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)