Perry Foundation Incorporated - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,317,671 (2024)
Total Assets: $31.8 million (2024)
Grant Range: $800 - $500,000
Median Grant: $15,000
Number of Grants: 51 grants (2024), 52 grants (2023)
Geographic Focus: Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities
Application Method: Rolling basis (mail application)

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Perry Foundation Incorporated
c/o Donald R. Morin
P.O. Box 8260
Charlottesville, VA 22906-8260

Phone: (434) 977-5679

Primary Contact: Donald R. Morin, President

Note: The foundation does not have a public website.

Overview

The Perry Foundation Incorporated was established in 1946 by Hunter Perry and his sister, Lillian Perry Edwards, making it one of Virginia's long-standing private foundations. Hunter Perry made his fortune buying and operating theaters and cinemas in Charlottesville and throughout Virginia. In the early 1950s, the siblings formalized their philanthropic work through the Perry Foundation to expedite the gifts they wished to make, with Mr. Perry serving as President and Treasurer and Mrs. Edwards as Secretary.

With total assets of $31.8 million and annual giving of approximately $2.3 million, the Perry Foundation is a substantial source of support for Charlottesville area nonprofits. The foundation maintains a low-profile approach to grantmaking and does not publish extensive guidelines or priorities. In 2024, the foundation made 51 grants ranging from $800 to $500,000, with a median grant size of $15,000. The foundation's revenue primarily comes from sales of assets (79.4%) and dividends (20.6%), and it maintains a high charitable disbursement rate of 90-95% of expenses.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Perry Foundation operates on a rolling application basis with no fixed deadlines. Applications are accepted by mail only. While the foundation does not publish formal grant programs or tiers, grant analysis reveals typical funding ranges:

Small Grants: $800 - $10,000 (equipment, specific projects)
Medium Grants: $10,000 - $50,000 (program support, capacity building)
Large Grants: $50,000 - $150,000 (major projects, capital campaigns, matching grants)

Priority Areas

The Perry Foundation supports a broad range of charitable work focused on Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities:

Education:

Public and private K-12 schools
Higher education institutions (particularly Piedmont Virginia Community College Educational Foundation)
School programs and boosters (e.g., Charlottesville High School Orchestra Boosters)
Past grantees: Charlottesville Day School, Covenant School of Charlottesville

Human Services:

Community support organizations
Food security programs
Services for people with disabilities
Past grantees: United Way of Greater Charlottesville, Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, Arc of the Piedmont, Women's Initiative of Charlottesville

Housing and Homelessness:

Affordable housing initiatives
Services for homeless populations
Past grantees: Habitat for Humanity of Charlottesville, Martha Jefferson House, Albemarle Housing Improvement, PACEM Charlottesville

Health:

Healthcare access and services
Hospice care
Past grantees: Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville Free Clinic, Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville

Youth and Seniors:

Youth development programs
Services for elderly populations
Recreation and adaptive sports
Past grantees: First TEE of the Virginia Blue Ridge ($85,000), Wintergreen Adaptive Sports

Community Development:

Historic preservation
Neighborhood improvement
Public safety initiatives
Recreation facilities
Past grantees: Louisa Downtown Development Corporation, Piedmont Family YMCA, Albemarle County Police Foundation

Arts, Culture, and Environment:

Cultural organizations
Wildlife and environmental conservation
Past grantees: Wildlife Center of Virginia ($5,000)

Civic Affairs:

Legal aid and access to justice
Past grantees: Central Virginia Legal Aid Society ($10,900)

Types of Support Provided

General operating support
Project-specific funding
Building funds and capital projects
Equipment purchases
Computers and software
Matching grants (e.g., $100,000 matching grant to Bennett's Village in 2023)

What They Don't Fund

According to their published guidelines:

Individuals - No grants are made to individuals
Private Foundations - Grants are made only to public charities (501(c)(3) organizations)
Organizations Outside Geographic Focus - Giving is limited to Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities

Governance and Leadership

Current Board of Trustees (as of 2024)

Donald R. Morin - President
Primary contact for the foundation and oversees grantmaking operations.

Daniel P. Goodall - Vice President/Treasurer
Manages financial oversight and strategic planning.

Kara O'Brien Cox - Secretary
Handles administrative functions and record-keeping.

