The Fortin Foundation of Florida Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,068,600 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: Not disclosed
• Grant Range: $15,000 - $1,000,000+
• Geographic Focus: Florida (Palm Beach County) and Montana (Billings/Yellowstone County)

Contact Details

Website: https://fortinfoundation.org

Phone: (561) 835-0103 / (561) 835-0580

Email: admin@fortinfoundation.org

Address: 201 Chilean Avenue, Palm Beach, Florida 33480-4629

Overview

The Fortin Foundation of Florida Inc is a private independent foundation established in November 1986 by Philip and Mary Alice Fortin. With assets totaling $32.8 million and annual giving of approximately $3 million, the foundation makes grants exclusively by invitation to qualified charitable organizations whose initiatives improve the quality of life in communities. The foundation maintains a strong dual-state focus, supporting organizations primarily in Florida (particularly Palm Beach County) and Montana (particularly Yellowstone County/Billings area), reflecting the founders' connections to both states. Over 14 years, the Fortin Foundations (this foundation and the related Mary Alice Fortin Foundation) have granted approximately $170 million to organizations in Montana, Florida, and New York combined. The foundation is led by Mary Alice Fortin's daughters, including Lesly Smith, a former Palm Beach mayor, and actress Susan Stockard Channing.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Grant Size Range: $15,000 - $1,000,000+ (average $43,220)
• Number of Grants (2023): 71 awards totaling $3,068,600
• Application Method: Invitation only - no unsolicited applications accepted

Priority Areas

• Children: Programs and services benefiting children and youth
• Education: Educational institutions, scholarships, and educational programs
• Homelessness: Services addressing homelessness and vulnerable populations
• Animal Welfare: Animal rescue organizations and welfare initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly listed, the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and focuses exclusively on their four priority areas. Organizations outside their focus areas or geographic priorities are unlikely to be considered.

Governance and Leadership

Lesly Stockard Smith - President
Former Mayor of Palm Beach (2000-2005), Chairman of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. Daughter of Mary Alice Fortin.

Danielle Hickox Moore - Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer
Current Mayor of Palm Beach (elected 2021), Board Chairwoman for Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Granddaughter of Mary Alice Fortin.

Susan Stockard Channing - Director and Vice President
Acclaimed actress known professionally as Stockard Channing. Daughter of Mary Alice Fortin.

Carol McCracken - Officer

The foundation was founded by Philip Fortin, a Montana-born oilman, and his wife Mary Alice Fortin, who were major philanthropists in both Montana and Florida for over three decades.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Fortin Foundation of Florida operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis. Grants are provided to qualified charitable organizations that the foundation identifies and invites to receive funding.

Getting on Their Radar

While the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations in Palm Beach County, Florida, or Billings/Yellowstone County, Montana, working in their priority areas may come to attention through:

• Leadership's Involvement: President Lesly Smith chairs Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League; Vice President Danielle Moore serves as Mayor of Palm Beach and Board Chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Organizations where leadership is actively involved receive significant support.

• Network Connections: The foundation's leadership is deeply embedded in Palm Beach civic life through board service and community involvement. Building relationships with organizations where they serve may increase visibility.

• Related Foundation: Leadership also manages the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation (EIN: 59-2469696) with $189 million in assets and similar priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only funder, the foundation operates on its own schedule throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only basis.

Reapplication Policy

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, there is no formal reapplication process. The foundation maintains long-term relationships with certain organizations, suggesting continued support for effective partners.

Application Success Factors

Since The Fortin Foundation operates exclusively by invitation, traditional application factors don't apply. However, organizations should understand what the foundation values:

• Geographic Connection: Clear focus on Palm Beach County, Florida, and Billings/Yellowstone County, Montana, reflecting the founders' personal connections to these areas.

• Alignment with Four Priority Areas: Strict focus on children, education, homelessness, and animal welfare. Recent grants include $1 million to Billings Clinic Foundation, $210,000 to Town of Palm Beach United Way, and $168,700 to Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League.

• Established Organizations: The foundation supports organizations with proven track records rather than start-ups. Recipients include United Way chapters, Catholic Charities, and major healthcare institutions.

• Leadership Connections: Organizations where foundation leaders have personal involvement receive substantial support, such as Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (where President Smith chairs) receiving funding for the Lesly S. Smith Pet Adoption Center.

• Direct Service Impact: Emphasis on organizations providing direct services—animal rescue, homeless shelters, healthcare, youth programs—rather than advocacy or research.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Invitation-only funder - Cannot submit unsolicited proposals or applications
• Geographic focus is critical - Nearly all funding goes to Palm Beach County, FL or Yellowstone County/Billings, MT
• Four exclusive focus areas - Children, education, homelessness, and animal welfare only
• Leadership connections matter - Organizations where board members serve receive significant support
• Build visibility through excellence - Focus on achieving community recognition and building relationships with civic leaders
• Consider the related foundation - Mary Alice Fortin Foundation ($189M assets) has same leadership and similar priorities
• Multi-year support possible - Foundation maintains ongoing relationships with select organizations

References

• The Fortin Foundation of Florida Official Website: https://fortinfoundation.org (Accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592707197 (Accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Organization Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-fortin-foundation-of-florida,592707197/ (Accessed February 2026)
• "70 years of Billings philanthropist's gifts live on through family," KTVQ Montana: https://www.ktvq.com/news/positively-montana/70-years-of-billings-philanthropists-gifts-live-on-through-family (Accessed February 2026)
• "Generous $15,000 Grant Award from The Fortin Foundation of Florida," Catholic Charities Diocese of Palm Beach (November 2025)
• Palm Beach Civic Association Member Profiles (Accessed February 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings (2023 tax year, filed November 2024)