The Landmark Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $8,993,500 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $2,000,000 (median: $50,000)
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Virginia, with additional grants in Nevada and North Carolina

Contact Details

• Address: 150 Granby Street, Floor 19, Norfolk, VA 23510-1604
• Website: No public website available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available

Overview

The Landmark Foundation is a private foundation that received tax-exempt status in 1955 and is based in Norfolk, Virginia. With total assets of approximately $92.6 million as of 2023, the foundation distributes approximately $9 million annually in charitable grants. Led by President Frank Batten Jr., the foundation operates as a private family foundation supporting organisations involved with education, arts and culture, leadership development, environmental causes, and human services. The foundation maintains a low public profile with no public website or published grant guidelines, and does not accept unsolicited proposals, suggesting a selective, relationship-based approach to philanthropy typical of private family foundations.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

Based on available information from third-party sources, the foundation focuses on:

• Education (with emphasis on children and youth)
• Arts and cultural organisations
• Leadership development programmes
• Environmental conservation and sustainability
• Human services (including support for families facing homelessness and housing insecurity)

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by President Frank Batten Jr., who serves as both President and Director. The foundation was created by the late Frank Batten Sr., who was co-founder of The Weather Channel and publisher of The Virginian-Pilot.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Grants appear to be made at the discretion of the board of directors, likely to pre-selected organisations or through existing relationships. Organisations seeking support would need to establish connections through board members or other networking channels.

Application Success Factors

Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application process, success factors would likely include:

• Strong alignment with the foundation's focus areas
• Existing relationships or connections with board members
• Location in or serving the Virginia region (particularly Norfolk/Hampton Roads area)
• Demonstrated track record in education, arts, leadership, environmental work, or human services
• Focus on children and youth services

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private foundation that does not accept unsolicited proposals
• Annual grant distribution of approximately $9 million indicates substantial giving capacity
• Grants typically range from $1,000 to $2 million, with a median grant size of approximately $50,000
• Focus areas include education, arts, leadership development, environment, and human services
• Building relationships with board members or connected organisations would be essential for consideration
• The foundation has operated since 1955, suggesting established giving patterns and relationships
• Virginia-based organisations (particularly in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads region) appear to receive the majority of grants, though the foundation also supports work in Nevada and North Carolina

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Landmark Foundation (EIN: 54-6038902), 2023 Form 990-PF
• Inside Philanthropy - Landmark Foundation profile
• GuideStar Profile - The Landmark Foundation