfoundation.org (accessed December 31, 2025)
- IRS Form 990 data via ProPublica (2024 filing)