Eugene M Clary Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $178,100 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not available (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Average ~$10,500 per grant
• Geographic Focus: Marietta/Cobb County, Georgia

Contact Details

No public contact information available - private foundation without website or published contact details

Overview

The Eugene M Clary Foundation Inc is a private foundation established to continue the philanthropic legacy of Eugene McMillian "Gene" Clary (1910-2006), a successful Georgia businessman who founded Clary and Associates in 1947. The foundation has been actively making grants since at least 2009, with recent annual giving of approximately $178,100 distributed to 17-30 organizations. Based in Marietta, Georgia, the foundation focuses on supporting religious organizations, educational institutions, and community causes, with particular attention to Georgia Tech-affiliated programs and local Cobb County organizations. The foundation operates without a public application process, identifying grant recipients through board connections and relationships established during Eugene Clary's lifetime.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single discretionary grant program:

• General Grants: Average $10,500 (ranging from small to larger awards based on organization needs)
• Application method: By invitation only - no public application process

Priority Areas

• Religious organizations (churches and ministries)
• Educational institutions (particularly Georgia Tech connections)
• Community development organizations in Cobb County
• Individual assistance for those in need
• Youth and student programs

What They Don't Fund

Information not publicly available, but giving history suggests limited support outside Georgia region

Governance and Leadership

The foundation operates as a private family foundation continuing Eugene Clary's philanthropic vision. Eugene Clary was a Georgia Tech graduate (Class of 1932) and WWII veteran who built a successful HVAC business empire. His philanthropic approach was characterized by the question "Is there anything I can do for you?" The foundation's current board and leadership information would be available through 990-PF filings but is not publicly promoted.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on relationships and connections to the Clary family legacy. Organizations receive funding through board identification of aligned causes rather than through open applications.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and Eugene Clary's legacy, organizations connected to Georgia Tech, local churches in the Marietta area, or Cobb County community organizations may have existing relationships that could lead to consideration. The foundation particularly values organizations that were supported by Eugene Clary during his lifetime or align with his philanthropic interests in education, faith, and community service.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed - operates on private foundation schedule

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation-only funding

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation and its relationship-based giving:

• Strong alignment with Eugene Clary's legacy areas: churches, schools, Georgia Tech programs
• Existing connections to Marietta/Cobb County community
• Organizations previously supported by the foundation show continued funding relationships
• Focus on direct service and community impact rather than administrative overhead
• Georgia-based organizations, particularly those with Georgia Tech connections, appear favored

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder without a public application process - cold applications unlikely to succeed
• Average grants of approximately $10,500 suggest modest but meaningful support levels
• Strong geographic preference for Marietta/Cobb County and broader Georgia region
• Education (particularly Georgia Tech), religious organizations, and community causes are primary focus
• Foundation has consistent 15+ year track record of giving to multiple organizations
• Organizations with existing connections to the Clary family legacy have best positioning
• Annual giving of ~$178,000 distributed across 17-30 organizations shows selective but consistent support

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Eugene M Clary Foundation Inc profile and 990-PF filings (accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl Database - 990 Report for Eugene M Clary Foundation Inc showing grant history (accessed February 2024)
• Legacy.com - Eugene McMillian Clary obituary, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (2006)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2009-2023) available through Foundation Search databases