Trustees:

Susan Cabell Mains
Suzanne J. Brooks
Wade Tremblay
Mary Barrick

Former Leaders:

Philip L. Sparks (previously listed as Trustee)

Governance Notes

The foundation operates with volunteer trustees who receive no compensation
Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status granted February 1948
The foundation maintains strong fiscal discipline with 90-95% of expenses going to charitable disbursements
The board maintains Hunter Perry's legacy of supporting Charlottesville area nonprofits

Historical Context

Hunter Carlyle Perry's philanthropic vision extended beyond the foundation itself. In 1956, he purchased a historic Georgian mansion (known as Ackley House) with the mission to extend the house and build out the property to donate as a retirement home for professional people. This became Martha Jefferson House, which the Perry Foundation continues to support.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Perry Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year via mail only. There are no formal deadlines.

Application Requirements:

Submit a letter of inquiry by mail
The letter must include:
- A description of your organization
- The nature of your request (purpose, amount, timeline)
- Organizational background and mission
- Project or program details
- Expected outcomes or impact

Mail applications to:
Perry Foundation Incorporated
c/o Donald R. Morin
P.O. Box 8260
Charlottesville, VA 22906-8260

Pre-Application Contact:
You may call (434) 977-5679 with questions, though the foundation maintains a low-profile approach and does not provide extensive pre-application guidance.

Important Notes:

There is no online application portal
No formal application form is required - a well-crafted letter is sufficient
The foundation does not have a website for downloading guidelines
Some sources indicate the foundation "does not accept unsolicited requests" and may be "open to introductory materials," but the official guidance states applications should be submitted by letter, suggesting they do review requests from new organizations

Decision Timeline

Note: The Perry Foundation does not publish specific decision timelines or board meeting schedules. Based on their rolling application process and the number of grants made annually (approximately 50+ grants per year), the foundation appears to review applications on an ongoing basis rather than at fixed intervals.

Applicants should:

Allow several weeks to months for review
Contact the foundation after 6-8 weeks if you have not received a response
Be prepared for a flexible timeline given the low-profile nature of the foundation

Success Rates

Grant Activity:

2024: 51 awards made
2023: 52 awards made
2022: 45 awards made
2021: 53 awards made
2020: 48 awards made

The foundation consistently makes 45-53 grants per year, averaging approximately 50 annual grants. However, the foundation does not publish data on the total number of applications received, so a precise success rate cannot be calculated.

What We Know:

The foundation has a consistent grantmaking pattern, suggesting an established portfolio of recurring grantees
Many organizations appear to receive support in multiple years, indicating the foundation values ongoing relationships
The geographic focus (Charlottesville and surrounding areas) naturally limits the applicant pool
New organizations can apply, but establishing a local track record may be important

Reapplication Policy

The Perry Foundation does not publish a formal reapplication policy. However, based on their grantmaking patterns:

Organizations appear able to receive grants in consecutive years
Multiple grants to the same organization are common, particularly for established Charlottesville nonprofits
If unsuccessful, organizations should wait at least 6-12 months before reapplying
Applicants should strengthen their case by demonstrating local impact and community connections

Application Success Factors

Strong Local Connection

The Perry Foundation's identity is deeply rooted in Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities. Organizations with established presence and track records in the area are more competitive. The foundation's history traces back to Hunter Perry's local business success and his commitment to the community where he built his fortune.

Strategy: Emphasize your organization's local roots, community relationships, and specific impact on Charlottesville area residents. Mention local partnerships, board members from the area, and how you serve the community Hunter Perry cared about.

Clear, Specific Requests

The foundation requires only a letter application, but this letter must clearly describe both your organization and the specific nature of your request. Vague or overly broad proposals are less likely to succeed.

Strategy: Be specific about:

The exact amount you're requesting
What it will fund (program, equipment, building, etc.)
Timeline for the project or use of funds
Measurable outcomes or impact
How this aligns with the foundation's areas of interest

Alignment with Historical Priorities

Analysis of recent grants shows the foundation consistently supports certain types of organizations and projects. The Perry Foundation has a documented history supporting:

Educational institutions at all levels
Housing and homelessness services
Human services organizations serving vulnerable populations
Healthcare access programs
Youth and senior services
Community development and civic infrastructure

Recent Example: In 2023, Bennett's Village received a $100,000 matching grant for a multi-generational, all-abilities play space in Pen Park - this exemplifies the foundation's interest in accessible community infrastructure serving diverse age groups.

Strategy: Review the list of past grantees and identify organizations similar to yours. Explain how your work complements or fills gaps in the foundation's existing portfolio.

Demonstrated Organizational Capacity

The foundation supports public charities with proven track records. Their grants range widely (from $800 to $500,000), suggesting they fund both small specific needs and major institutional projects, but always to established organizations.

Strategy:

Include information about your organization's history and stability
Mention your board composition and governance
Provide evidence of your 501(c)(3) status
Highlight any other foundation or institutional support you receive
Show financial health and sustainability

Matching or Leveraged Funding

The Bennett's Village grant example shows the foundation is willing to make matching grants that leverage other funding sources.

