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E O Robinson Mountain Fund

Annual Giving
$0.7M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $726,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly available
  • Geographic Focus: 30 counties in eastern Kentucky

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 54930
Lexington, KY 40555-4930

Phone: 859-269-2624

Contact Person: Juanita Stollings, Secretary/Treasurer

Note: The E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund does not maintain a public website or email address.

Overview

The E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund was established in 1922 by Edward O. Robinson after he retired from the presidency of the Mowbray-Robinson Lumber Company, where he made his fortune during the World War I lumber boom. Robinson had amassed wealth from timber production in Kentucky's Breathitt, Knott, and Perry counties between 1901-1922. Upon incorporation on June 27, 1922, Robinson donated $1 million in securities and 16,000 acres of land to create the Fund. Tax-exempt since September 1949, the Fund operates as a private foundation with total assets of approximately $19 million. The Fund's mission focuses on promoting the general welfare of residents in 30 eastern Kentucky counties through support for education, health care, and community programs. In 2024, the Fund distributed $726,323 in charitable grants.

Funding Priorities

Priority Areas

The Fund supports nonprofit organizations serving the 30 counties of eastern Kentucky in the following areas:

  • Education: K-12 and higher education programs, including scholarship programs. Historically established a scholarship program at Berea College in 1952, later expanded to other Kentucky colleges including Transylvania, Centre, Georgetown, Pikeville, Cumberland, and Union.
  • Health and Healthcare Delivery: Medical and dental health programs. Notable initiatives include a dental health pilot program begun in 1956 in Breathitt and Knott County elementary schools that expanded to other eastern Kentucky counties.
  • Children and Youth: Programs serving children and at-risk youth
  • Community Development: Programs promoting economic development and self-sufficiency
  • Social Services: General social service programs
  • Hearing and Vision Issues: Specialized health programs

Historical Programs

The Fund has supported diverse initiatives including:

  • Building and operating Homeplace Hospital
  • School-based dental health programs
  • Operation of Buckhorn Children's Center in Perry County
  • Extensive scholarship programs for health professions training
  • Agricultural demonstration and reforestation projects

What They Don't Fund

Based on historical information, the Fund does not provide support for facilities or other capital projects (though recent grants to Christian Care and Friends of Lexington Fisher House suggest some flexibility in this area for established programs).

Types of Support

  • Project support
  • General operating support

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership

  • Paul R. Thornsberry: Chairman (serves without compensation)
  • Juanita Stollings: Secretary/Treasurer (compensation: $49,375)

Historical Leadership

The Fund has been guided by notable leaders throughout its history:

  • Edward O. Robinson: Founder (1922)
  • Edward C. O'Rear: Chairman following Robinson's death in 1934
  • Ross Sloniker: Chairman (1954)
  • Francis S. Hutchins: Former board member (President Emeritus of Berea College)

The board operates with minimal staff; the organization reports no full-time employees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The E.O. Robinson Mountain Fund does not maintain a public website or formal online application process. Based on available information, the Fund operates with limited public-facing application infrastructure typical of small private foundations.

Application Windows:

  • January 1 - May 15
  • September (specific dates not publicly available)

Eligibility: Organizations must be classified as qualified public charities under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contact Method: Interested organizations should contact the Fund by mail or phone:

  • Mail: P.O. Box 54930, Lexington, KY 40555-4930
  • Phone: 859-269-2624
  • Contact: Juanita Stollings, Secretary/Treasurer

Post-Grant Requirements

Grantee organizations are required to complete a final report of grant expenditures with both financial and programmatic information.

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available.

Success Rates

The Fund made one grant in 2023 (reported by Cause IQ) and distributed $726,323 across multiple grants in 2024. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies are not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Given the Fund's long history and focused mission, successful applications likely demonstrate:

  • Geographic Alignment: Clear service to residents of the 30 eastern Kentucky counties within the Fund's service area
  • Mission Alignment: Programs in education, health care, or community development that promote general welfare and economic self-sufficiency
  • Established Track Record: The Fund has historically supported established institutions (Berea College, Christian Care, etc.) suggesting preference for proven organizations
  • Health Professions Focus: Historical emphasis on supporting health professions training and healthcare delivery in underserved areas
  • Educational Impact: Strong consideration for programs that expand educational opportunities for eastern Kentucky residents

Recent Grant Examples:

  • Friends of Lexington Fisher House: Nearly $40,000 for construction
  • Christian Care Communities: Grant for Welcome Center renovations in Corbin, Kentucky

Historical Patterns: The Fund has demonstrated sustained commitment to specific organizations over decades (such as Berea College scholarship programs beginning in 1952), suggesting they value long-term partnerships with effective organizations.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Limited Public Information: This is a small, private foundation with minimal public presence. Direct contact via phone or mail is essential.
  • Geographic Specificity: Ensure your organization clearly serves residents of the 30 eastern Kentucky counties
  • Education and Health Priority: Programs in these areas have received consistent historical support
  • Long-Term Relationships: The Fund has demonstrated multi-decade commitments to effective partners
  • Application Windows: Plan submissions for January-May or September timeframes
  • Capital Flexibility: While historical guidance excluded facilities/capital projects, recent grants suggest some flexibility for established programs
  • Contact Early: Given limited public application guidance, early contact with Juanita Stollings is advisable to understand current priorities and procedures

References

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