Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,370,000 - $2,655,000
Success Rate: Not publicly available
Decision Time: Not publicly available
Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

Phone: 203-863-2625
Email: Not publicly available
Website: None
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2505, Greenwich, CT 06836-2505
Contact Person: Nancy Bassett, c/o The Bank of New York Mellon

Overview

The Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in December 1986 by Elinor Patterson Baker. With total assets of approximately $51.7 million as of May 2024, the foundation distributes between $2.4-2.7 million annually in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout the United States. The foundation focuses exclusively on animal welfare, protection, and conservation causes, providing primarily general operating support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations. Administered by BNY Mellon, N.A. as trustee, the foundation ranks as the 128th largest foundation by assets in Connecticut and maintains a consistent, focused approach to supporting animal-related causes nationwide.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides general operating support grants to animal welfare organizations. Specific grant amounts and tiers are not publicly disclosed, requiring direct inquiry through written request for application materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadlines.

Priority Areas

Animal welfare and protection organizations
Animal shelter construction and improvements
Spay and neuter programs
Animal rescue operations
Wildlife conservation initiatives
Habitat protection
Environmental protection related to animal welfare
Cruelty investigation and prevention programs
Startup and new animal welfare programs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's exclusive focus on animal welfare suggests they do not fund:

Non-animal related causes
Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Individual requests
For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is administered by BNY Mellon, N.A. (The Bank of New York Mellon) serving as trustee. Primary contact is Nancy Bassett at the Bank of New York Mellon. The foundation operates with one employee and reported officer compensation of $375,365 for fiscal year 2025. The foundation was established by Elinor Patterson Baker in 1986, with investment income and asset management providing ongoing funding capacity.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Organizations must write to the foundation to request application materials. There is no online application portal or publicly available application form. Written requests should be sent to:

P.O. Box 2505
Greenwich, CT 06836-2505

c/o BNY Mellon, N.A.
Ten Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for information about review periods and notification processes.

Success Rates

Application success rates and the number of grants awarded annually are not publicly available. Detailed recipient information is available through IRS Form 990-PF filings.

Reapplication Policy

Reapplication policies have not been publicly disclosed. Organizations should inquire directly about reapplication guidelines when requesting application materials.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's known giving patterns and focus areas:

Demonstrate clear animal welfare mission: The foundation exclusively funds animal-related causes, so alignment with this mission is essential
Emphasize general operating support needs: The foundation prefers providing unrestricted funds that organizations can use flexibly
Establish 501(c)(3) credentials: Ensure tax-exempt status documentation is current and readily available
Present national or regional impact: While based in Connecticut, the foundation funds organizations throughout the United States
Consider timing flexibility: With rolling applications and no deadlines, organizations can apply when their proposals are strongest

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

The foundation requires a written request for application materials - there is no online portal or downloadable application
With approximately $2.4-2.7 million distributed annually and substantial assets of $51.7 million, this is a stable, well-established funding source
The foundation's exclusive focus on animal welfare means only animal-related organizations should apply
General operating support preference gives organizations flexibility in fund utilization
Bank administration through BNY Mellon suggests professional, structured grant management
Rolling application acceptance allows organizations to apply at optimal times
Research Form 990-PF filings to understand typical grant sizes and recent recipients before applying

References

Cause IQ Foundation Profile - Foundation financial data and overview (accessed January 2025)
ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990 data for fiscal years 2023-2024 (accessed January 2025)
GuideStar/Candid - Nonprofit organization profiles and foundation listings (accessed January 2025)
GrantStation - Grant-maker database entry for Elinor Patterson Baker Foundation (accessed January 2025)
Access Philanthropy - Foundation profile and grant-making information (accessed January 2025)
IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Database - EIN verification and status confirmation (accessed January 2025)