Strategy: If you have secured partial funding or have matching opportunities, highlight this in your letter. The foundation may be more interested in completing a funding package than being the sole funder.

Types of Support Most Funded

Based on grant patterns, the foundation supports:

Equipment and capital needs (computers, facilities, infrastructure)
Specific projects with clear outcomes
Building funds and facility improvements
Program support for established initiatives
General operating support for trusted partner organizations

Less common: Startup organizations, one-time events, research projects, advocacy work

Low-Profile, Relationship-Based Approach

The Perry Foundation maintains a deliberately low profile with no website, minimal public guidance, and a simple mail-based application process. This suggests they value:

Established community relationships
Organizations they already know or that come recommended
Simple, direct communication without elaborate proposals
Long-term partnerships over one-time grants

Strategy:

Keep your letter concise and straightforward
Focus on substance over flashy presentation
Mention any connections to current grantees or community leaders
If possible, have a trusted community partner provide an introduction
Build relationships before seeking large grants

Geographic Specificity

"Giving is mainly limited to Charlottesville and surrounding communities" - this is consistently emphasized across all sources.

Strategy: If you serve multiple regions, focus your request on your Charlottesville-area work specifically. Quantify how many local residents benefit from your services.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Keep it local and specific: The Perry Foundation is deeply committed to Charlottesville and surrounding Virginia communities. Emphasize your local presence, impact, and relationships above all else.
Simple is better: With a mail-based letter application and no formal deadlines, the foundation values straightforward communication. Write a clear, concise letter that describes your organization and makes a specific request - avoid elaborate proposals.
Know the history: The foundation was established by Hunter Perry, who made his fortune in local theaters, and his sister Lillian Perry Edwards. They created the foundation "to expedite the gifts they wished to make" to their community. Understanding this legacy of local giving can help frame your appeal.
Build relationships before asking for big grants: The foundation appears to have a consistent portfolio of grantees, many receiving support over multiple years. Consider starting with a modest request ($5,000-$15,000) to establish a relationship before seeking larger grants.
Demonstrate staying power: The foundation supports established public charities with proven track records. Emphasize your organizational stability, governance, and sustained community impact rather than innovative new ideas.
Leverage matching opportunities: The foundation has made substantial matching grants (e.g., $100,000 to Bennett's Village). If you have other funding secured, position your request as completing a funding package.
Patience and persistence: With no published timelines or success rates, the application process requires patience. The foundation makes about 50 grants annually from a limited geographic area, so competition is real but the odds may be better than larger national foundations.

References

Cause IQ - Perry Foundation Incorporated Profile
https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/perry-foundation-incorporated,546036446/
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Financial data, EIN verification, organizational classification
Inside Philanthropy - Perry Foundation
https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/virginia-and-west-virginia-grants/perry-foundation
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Grant ranges ($5,000-$150,000), median grant size ($25,000), funding priorities, past grantees, historical background on Hunter Perry and Lillian Perry Edwards
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Perry Foundation Incorporated
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/546036446
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Form 990 filing history, grant counts by year, trustee information, financial data (assets: $31.8M, revenue: $3.87M, expenses: $2.54M, charitable disbursements: $2.38M for 2024)
GrantStation - Perry Foundation
https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/perry-foundation
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Recent grant examples (Wildlife Center of Virginia: $5,000, Central Virginia Legal Aid Society: $10,900, First TEE: $85,000, PACEM: $10,000, Ronald McDonald House: $10,000), areas of interest, types of support, note about unsolicited applications policy
Grantmakers.io - Perry Foundation Incorporated Profile
https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/546036446-perry-foundation-incorporated/
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Application guidelines, contact information, grant restrictions, typical grant range ($800-$500,000), median grant ($15,000), annual grant count (51 in 2024)
WHTV News - "Nonprofit receives grant from the Perry Foundation"
https://www.29news.com/2023/11/05/nonprofit-receives-grant-perry-foundation/
Published: November 5, 2023
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Bennett's Village $100,000 matching grant example for multi-generational play space at Pen Park
Cvillepedia - Perry Foundation
https://www.cvillepedia.org/Perry_Foundation
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Historical context (1978 Pen Park tennis courts, 2021 Friendship Court Early Learning and Community Center)
Instrumentl - Perry Foundation Incorporated 990 Report
https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/perry-foundation-incorporated
Accessed: January 2026
Source for: Grant activity trends (51 awards in 2024, 52 in 2023, 45 in 2022, 53 in 2021, 48 in 2020), establishment date (1946), annual giving ($2,317,671 in 2024)