Telford Foundation Inc - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,309,888 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - no public application process
• Decision Time: Not applicable - designated beneficiaries only
• Grant Range: $21,252 - $1,600,000
• Geographic Focus: Multi-state (Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Washington, West Virginia)
• Total Assets: $74,634,994 (2024)

Contact Details

Address: 350 7th St N, Naples, FL 34102

Phone: (239) 624-4000

EIN: 59-6194413

Note: The foundation does not appear to have a public website or dedicated email for grant applications.

Overview

The Telford Foundation Inc is a well-established Naples-based foundation that has been tax-exempt since July 1967. With total assets exceeding $74.6 million and annual giving of approximately $2.3 million, the foundation operates as a 509(a)(3) supporting organization that makes grants exclusively to certain pre-designated publicly supported organizations. The foundation has earned a 4-star rating (94% overall) from Charity Navigator, demonstrating strong accountability and financial management with a program expense ratio of 89.22% and zero liabilities. Unlike traditional grant-making foundations, the Telford Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications and operates solely for the benefit of specific designated beneficiaries across multiple states including Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Alabama, Washington, and West Virginia. The foundation consistently makes approximately 11-12 awards annually to its designated organizations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Telford Foundation operates a single program focused on providing grants to its designated supported organizations. Recent data shows:

• 2024: 11 awards totaling $2,309,888
• 2020: 12 awards totaling $2,399,819
• 2019: 12 awards
• 2018: 12 awards

Grant amounts range from approximately $21,252 to $1,600,000, suggesting the foundation supports organizations at varying scales and for different purposes.

Priority Areas

Based on available data, the foundation's focus areas include:

• Education (primary focus)
• Human Services
• Healthcare (strong connection to Naples Comprehensive Health/NCH Healthcare System)
• Philanthropy and voluntarism support

Geographic Distribution

While headquartered in Naples, Florida, the foundation makes grants to organizations across six states:

• Florida
• Kentucky
• Virginia
• Alabama
• Washington
• West Virginia

What They Don't Fund

As a supporting organization with pre-designated beneficiaries:

• The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications from organizations not already designated as beneficiaries
• Only publicly supported 501(c)(3) organizations appear eligible for designation
• Individual grants and for-profit entities are excluded

Governance and Leadership

The Telford Foundation operates with strong governance practices including 100% independent board composition, conflict of interest policies, whistleblower protections, and document retention procedures.

Key Officers and Directors

• Jean C. Logue - President/Director (Compensation: $25,000)
• Rick Wyles - Secretary/Treasurer (Compensation: $20,000)
• Henry Ct Richmond III - Vice President (Compensation: $20,000)
• Paul Hiltz - Director (Compensation: $12,000)
• Michael J. Riley - Board Member (Compensation: $12,000)

Note: Paul Hiltz serves as President and CEO of Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH Healthcare System), one of the foundation's apparent designated beneficiaries, evidenced by the long-standing Telford Center for Continuing Education at NCH that operated for 30 years.

Board Independence

All 8 board members are classified as independent, demonstrating strong governance separation.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process.

The Telford Foundation operates as a 509(a)(3) Type III supporting organization, which means it is legally structured to support only specific pre-designated publicly supported organizations. Organizations not already designated as beneficiaries cannot apply for grants.

The foundation's articles of organization identify its designated beneficiaries, and grants are distributed to these organizations at the discretion of the board of directors.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on an internal grant distribution schedule for its designated beneficiaries.

Success Rates

Not applicable - there is no competitive application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the designated beneficiary structure.

Application Success Factors

This section is not applicable as the Telford Foundation does not accept applications from organizations outside its pre-designated beneficiary list.

For organizations that are already designated beneficiaries, maintaining strong relationships with foundation leadership and demonstrating effective use of previous grants would be important for continued support.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not Open for Applications: The Telford Foundation is a supporting organization that only funds pre-designated beneficiary organizations. Organizations not already on this list cannot apply for funding.

• Strong Financial Position: With assets exceeding $74 million and consistent annual giving around $2.3 million, the foundation has substantial resources for its designated beneficiaries.

• Long-term Commitments: The foundation has made 11-12 grants annually over multiple years, suggesting stable, ongoing support for its beneficiaries rather than one-time funding.

• Multi-state Reach: Despite being headquartered in Naples, FL, the foundation supports organizations across six states, suggesting historical connections that span beyond Florida.

• Healthcare and Education Focus: The foundation has strong ties to healthcare (particularly NCH Healthcare System) and education, with a 30-year history of supporting the Telford Center for Continuing Education at NCH.

• Excellent Financial Management: The foundation maintains a 4-star Charity Navigator rating with 89.22% of expenses going to programs and zero debt.

• Alternative for Grant Seekers: Organizations seeking funding in Naples or the broader Florida region should explore other community foundations and grant-makers with open application processes, such as the Collier Community Foundation or other Naples-area foundations.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Telford Foundation Inc (EIN 59-6194413). Accessed February 11, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/596194413

2. Charity Navigator - Telford Foundation Inc Rating. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/596194413

3. Cause IQ - Telford Foundation Profile. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/telford-foundation,596194413/

4. Instrumentl - Telford Foundation Inc 990 Report. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/telford-foundation-inc

5. Gulfshore Business. "NCH begins work on R.M. Schulze Family Heart and Stroke Critical Care Center." Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/nch-begins-work-on-r-m-schulze-family-heart-and-stroke-critical-care-center/

6. Raymond James - Paul Hiltz Profile. "The Visionary President and CEO Behind the Transformation of NCH into an Advanced Community Healthcare System." Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.raymondjames.com/weisbergwealth/community-corner/2024/09/04/paul-hiltz-the-visionary-president

7. Internal Revenue Service. "Section 509(a)(3) supporting organizations." Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/section-509a3-supporting-organizations