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Deus Spes Mea Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,090,500 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Varies by recipient
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)
  • Assets: $23.8 million (2024)

Contact Details

Location: Miami, FL
EIN: 65-0841971
Tax-Exempt Since: August 1998

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or published contact information.

Overview

Deus Spes Mea Foundation Inc (Latin for "God is my hope") was established in August 1998 as a private foundation based in Miami, Florida. With assets of approximately $23.8 million, the foundation distributed $4,090,500 in charitable grants in 2024, representing 98% of its total expenses. The foundation's grantmaking has been consistent over recent years, with $5,075,000 distributed in 2023 across 52 awards and similar levels in 2022. The foundation focuses primarily on Christian organizations and initiatives related to human services, family services, and child welfare, operating nationwide with funding reaching organizations in major cities and smaller communities across Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, and numerous other states.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private foundation with trustee-directed grantmaking. Grants are made throughout the year to preselected charitable organizations. Recent data indicates:

  • 2024: $4,090,500 distributed
  • 2023: $5,075,000 distributed across 52 grants (average grant size: $97,596)
  • 2022: 46 grants awarded

Priority Areas

Based on public filings and foundation records, Deus Spes Mea Foundation supports:

  • Christianity and religious organizations: Primary focus on Christian ministries and faith-based initiatives
  • Human services: Organizations providing social services and support programs
  • Family services: Programs supporting families and strengthening family units
  • Child welfare: Organizations dedicated to children's wellbeing and development
  • Philanthropy and nonprofits: Support for broader charitable sector initiatives

Known grantees include Living Hope Donor Advised Account and similar Christian-oriented charitable entities.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications from organizations outside their preselected network. There is no public information about specific exclusions beyond their stated focus areas.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a four-member board of directors who serve without compensation:

  • Dr. Evelyn E. Babcock, Director
  • Calvin H. Babcock, Director
  • Mary B. Taylor, Director
  • Mary Anne Babcock, Director

All board members serve in a voluntary capacity with no officer compensation reported. The board appears to exercise discretionary authority in selecting grant recipients aligned with the foundation's Christian and family-centered mission.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

Grants are made at the discretion of the board of directors to organizations that have been identified through the trustees' networks and relationships. Organizations cannot apply for funding through a formal application process.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Grantmaking appears to occur throughout the year as the board identifies appropriate recipients aligned with the foundation's mission.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as the foundation does not accept them.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable, as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the Deus Spes Mea Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly pursue funding through traditional grant writing approaches. The foundation's grantmaking is driven by:

  • Board discretion: Trustees identify and select organizations aligned with their Christian and family service priorities
  • Preexisting relationships: The foundation funds organizations already known to board members
  • Mission alignment: Strong focus on Christian values, with the foundation's name ("God is my hope") reflecting its faith-based orientation
  • Geographic diversity: While based in Miami, the foundation funds organizations across multiple states, suggesting board members have connections throughout the United States
  • Consistent funding patterns: The foundation maintains steady annual distributions of approximately $4-5 million, indicating reliable funding capacity for selected organizations

Organizations currently receiving funding from this foundation should maintain strong relationships with board members and demonstrate continued alignment with Christian values and family service priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation operates through trustee discretion only and does not accept unsolicited proposals
  • Faith-based focus: The foundation's name and documented priorities indicate a strong Christian orientation; secular organizations are unlikely to be considered
  • Relationship-driven: Grants flow to preselected organizations with established connections to board members
  • Substantial capacity: With nearly $24 million in assets and consistent $4-5 million annual distributions, the foundation has significant grantmaking capacity for its chosen recipients
  • National reach: Despite being Miami-based, the foundation funds organizations across the United States
  • Family-oriented mission: Organizations working in family services and child welfare appear to be priority areas alongside religious organizations
  • Private foundation model: This is a classic private family foundation with limited public disclosure and trustee-controlled grantmaking

References

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