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The Batchelor Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$26.8M
Grant Range
$2K - $2.7M
Decision Time
2mo

The Batchelor Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $26.8 million (2024)
  • Total Assets: $389.7 million (2024)
  • Number of Grants: 318 (2024)
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $2.7 million
  • Median Grant: $25,000
  • Average Grant: $84,199
  • Geographic Focus: South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Monroe counties)
  • Application Status: Closed to new applicants (invitation only since November 2023)

Contact Details

  • Website: https://tbfinc.org
  • Email: info@tbfinc.org
  • Phone: (305) 534-5004
  • Address: 1680 Michigan Avenue, PH 1, Miami Beach, Florida 33139
  • Grant Portal: grantinterface.com

Overview

The Batchelor Foundation was established in 1990 by George E. Batchelor (1920-2002), a visionary aviator, business entrepreneur, and renowned philanthropist. Batchelor learned to fly at age 16, helped design the P-51 fighter plane during World War II, and built a distinguished aviation career spanning nearly six decades. Before his death, he donated more than $100 million to South Florida charitable organizations and gifted the majority of his estate to the Foundation.

Today, the Foundation holds approximately $390 million in assets and distributes over $26 million annually to approximately 318 organizations. Its mission is to provide philanthropic support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations that focus on promoting the good health, education, and wellbeing of children, animal welfare, and the preservation of the natural environment in South Florida. The Foundation supports over 400 local charities, with significant investments in the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, including the Batchelor Children's Research Institute dedicated in 2001 and the annual Micah Batchelor Award for Excellence in Children's Health Research.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Program Grants: Primary focus - $2,000 to $2.7 million (most grants around $25,000)
  • Capital Grants: Occasional consideration for building and equipment projects
  • Endowment Grants: Available for qualifying organizations
  • Multi-year Grants: Available with potential matching components at the Foundation's discretion

Priority Areas

Children's Health, Education & Wellbeing

  • Medical research and pediatric care
  • Early childhood through higher education programs
  • Services for children with disabilities (autism centers, therapy programs)
  • Mentoring and youth development programs

Animal Welfare

  • Rescue and rehabilitation organizations
  • Therapeutic riding centers
  • Guide dog programs
  • Veterinary schools and education

Natural Environment

  • Environmental protection and conservation
  • Wildlife preservation
  • Botanical research
  • Marine science initiatives
  • Public education about environmental issues

Additional Considerations

  • Homeless services
  • Veteran support programs
  • Community health organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • Direct financial assistance to individuals
  • Non-501(c)(3) organizations
  • Private foundations
  • Startups (minimum 5 years operation and $50,000 annual revenue required)
  • Events, festivals, workshops, conferences, or concerts
  • Administrative expenses or capacity building
  • Operating deficits
  • Political activities, campaigns, or advocacy
  • Organizations serving as fiscal sponsors
  • International organizations, initiatives, or projects

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership:

  • Anne O. Batchelor-Robjohns - Trustee, CEO, Chairman, Secretary
  • Jon Batchelor - Trustee, Executive Vice President
  • Jack Falk - Trustee

Jon Batchelor remains dedicated to honoring his father George's legacy, aiding underprivileged children and animals, and has stated: "He liked to be the voice of the voiceless."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: As of November 15, 2023, The Batchelor Foundation only accepts grant applications from nonprofits it has previously funded. New nonprofit grant requests are by invitation only. Unsolicited letters of intent are not accepted.

For Returning Grantees:

  1. Submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the online Grant Portal at grantinterface.com
  2. Paper applications are not accepted
  3. Limited to one LOI per nonprofit per 365-day period (even for different projects)
  4. If LOI is approved, receive email invitation to submit a formal application
  5. Complete formal application by the quarterly deadline

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity
  • Not classified as a private foundation
  • Actively registered with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to solicit funds
  • Serve residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe counties
  • Minimum 5 years of operation with $50,000+ annual revenue

Quarterly Grant Cycles

QuarterLOI WindowApplication DeadlineDecision Notification
FirstNov. 15 – Jan. 15January 31March
SecondFeb. 15 – April 15April 30June
ThirdMay 15 – July 15July 31September
FourthAug. 15 – Oct. 15October 31December

Decision Timeline

  • Grant decisions typically arrive within 8 weeks following the formal application deadline
  • Official notification sent via email
  • Grants are generally awarded for one-year periods

Reapplication Policy

  • Returning grantees may reapply after current grant period ends (or 12 months, whichever is greater)
  • Final report must be submitted and approved before reapplication
  • Prior grant funding is not a guarantee of future charitable funding

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Emphasizes:

  • Projects with "clearly defined, targeted outcomes" receive highest priority
  • The Foundation evaluates programmatic impact over general operating requests
  • Geographic alignment with South Florida counties is essential
  • Submit LOIs early in the quarterly cycle to allow adequate time for formal application preparation

Applicant Feedback (from GrantAdvisor):

  • "The application process was simple and straightforward, and left room for supporting materials, which allowed us to provide links to cited studies, etc."
  • The Foundation is described as "culturally sensitive, friendly, builds relationships, and 'gets' nonprofits and issues"
  • New applicants (when accepted) were invited to meet board members to discuss their organization and proposed programs
  • The Foundation "funds a variety of agencies that align with their mission, instead of remaining too narrow in their vision"
  • Reporting requirements are minimal, reducing post-funding staff burden
  • Application completion time: approximately 5 hours

Recent Major Recipients (2023):

  • University of Miami Miller School of Medicine: $2.7 million
  • The Everglades Foundation Inc: $1.4 million
  • Philip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science: $500,000
  • Easter Seals South Florida Inc: $450,000
  • South Florida PBS Inc: $425,000

Long-term Partners Include:

  • University of Miami Center for Autism
  • Bit by Bit Therapy
  • Whispering Manes
  • Warrior Canine Connection
  • Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
  • Jackson Health Foundation
  • Diabetes Research Institute Foundation
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Closed to New Applicants: Since November 2023, only previously funded organizations can apply. New organizations must receive a personal invitation from the Foundation.

  2. One Shot Per Year: Organizations are limited to one LOI per 365-day period, even for different projects—choose your strongest proposal carefully.

  3. South Florida Focus is Non-Negotiable: Programs must directly benefit residents of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, or Monroe counties. No international funding.

  4. Outcomes Over Operations: The Foundation prioritizes programmatic grants with clearly defined, measurable outcomes over general operating support.

  5. Relationship-Oriented Funder: Past applicants describe a warm, relationship-building culture. Board members have personally met with grantees to understand their work.

  6. Submit Early: The Foundation explicitly encourages submitting LOIs early in the quarterly window to ensure sufficient time for formal application completion.

  7. Substantial Resources Available: With nearly $27 million distributed annually and grants up to $2.7 million, this is one of South Florida's most significant private funders for qualifying organizations.

References

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