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Chisholm Foundation

Annual Giving
$5.9M
Decision Time
2mo

Chisholm Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5.9 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: 2-6 months
  • Grant Range: Not specified
  • Geographic Focus: United States (nationwide)

Contact Details

Overview

The Chisholm Foundation is a private family foundation established in 1960 by Alexander F. Chisholm of Laurel, Mississippi. With total assets of $82 million and annual charitable disbursements of approximately $5.9 million, the foundation has been family-guided for three generations while maintaining the founder's original vision. The foundation's mission is "to nurture and support meaningful endeavors in education, the arts, and religion" across the United States. As a private foundation filing Form 990-PF, it has maintained its tax-exempt status since August 1961 and continues to be managed by members of the founding family.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a general grant program with two annual funding cycles:

  • Spring Cycle: Applications due March 1st, decisions in May
  • Fall Cycle: Applications due September 1st, decisions in November

Priority Areas

  • Education: Supporting educational initiatives and institutions
  • Arts: Funding arts programs and cultural organizations
  • Religion: Supporting religious organizations and faith-based initiatives
  • Special preference for "new or demonstration projects" that can be expanded with additional funding
  • Encourages matching gifts and challenge grants to maximize impact

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, as a private foundation focusing on education, arts, and religion, they likely do not fund:

  • Individual requests
  • For-profit ventures
  • Political activities
  • Lobbying efforts

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a board of family members serving without compensation:

  • John L. Lindsey - President
  • Alexander C. Lindsey - Treasurer
  • Nathan E. Saint Amand - Secretary
  • Julie Vos Lindsey - Trustee
  • Lynn Manley Lindsey - Trustee
  • Alexander Saint Amand - Trustee
  • Elisabeth Saint Amand - Trustee

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted by mail or email with no specific format required. The foundation recommends sending an optional inquiry letter with a brief outline of the proposal for new applicants or those seeking a faster initial response.

Required materials include:

  • Detailed project description
  • Organization summary
  • Project budget and timetable
  • Amount requested
  • Information about other funders and pending proposals
  • IRS tax exemption letter
  • Brochures or published materials about the project/organization

Decision Timeline

  • Spring Cycle: Submit by March 1st for May decisions
  • Fall Cycle: Submit by September 1st for November decisions
  • Applications are reviewed individually by Foundation directors
  • Directors may request additional information during review
  • Some worthy applications may be deferred to subsequent funding years

Success Rates

The foundation notes that "only a small number of applications are funded," suggesting a competitive process, though specific success rates are not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's practice of deferring worthy applications to subsequent years suggests that reapplication is possible for projects that align with their priorities.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated preferences and guidelines:

  • Demonstrate innovation: The foundation shows preference for "new or demonstration projects" that can serve as models for broader implementation
  • Leverage funding: Projects that can secure matching gifts or challenge grants to "magnify Foundation funds" are encouraged
  • Plan ahead: Submit applications well in advance of funding need
  • Consider an inquiry letter: For new applicants, sending a brief inquiry letter can help gauge initial interest before investing time in a full proposal
  • Be prepared for deferral: Even worthy projects may be deferred to future funding cycles based on available resources

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Chisholm Foundation is a well-established family foundation with significant assets ($82M) and substantial annual giving ($5.9M)
  • Focus proposals on education, arts, or religion with emphasis on innovative or demonstration projects
  • Consider how your project could leverage Chisholm funding through matching grants or challenges
  • Submit applications well before the March 1st or September 1st deadlines
  • An inquiry letter can save time by determining initial interest before full proposal development
  • Competition is high with "only a small number of applications" being funded
  • The foundation maintains a traditional approach with mail/email applications and no online portal

References

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