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Fraser-Parker Foundation

Annual Giving
$9.9M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.5M

Fraser-Parker Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $9,895,299 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly (median $100,000; average $203,500 in 2022)
  • Total Assets: $219.06 million (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily metropolitan Atlanta, GA; also supports organizations in New York and Rochester, PA

Contact Details

Address: 4401 Northside Parkway, Suite 950, Atlanta, GA 30327-3065

Note: The foundation does not provide a public website, phone number, or email contact for grant inquiries. They do not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

Established in 1987 (incorporated in 1988), the Fraser-Parker Foundation is a private family foundation based in Atlanta, Georgia. With assets totaling over $219 million and annual charitable disbursements approaching $9 million, the foundation represents a significant philanthropic presence in the Atlanta region and beyond. The foundation primarily supports organizations that have been traditionally supported by the family, with particular emphasis on the arts and education sectors. The foundation operates as an invitation-only grantmaker, maintaining long-term relationships with selected charitable organizations rather than accepting applications from new organizations. In 2019, the foundation experienced significant growth with contributions of $116.9 million, substantially expanding its asset base and grantmaking capacity.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Fraser-Parker Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with defined application cycles. Instead, grants are awarded at the discretion of the board of trustees to preselected organizations.

Grant Size Range:

  • Median grant: $100,000 (2022)
  • Average grant: $203,500 (2022)
  • Total number of grants: 37 grants in 2023; 44 grants in 2022

Historical Giving:

  • 2023: $9,895,299 (37 grants)
  • 2022: $9,000,000 (44 grants)
  • 2021: 46 grants awarded
  • 2018-2023 cumulative: 230 grants totaling $27,691,239

Priority Areas

Based on available information, the Fraser-Parker Foundation focuses on:

  • Arts: Support for cultural institutions and arts organizations
  • Education: Educational institutions and programs
  • Organizations traditionally supported by the family: Long-term philanthropic relationships

Geographic Focus: Primarily supports organizations in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, with additional support for organizations in New York and Rochester, Pennsylvania.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's specific exclusions are not publicly documented. However, given their approach to grantmaking (preselected organizations with family ties), they effectively exclude:

  • Organizations seeking first-time funding without existing relationships
  • Organizations outside their traditional areas of support (arts, education)
  • Unsolicited applications from any organization

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees

  • Richard C. Parker - Chair (Annual compensation: $12,000)
  • Isobel P. Mills - Vice-Chair (Annual compensation: $10,000)
  • Additional trustees receive compensation ranging from $5,500 to $12,000 annually

Executive Leadership

  • Erin Boorn - Executive Director (Compensation: $189,000 salary + $61,345 other, 2024)
  • Elizabeth H. Verner - Advisor (Compensation: $68,075 salary + $15,053 other, 2024)

The foundation employs a professional staff to manage its operations and maintain relationships with grantee organizations. The leadership structure reflects a commitment to professional management while maintaining family oversight through the board of trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Fraser-Parker Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are awarded based on:

  • Trustee discretion and family philanthropic priorities
  • Long-standing relationships with supported organizations
  • Traditional areas of family giving (arts and education)
  • Geographic alignment with the foundation's focus areas

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Grants appear to be awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year based on trustee decisions rather than fixed application deadlines.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis.

Application Success Factors

Since the Fraser-Parker Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that might potentially be considered for support should note:

Foundation's Giving Pattern:

  • Relationship-based: The foundation supports "organizations that are traditionally supported by the family," indicating a preference for long-term philanthropic relationships rather than one-time grants
  • Arts and education focus: These two sectors represent the core of the foundation's philanthropic interests
  • Geographic concentration: Strong preference for Atlanta-area organizations, with selective support in New York and Rochester, PA
  • Substantial grant sizes: With a median grant of $100,000 and average of $203,500, the foundation makes meaningful, significant investments rather than small grants

Strategic Considerations:

  • Organizations already receiving support should maintain strong relationships and demonstrate impact
  • The foundation's professional staff (Executive Director and Advisor) manage ongoing relationships
  • The invitation-only model suggests grants are initiated by the foundation rather than requested by organizations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: The Fraser-Parker Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or applications from organizations
  • Invitation-only grantmaking: All grants are made to preselected organizations based on trustee discretion and family philanthropic priorities
  • Focus on arts and education: These remain the core areas of interest, particularly in the metropolitan Atlanta area
  • Substantial grants: With a median grant of $100,000 and average over $200,000, the foundation makes significant investments in supported organizations
  • Long-term relationships: The foundation favors "organizations traditionally supported by the family," indicating multi-year commitment rather than one-off grants
  • Professional management: Two executive staff members (Executive Director and Advisor) manage the foundation's operations and relationships
  • Geographic focus: Primary emphasis on Atlanta-area organizations, with selective support in New York and Pennsylvania

References

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