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The Chadbourne Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.2M
Decision Time
3mo

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $743,000 (2023)
  • Number of Grants: 40 grants awarded in 2023
  • Grant Range: Estimated $5,000 - $160,000
  • Total Assets: $17.2 million (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FL only
  • Application Method: Rolling basis, letter of inquiry
  • Founded: 1982

Contact Details

Address: 192 Hewitt Street, Pensacola, FL 32503

Phone: (850) 434-2244

Alternative Address: 7 W. Cedar St., Ste. 3, Pensacola, FL 32502-6905

Note: No website or email address is publicly available. Initial contact should be made by letter.

Overview

The Chadbourne Foundation Inc. is a private family foundation established in 1982 in Pensacola, Florida. With assets of approximately $17.2 million and annual giving of $743,000 (2023), the foundation focuses exclusively on supporting organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. The foundation's mission centers on aiding organizations that serve the truly needy and foster educational development in the local community. The foundation has a strong legacy of education philanthropy, most notably through the Edward M. Chadbourne Library at Pensacola State College, named in honor of Ed Chadbourne, a PSC alumnus. Through the Chadbourne Foundation, the family has gifted more than $1.2 million for student scholarships at the college, which when matched by the State of Florida, created the largest endowed scholarship held at the College Foundation. Since inception, the Chadbourne endowed scholarship fund has awarded $770,000 in scholarships.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Chadbourne Foundation operates on a rolling basis with no formal grant programs or deadlines. Grant amounts vary based on the organization and project, with recent awards ranging from an estimated $5,000 to $160,000. The foundation made 40 grants in 2023 totaling $743,000.

Application Method: Rolling basis, letter of inquiry, no formal application form required

Priority Areas

The foundation supports organizations across multiple sectors:

Education

  • Higher education institutions (particularly Pensacola State College)
  • Scholarship programs
  • Educational development initiatives

Health & Healthcare

  • Hospice services
  • Healthcare foundations
  • Support services for families (such as Ronald McDonald House)

Social Services & Human Services

  • Organizations serving the economically disadvantaged
  • Food banks and hunger relief
  • Emergency assistance programs (such as Salvation Army)
  • Grief support services
  • Housing assistance

Religion

  • Catholic churches and religious institutions
  • Catholic Charities

Recent Grant Recipients (based on available data):

  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida - $160,000
  • Valeries House - $120,000
  • Majella House - $110,000
  • Pensacola Junior College Foundation (now Pensacola State College Foundation) - historically significant support
  • Salvation Army
  • Catholic Charities
  • Covenant Hospice
  • Baptist Health Care Foundation
  • Pensacola Catholic High School

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Organizations outside Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Florida

Governance and Leadership

The Chadbourne Foundation is governed by family members who serve without compensation:

Current Leadership (as of most recent filing):

  • Caroline C. DeMaria - President
  • Brian F. DeMaria - Vice President
  • Mary C. Chadbourne Forshee - Vice President
  • Clotilde C. DeMaria - Secretary/Treasurer
  • Ruth J. Chadbourne - Director

The foundation operates as a family foundation with all trustees from the Chadbourne and DeMaria families. The foundation has no paid staff and operates with volunteer leadership.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Chadbourne Foundation does not require a formal application form. Organizations should submit a letter of inquiry to the foundation.

Application Method: Letter of inquiry

Address applications to: The Chadbourne Foundation Inc. 192 Hewitt Street Pensacola, FL 32503

or

7 W. Cedar St., Ste. 3 Pensacola, FL 32502-6905

Phone: (850) 434-2244

Deadlines: None - the foundation accepts letters on a rolling basis

Requirements:

  • Letter should clearly describe the organization, its mission, and the specific need or project
  • Organizations must be located in or primarily serve Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Florida
  • Must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. As the foundation operates on a rolling basis with no set deadlines, decision times likely vary depending on when trustees meet to review proposals. Applicants should plan for a potential 2-4 month review period, though this is not confirmed by the foundation.

Success Rates

In 2023, the foundation made 40 grants totaling $743,000. In 2022, they made 15 grants totaling $807,800. While the specific number of applications received is not publicly disclosed, making success rates difficult to calculate, the foundation has a track record of consistent grantmaking to local organizations.

Reapplication Policy

Information on reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations that receive grants may apply for future funding, as evidenced by the foundation's ongoing relationship with institutions like Pensacola State College.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and priorities, the following factors appear important for applicants:

Geographic Focus is Absolute: The foundation exclusively funds organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Organizations outside these counties should not apply.

Focus on the Truly Needy: The foundation's stated mission emphasizes "organizations aiding the truly needy." Applications should clearly demonstrate how the organization serves economically disadvantaged or vulnerable populations in the community.

Education as a Priority: The foundation has a strong legacy of supporting education, particularly at Pensacola State College. Educational organizations and programs that foster educational development are well-positioned for support.

Established Organizations: Recent grant recipients include well-known, established organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Salvation Army, and major healthcare institutions. The foundation appears to favor organizations with proven track records.

Multi-Year Relationships: The foundation's long-standing relationship with Pensacola State College (over $1.2 million in scholarship support) suggests they value ongoing partnerships with organizations making sustained impact.

Catholic/Religious Connections: The foundation has historically supported Catholic institutions, including churches, Catholic Charities, and Catholic schools, which may reflect family values and connections.

Large and Small Grants: With grants ranging from an estimated $5,000 to $160,000, organizations seeking various funding levels may find support. The foundation appears flexible in grant sizing based on project needs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic restriction is absolute: Only organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, FL should apply
  • Simple application process: No formal application form - just submit a letter of inquiry with rolling deadlines
  • Focus on serving the truly needy: Clearly articulate how your organization serves vulnerable or economically disadvantaged populations
  • Education is a major priority: Educational institutions and programs are strongly aligned with the foundation's history and mission
  • Build for the long-term: The foundation appears to value sustained relationships with grantees, as evidenced by multi-year support to key institutions
  • Established organizations favored: While not explicitly stated, recent grant recipients tend to be well-known, established nonprofits with proven impact
  • Diverse funding areas: The foundation supports health, education, social services, and religious organizations - don't limit yourself to one category if your work spans multiple areas

References

  1. Cause IQ - The Chadbourne Foundation profile. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-chadbourne-foundation,592126313/

  2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Chadbourne Foundation Inc. IRS Form 990 filings. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592126313

  3. Instrumentl - The Chadbourne Foundation Inc 990 Report. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/chadbourne-foundation-inc

  4. Here-4-You Consulting - Chadbourne Foundation Inc profile. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://npfunds.com/directory/chadbourne-foundation-inc-the/

  5. Pensacola State College Foundation - History Meadows page. Information about Edward M. Chadbourne Library and scholarships. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://foundation.pensacolastate.edu/history-meadows/

  6. The Share Way - The Chadbourne Foundation Inc profile. Accessed January 12, 2026. https://www.theshareway.com/funder/chadbourne-foundation-66129

  7. IRS Tax Exempt Organization records for EIN 59-2126313, accessed through multiple nonprofit databases, January 12, 2026.

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