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A E Finley Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.4M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.3M

A.E. Finley Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,361,207 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $272,000
  • Geographic Focus: North Carolina (primary), also GA, MD, OR, VA, WI

Contact Details

  • Website: aefinleyfoundation.org
  • Phone: (919) 782-0565
  • Email: Available through website contact form
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 98266, Raleigh, NC 27624

Overview

The A.E. Finley Foundation was established in 1957 by Albert Earle Finley and his wife Marian to perpetuate his lifetime commitment to philanthropy. With total assets of $29.7 million, the foundation annually distributes approximately $1.36 million to nonprofits primarily in North Carolina. A.E. Finley (1895-1986) built the largest equipment distribution network in the United States through his North Carolina Equipment Company, and was known throughout his life for generous support of education, community organizations, and healthcare. The foundation carries forward his legacy by focusing on providing opportunities for individuals to recognize their self-worth, pursue life goals, and receive relief and support when in need. Operating with an all-volunteer board and no paid staff, the foundation maintains low overhead while maximizing charitable impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides grants in four main categories:

  • Operating Support: $2,000 - $100,000+ (ongoing program funding)
  • Facility Maintenance: $5,000 - $272,000 (capital improvements and infrastructure)
  • Financial Aid: $5,000 - $150,000+ (scholarships and direct assistance)
  • Combination Funding: Variable amounts (facility maintenance plus operating support or financial aid)

Priority Areas

  • Educational and life skills training programs
  • Job readiness and meaningful work initiatives
  • Human and community services
  • Youth development and education (K-12 through higher education)
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Athletic and recreational programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation appears to focus exclusively on 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations and does not fund individuals directly.

Governance and Leadership

Board Officers and Directors:

  • Duke Finley - Chairman/President
  • Vic Bell - Vice President
  • Kevin Anderson - Secretary
  • Ann Dillon - Director
  • Jim Welch - Director

The foundation operates with no paid employees, with all board members serving on a voluntary basis. The board maintains direct oversight of all grant-making decisions and continues to honor the philanthropic intentions established by founder A.E. Finley.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts inquiries through their website contact form at aefinleyfoundation.org/contact/. Potential applicants should submit initial contact through this secure form, after which an authorized representative will contact the organization. The foundation does not publish detailed application guidelines or requirements publicly, suggesting a more relationship-based approach to grant-making.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's history of supporting organizations that A.E. Finley supported during his lifetime, they appear to prioritize established relationships and organizations with strong ties to North Carolina. Many current grantees have received multi-year support, indicating the foundation values long-term partnerships. Organizations in the Raleigh-Durham area or those connected to institutions Mr. Finley supported (such as NC State University, Duke University, UNC) may have natural alignment.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publish specific decision timelines or board meeting schedules. Based on their grant distribution pattern, they appear to operate on a rolling basis rather than fixed deadline cycles.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation awarded 70 grants in 2024 and averages 43-53 grants annually.

Reapplication Policy

Not specified, though evidence of repeat funding to the same organizations suggests unsuccessful applicants may be able to reapply in future cycles.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns and stated mission:

  • Historical Connection: Organizations that were beneficiaries of A.E. Finley's lifetime philanthropy appear to have continued success with the foundation
  • North Carolina Focus: While the foundation funds organizations in other states, the vast majority of grants go to North Carolina nonprofits, particularly in the Triangle area
  • Education and Youth Emphasis: Educational institutions from elementary through university level receive significant support, especially for facility improvements and financial aid
  • Established Organizations: The foundation primarily supports well-established nonprofits with proven track records rather than startup organizations
  • Capital and Infrastructure Needs: Many of the largest grants support facility maintenance and improvements, suggesting the foundation values tangible, lasting investments
  • Values Alignment: Projects that help individuals "recognize their self-worth and pursue life goals" directly align with the foundation's mission

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation operates with a relationship-based approach rather than a formal public application process
  • Average grant size is approximately $22,000, with a median of $5,000, suggesting they make both smaller operational grants and larger capital investments
  • Multi-year support is common for organizations that align well with the foundation's mission
  • Educational institutions, particularly those in North Carolina, receive substantial support for both facilities and financial aid
  • The foundation values continuing A.E. Finley's philanthropic legacy, so understanding his lifetime charitable interests may be beneficial
  • With no paid staff, the foundation likely values clear, concise communications that respect volunteer board members' time
  • Geographic proximity to Raleigh, NC appears to be an advantage, though not required

References

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