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Belle W Baruch Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.0M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2w

Belle W Baruch Foundation Funder Overview

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $45,270 (2024)
  • Number of Awards: 5 grants (2024)
  • Average Grant Size: Approximately $9,000
  • Geographic Focus: South Carolina only
  • Founded: 1964
  • Type: Private Operating Foundation
  • EIN: 57-0564080

Contact Details

Belle W Baruch Foundation 22 Hobcaw Road Georgetown, SC 29440

Executive Director: George K. Chastain Director of Development: Sydney Miller

Overview

The Belle W Baruch Foundation was established in 1964 from the estate of Belle Wilcox Baruch (1899-1964), daughter of financier Bernard Baruch. The Foundation is the sole owner of Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre research reserve and former rice plantation on Waccamaw Neck near Georgetown, South Carolina. Belle Baruch, a remarkable equestrian, aviator, and conservationist, specified in her will that the property be used "for the purpose of teaching and/or research in forestry, marine biology, and the care and propagation of wildlife and flora and fauna in South Carolina, in connection with colleges and/or universities in the state of South Carolina." The Foundation maintains permanent research partnerships with the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, and Francis Marion University, hosting two world-class research institutes on the property. The Foundation's mission centers on conserving Hobcaw Barony's unique natural and cultural resources for research and education while supporting undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral research across South Carolina's higher education institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Research Grants Program

  • Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $15,000 per award (based on total giving)
  • Application Type: Rolling basis with simple proposal format
  • Duration: One year or less paid at award time; multiyear grants paid in yearly installments
  • Levels Supported: Undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral research

Harry M. Lightsey Visiting Scholars Fellowship

  • Available to faculty at any four-year university in South Carolina
  • Offers scholars opportunity to spend one or more weeks in residence at Hobcaw Barony
  • Periodically issued through call for proposals

SCICU Partnership Programs

  • Supports undergraduate student research through South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
  • Research must be conducted onsite at Hobcaw Barony
  • Focus on history or natural environment of the plantation

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports research in the following core areas:

Primary Focus Areas:

  • Forestry and forest ecology
  • Marine biology and coastal sciences
  • Wildlife ecology and management
  • Historic preservation

Secondary Focus Areas:

  • Anthropology and archaeology conducted at Hobcaw Barony
  • Projects focusing on the unique history, buildings, or collections owned by the Foundation
  • Regional and local history
  • African American history
  • Jewish history
  • World War II history

What They Don't Fund

  • Long-term proposals requiring continuing support
  • Institutions outside of South Carolina
  • Organizations that are not colleges, universities, or recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits benefiting South Carolina colleges/universities
  • Research outside core focus areas unless conducted at Hobcaw Barony
  • Non-research activities or operational support

Governance and Leadership

Board Structure: Up to twelve trustees serve on the board and are responsible for all ownership decisions.

Oversight: The State of South Carolina Attorney General's Office and the Probate Court of Richland County provide oversight for the trust, with the South Carolina Secretary of State having oversight responsibility for charitable activities.

Executive Leadership:

  • George K. Chastain, Executive Director
  • Sydney Miller, Director of Development
  • Zeb Quattlebaum, Director of Conservation
  • Richard Camlin, Director of Education

The Foundation works in close partnership with research institutes including Clemson University's Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science (established 1965) and the University of South Carolina's Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Sciences (established 1969).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation has established a straightforward proposal review process:

  1. Prepare Simple Proposal: All proposals must follow a simple format for review
  2. Submit Application: Applications can be completed and submitted online through the website at hobcawbarony.org/research/grants or sent to the affiliated research institutes
  3. Committee Review: A committee of Foundation and resident university staff reviews proposals
  4. Board Approval: Recommended proposals advance to the full Board of Trustees for final decision

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Public and private nonprofit colleges and universities located in South Carolina and recognized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education
  • Public charities and private operating foundations recognized as 501(c)(3) organizations when grants solely benefit a recognized South Carolina college or university

Decision Timeline

  • Simple Proposals (no significant environmental impact): Usually a matter of days
  • Complex Proposals (potential environmental impact or impact on other research): Up to three months
  • Board Meetings: Final awards made at regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meetings

Success Rates

Based on available data:

  • 5 awards made in both 2023 and 2024
  • Total giving of $45,270 in 2024
  • Specific application numbers not publicly disclosed

Reapplication Policy

No specific restrictions on reapplication found in public materials. The Foundation appears to welcome proposals on an ongoing basis.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Strong Connection to South Carolina: The Foundation is dedicated exclusively to supporting South Carolina higher education institutions. Proposals should clearly demonstrate benefit to South Carolina colleges, universities, or the state's natural/cultural resources.

Alignment with Core Mission Areas: Research in forestry, marine biology, and wildlife management receives priority consideration. Projects should demonstrate clear alignment with Belle Baruch's original vision for the property.

Utilization of Hobcaw Barony Resources: The Foundation particularly values research that makes use of the unique 16,000-acre research reserve. Proposals that demonstrate why Hobcaw Barony is an ideal location for the research strengthen applications.

Impact on Conservation and Education: Given the Foundation's dual mission of research and education, proposals that contribute to both conservation science and educational outcomes are particularly attractive.

Research Excellence at Hobcaw Barony

The Foundation supports thousands of research projects spanning decades, with notable achievements including:

  • Dr. William Conner from Clemson's Baruch Institute received the Society of Wetland Scientists 40th Anniversary Award in December 2020 for sustained contributions to wetland research
  • Research addresses critical environmental issues including climate change, land-use change, coastal science, water quality, biodiversity loss, and watershed ecology
  • Findings inform conservation, management, and policy at state and national levels

Practical Considerations

Environmental Review: Proposals should address potential environmental impacts. Those with minimal environmental impact move faster through the review process.

Coordination with Existing Research: Be mindful of ongoing research at the property. Proposals that could impact other research activities require additional review time.

Clear Timeline: Since the Foundation does not fund long-term proposals requiring continuing support, applications should present realistic timelines of one year or less (or clearly defined yearly phases for multiyear projects).

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • South Carolina-only focus: Only institutions located in South Carolina are eligible. Do not apply if your institution is outside SC.
  • Core research areas prioritized: Forestry, marine biology, and wildlife management are the primary focus. Historic preservation and related fields considered if connected to Hobcaw Barony.
  • Modest grant amounts: With average grants around $9,000, this is best suited for targeted research projects rather than large-scale initiatives.
  • Quick turnaround possible: Simple proposals can be reviewed in days, making this a responsive funder for time-sensitive research opportunities.
  • Leverage the property: Proposals utilizing Hobcaw Barony's unique 16,000 acres and existing research infrastructure have an advantage.
  • Consider partnerships: The Foundation has long-term relationships with USC, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, and Francis Marion. Consider how your institution might connect with these partners.
  • No continuing support: Structure proposals as discrete projects that can be completed within one year or with clearly defined annual phases.

References

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