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Act Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.9M
Grant Range
$125K - $1.4M
Success Rate
12%

Act Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $2,900,000
  • Success Rate: 12% (for new applicants)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly ($125,000 - $1,360,000 documented)
  • Average Grant: $160,750
  • Total Assets: $49,600,000
  • Geographic Focus: Multi-state (primarily southeastern U.S. and select states nationwide)

Contact Details

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
EIN: 58-6033966
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Foundation

Note: No public website, email, or phone number available. This is a private family foundation.

Overview

Act Foundation Inc is a private family foundation established in 1962 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. With total assets of approximately $49.6 million, the foundation distributes roughly $2.9 million annually in grants. Led by President Alexander C. Taylor and Secretary/Treasurer Nancy K. Rigby (both serving in unpaid, part-time capacities), the foundation supports organizations across multiple states with a particular emphasis on education, animal welfare, and community services. The foundation has demonstrated consistent support for select institutional partners, notably Vanderbilt University which receives approximately $2 million annually. With a reported 12% success rate for new applicants and an average of 18 grants awarded per year, the foundation maintains a selective but active grantmaking program across 12 states including DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MA, MI, NY, TN, TX, UT, and VT.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Act Foundation Inc does not operate formal named grant programs but provides funding through trustee-directed grantmaking. Recent awards demonstrate the foundation's funding capacity:

  • Major institutional grants: $500,000 - $1,360,000 (e.g., Vanderbilt University $1.36M, Westminster Schools $500K)
  • Significant project grants: $125,000 - $250,000 (e.g., International Animal Rescue US $125K, Entitlements How Inc $250K)
  • Moderate grants: $50,000 - $125,000 (e.g., North Atlantic Salmon Fund US $210K combined)

Grantmaking operates on a discretionary basis with no fixed application deadlines or rolling portal.

Priority Areas

Based on documented grant history, the foundation focuses on three primary areas:

Education & Academic Institutions

  • Universities and higher education (particularly Vanderbilt University with consistent multi-million dollar support)
  • Independent schools (Westminster Schools)
  • Educational program support

Animal Welfare & Conservation

  • Animal rescue and rehabilitation organizations (International Animal Rescue US, Noah's Ark)
  • Wildlife conservation (North Atlantic Salmon Fund)
  • Environmental protection initiatives

Community Services

  • Arts and cultural programs
  • Infrastructure projects (paths and trails)
  • Community development initiatives
  • International humanitarian causes

What They Don't Fund

No publicly available exclusion list exists. As a private family foundation operating through trustee discretion, funding decisions appear highly selective and based on established relationships and alignment with trustees' philanthropic interests.

Governance and Leadership

Alexander C. Taylor - President
Unpaid, part-time role

Nancy K. Rigby - Secretary/Treasurer
Unpaid, part-time role

Note: Nancy K. Rigby also serves as President of Cox Foundations, one of Atlanta's major philanthropic organizations, though Act Foundation Inc and Cox Foundations are separate entities. Both foundation officers serve without compensation, reflecting the foundation's structure as a private family foundation.

No public statements or quotes from foundation leadership regarding funding priorities or application preferences are available.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Act Foundation Inc does not have a public application process. This is a private family foundation that operates through trustee discretion rather than open grant competitions.

Grants are awarded based on:

  • Trustee initiative and discretion
  • Pre-existing relationships with organizations
  • Invitation-only proposals (timing and process not publicly disclosed)

Organizations cannot submit unsolicited applications through a formal process or online portal.

Getting on Their Radar

Limited specific information is available about how Act Foundation Inc identifies potential grantees.

Based on the foundation's grant history showing a 12% acceptance rate for "new applicants," there appears to be some mechanism by which organizations outside the foundation's existing portfolio are considered, though this process is not publicly documented.

The foundation's substantial ongoing support for institutions like Vanderbilt University (receiving approximately $2 million annually) suggests that:

  • Long-term relationships are highly valued
  • Trustees may have personal connections to supported institutions
  • Major grants often represent multi-year commitments

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation operating through trustee discretion, decision timelines likely vary based on individual circumstances and trustee meeting schedules.

Success Rates

According to foundation data, approximately 12% of new applicants receive funding. With an average of 18 grants awarded annually from assets of $49.6 million, the foundation maintains a highly selective grantmaking approach.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed.

Application Success Factors

Given the private nature of this foundation and lack of public application guidelines, the following factors appear relevant based on available grant data:

Institutional Credibility & Track Record Major grants flow to established, well-known institutions (Vanderbilt University, Westminster Schools), suggesting the foundation values organizational stability and reputation.

Alignment with Trustee Interests The foundation's consistent support for specific causes—higher education, animal welfare, and conservation—indicates strong personal commitment from trustees to these areas. Organizations working in these fields may have better prospects.

Geographic Presence While the foundation supports organizations across 12 states, there is notable activity in Georgia (where it's based), Tennessee (home to Vanderbilt University), and select other southeastern states.

Relationship-Driven Grantmaking The pattern of substantial, recurring grants to the same institutions (Vanderbilt receiving ~$2M annually) suggests that building trust with trustees and demonstrating impact over time is critical for sustained support.

No Evidence of Specific Application Requirements Without public application materials, there are no documented preferences regarding proposal length, budget formats, or strategic approach.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is not a suitable funder for organizations seeking to submit traditional grant applications. Act Foundation Inc operates as a private family foundation without a public application process.

  • Focus on relationship-building rather than proposal writing. With 12% of "new applicants" receiving support, there appears to be some pathway for organizations outside the existing portfolio, but this likely requires personal connections or trustee initiative.

  • The foundation demonstrates deep, sustained commitments. Vanderbilt's recurring $2M annual grants suggest that once a relationship is established, the foundation may provide significant long-term support.

  • Priority areas are clearly defined by grant history: Higher education institutions, animal welfare/conservation organizations, and select community service initiatives receive the majority of funding.

  • Grant sizes vary dramatically from six-figure institutional grants ($500K-$1.36M) to moderate project support ($125K-$250K), indicating flexibility based on organizational relationship and project scope.

  • Limited transparency is the norm. Private family foundations like Act Foundation Inc are not required to maintain public-facing programs, and grant seekers should not expect detailed feedback or application status updates.

  • Consider alternative funders if your organization needs a responsive, open application process. Act Foundation Inc's selectivity (12% new applicant success rate) and private nature make it unsuitable for most grant seekers.

References

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