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The Batten Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.8M
Grant Range
$45K - $5.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11,848,318 (2023)
  • Grant Range: $45,000 - $5,000,000
  • Total Assets: $24.7 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Virginia and New York (with emphasis on Virginia)
  • Awards Made: 7 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 3310, Norfolk, VA 23514-3310
Phone: 757-625-7670
Books in care of: Edie Crawford, 101 W Main Street Suite 700, Norfolk, VA

Overview

The Batten Foundation was established in 1988 by the late Frank Batten Sr., a communications entrepreneur who built Landmark Communications into one of the country's largest privately held media companies and co-founded The Weather Channel. Following his death in 2009, the foundation is now managed by his widow, Jane Parke Batten, who serves as President. With total assets of approximately $24.7 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $11.8 million in 2023, the foundation represents a significant philanthropic vehicle continuing Frank Batten's legacy of educational and community support. The foundation's charitable disbursements consistently represent approximately 90% of total expenses, demonstrating a strong commitment to active grant-making. Primary focus areas include education, philanthropy and voluntarism, and human services, with a particular emphasis on public library support and programs in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private foundation making discretionary grants rather than through structured, publicly advertised grant programs. Grant sizes vary considerably based on the project and relationship with the organization.

Grant Range: $45,000 - $5,000,000

Priority Areas

Based on IRS filings and foundation records, priority areas include:

  • Education: Following Frank Batten Sr.'s belief that "education is the best means for developing people — developing their lives, their minds, and their opportunity to grow economically," educational initiatives remain a central focus
  • Public Libraries: The foundation has shown particular commitment to library support in the Norfolk area
  • Philanthropy and Voluntarism: Supporting grantmaking and philanthropic infrastructure
  • Human Services: Community support programs, particularly in Virginia

Geographic Focus: Primarily Virginia (especially the Norfolk/Hampton Roads region) and New York

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private family foundation, funding decisions are made at the discretion of the foundation's leadership.

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel:

  • Jane Parke Batten, President: A native of Norfolk and alumna of Hollins University, Jane Batten married Frank Batten at age 19 and was a partner in his business and philanthropic endeavors throughout their marriage. Following her husband's death, she has continued the family's philanthropic legacy while pursuing her own civic interests, including co-founding E3: Elevate Early Education, supporting the Slover Library Foundation, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. When she recognized that children in her community were "behind the curve" in kindergarten readiness, she built Norfolk's New E3 School in 2015.

  • Louis Ryan, Assistant Secretary

The foundation's board operates without officer compensation, with all resources directed toward charitable purposes.

Frank Batten Sr.'s Legacy: Frank Batten (1927-2009) was raised by his aunt and uncle after his father's death when Frank was only one year old. He assumed leadership of The Virginian-Pilot and The Ledger-Star newspapers in 1954 and built Landmark Communications into a major media conglomerate. His most innovative business move was launching The Weather Channel in 1982, which he later sold in 2008 to NBC Universal for nearly $3.5 billion. His educational philanthropy totaled an estimated $250 million, including a $100 million gift to the University of Virginia in 2007 to establish the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy—the largest gift in the university's history at that time.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Batten Foundation does not appear to have a public application process. Limited information is available about how organizations can apply for funding. The foundation makes grants to pre-selected organizations, and there is no published application portal, guidelines, or formal submission process available through public sources.

Given the absence of public application information, this foundation likely operates through one of the following models:

  • Trustee-initiated grants based on board members' knowledge of community needs
  • Invitation-only applications for organizations with existing relationships
  • Direct contact and relationship development leading to funding consideration

Organizations interested in funding should consider contacting the foundation directly at 757-625-7670 to inquire about their current grant-making approach and whether they accept proposals.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented.

Success Rates

With 7 grants awarded in 2023 totaling $11.8 million, the foundation makes a limited number of substantial grants annually. Success rates for unsolicited inquiries are not available.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given limited public information about the foundation's grant-making process, the following factors can be inferred from the foundation's history and focus:

Alignment with Frank Batten's Values: Frank Batten stated, "I believe education is the best means for developing people — developing their lives, their minds, and their opportunity to grow economically." Organizations with educational missions aligned with this philosophy may resonate with the foundation.

Norfolk/Hampton Roads Connection: The foundation has deep roots in the Norfolk community, and local organizations—particularly those serving the Hampton Roads region—appear to be a priority.

Library and Educational Infrastructure: Given documented support for public libraries and educational institutions, projects that build community learning resources may be of particular interest.

Jane Batten's Current Interests: As the foundation's President, Jane Batten's personal philanthropic interests in early childhood education (E3: Elevate Early Education), libraries (Slover Library Foundation), environmental conservation (Chesapeake Bay Foundation), and community development may influence funding priorities.

Sustainability and Community Impact: Projects demonstrating long-term community benefit and measurable outcomes align with the foundation's practical, businesslike approach to philanthropy inherited from Frank Batten's entrepreneurial background.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists—organizations should not submit unsolicited proposals without first making contact via phone
  • Hampton Roads/Virginia focus: Geographic proximity to Norfolk and service to Virginia communities appears strongly preferred
  • Education and libraries are core priorities, particularly initiatives that expand access to learning and information
  • Substantial grant sizes: With grants ranging from $45,000 to $5 million, the foundation makes significant investments in selected organizations
  • Limited number of grants annually: Only 7 grants were made in 2023, suggesting highly selective funding and likely long-term relationships with grantees
  • Family foundation dynamics: Understanding Jane Batten's current philanthropic interests (early childhood education, environmental conservation, libraries) may provide insight into potential funding alignment
  • Frank Batten's legacy matters: Organizations should understand and articulate how their work connects to Frank Batten's stated values around education, opportunity, and community development

References

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