Richard S. Reynolds Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,600,000 - $3,000,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-4 weeks after board meeting
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $293,914 (average $20,000-$40,000)
• Geographic Focus: Greater Richmond area (Virginia), with some grants in New York and Maryland

Contact Details

Address: 1403 Pemberton Road, Suite 102, Richmond, VA 23238
Phone: 804-740-7350
Email: grants@richardsreynoldsfoundation.org
Website: https://richardsreynoldsfoundation.org
Application Portal: https://apply.yourcausegrants.com (Blackbaud platform)

Overview

The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation was established in 1955 in Richmond, Virginia, by Richard S. Reynolds Sr., founder of Reynolds Metals Company and inventor of Reynolds Wrap. Since its inception, the foundation has distributed over $71 million in grants to community and worldwide organizations. With current assets of approximately $40 million, the foundation awards 73-78 grants annually totaling $2.6-$3 million. The foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting future generations through strategic grants in education, health, arts and culture, science, history, environment, and human services. All board members are descendants of Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds, maintaining the family's legacy of entrepreneurial courage and community benefit. The foundation emphasizes project-based funding rather than operational support, continuing its founder's philosophy that strategic investments create lasting impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with two annual review cycles. Applications are accepted through an online portal with fixed deadlines for board consideration.

Priority Areas

• Education: K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and educational programs (largest funding area)
  • Examples: Trinity Episcopal School, St. Christopher's School, Northstar Academy, Henrico Education Foundation
  • Higher education: Sweet Briar College, Vanderbilt University, Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, Union Presbyterian Seminary
• Health & Medical Research: Cancer centers, healthcare facilities, medical initiatives
  • Examples: Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Bon Secours Healthcare Foundation (Cancer Resiliency Center)
• Arts & Culture: Museums, performing arts, cultural preservation
  • Examples: Richmond Ballet ("The Nutcracker"), Virginia Historical Society, VCU Institute for Contemporary Art
• Environment: Conservation programs, environmental education
  • Example: Chesapeake Bay Foundation education programs
• Science & History: Research support, historical preservation
  • Examples: University of Virginia Rotunda restoration, Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation
• Human Services: Programs supporting those in need
  • Example: Blue Sky Fund (Mini-bus purchase)

What They Don't Fund

• Annual or operational expenses (stated policy)
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Grants through fiscal sponsors

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (all descendants of Richard S. and Julia Louise Reynolds):

• J. Sargeant Reynolds Jr. - President
• Randolph N. Reynolds Jr. - Vice President and Treasurer
• Dorothy R. Brotherton - Vice President and Secretary
• Glenn R. Martin - Vice President

All board positions are uncompensated, reflecting the family's commitment to stewardship of the foundation's resources.

Staff:

• Victoria Pitrelli - Executive Director

The foundation's mission statement reflects its values: "The Richard S. Reynolds Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities and supporting future generations."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Create Account: Register for a new Blackbaud account at the foundation's application portal
2. Geographic Considerations: Organizations outside the Greater Richmond area must first submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)
3. Online Application: Submit full application through https://apply.yourcausegrants.com/apply/programs/a4a58e1b-182b-45de-ad79-96504ae0a7f7/routing
4. Note: Paper proposals are no longer accepted

Decision Timeline

• Board Meetings: Two per year (mid-May and mid-November)
• Application Deadlines:
  • April 15 for May board meeting review
  • October 15 for November board meeting review
• Notification:
  • Approved applications: Within 2 weeks of board meeting
  • Unsuccessful applications: Within 30 days of meeting

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose success rates or the number of applications received. In 2024, they awarded 78 grants totaling $2,589,880, and in 2023 awarded 73 grants totaling $2,964,568.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding history and stated priorities:

Project-Based Funding Focus: The foundation explicitly states it does not fund annual or operational expenses. Applications should focus on specific projects, capital campaigns, construction, equipment purchases, or strategic initiatives with clear outcomes.

Examples of Funded Projects:

• Benedictine College Preparatory: Naming of drill field
• Blue Sky Fund: Purchase of Mini-bus
• Bon Secours Healthcare Foundation: Cancer Resiliency Center
• Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Education programs
• College of William & Mary: Construction projects

Geographic Priority: While the foundation supports organizations nationally, most funding goes to the Greater Richmond area. Organizations outside this region must submit a Letter of Inquiry first, indicating a higher bar for non-local applicants.

Alignment with Founder's Values: The foundation honors Richard S. Reynolds' legacy of entrepreneurial courage and strategic risk-taking. Reynolds learned early that "a monopoly didn't benefit anyone" and believed in creating community benefit through innovation. Applications that demonstrate innovative approaches to solving community problems may resonate with the foundation's values.

Education Emphasis: Tax filings indicate education is the largest giving area, particularly K-12 education. Educational institutions with specific project needs (facilities, equipment, programs) are strong candidates.

Range of Grant Sizes: With grants ranging from $1,000 to nearly $300,000 but averaging $20,000-$40,000, the foundation supports both modest and substantial projects. Applicants should request amounts appropriate to project scope and organizational capacity.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No operating support: Focus proposals on specific projects, capital needs, or strategic initiatives—never general operating expenses
• Richmond priority: Organizations in Greater Richmond have the most direct access; others must submit LOI first
• Plan for timeline: With only two deadlines per year (April 15 and October 15), plan application timing carefully
• Education advantage: K-12 and higher education projects receive substantial attention—approximately the largest share of funding
• Emphasize impact: The foundation values projects that strengthen communities and support future generations, echoing founder's legacy
• Project specificity: Successful grants show clear purposes (building naming, equipment purchase, specific programs) rather than broad institutional support
• Quick decisions: Approved applicants hear back within 2 weeks, making this a relatively fast decision process for successful applications

References

• Richard S. Reynolds Foundation Official Website. "Homepage." https://richardsreynoldsfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Richard S. Reynolds Foundation. "About the Foundation." https://richardsreynoldsfoundation.org/about/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Richard S. Reynolds Foundation. "How to Apply." http://richardsreynoldsfoundation.org/apply-2/ (Accessed January 2026)
• Richard S. Reynolds Foundation. "Grant List." https://richardsreynoldsfoundation.org/about/grant-list/ (Accessed January 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Richard S Reynolds Foundation - EIN 546037003." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/546037003 (Accessed January 2026)
• Instrumentl. "Richard S. Reynolds Foundation | Henrico, VA | 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/richard-s-reynolds-foundation (Accessed January 2026)
• Wikipedia. "Richard S. Reynolds Sr." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_S._Reynolds_Sr. (Accessed January 2026)
• GrantStation. "Richard S. Reynolds Foundation." https://grantstation.com/grantmakers/richard-s-reynolds-foundation (Accessed January 2026)