Fruth Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,798,885 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: Median $6,500; Average $55,900-$128,492
• Geographic Focus: National (United States)

Contact Details

• Address: 4041 Arrowwood Court, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
• Website: None publicly available
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available
• Application Process: Invitation-only; does not accept unsolicited requests

Overview

The Fruth Family Foundation is a private foundation established in 2003 with approximately $45 million in assets. Based in Bonita Springs, Florida (originally founded in California), the foundation distributes between $800,000 and $1.8 million annually to charitable organizations across the United States. Led by John Fruth (President) and Jean Fruth (CFO/Secretary), both serving as volunteers, the foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation that makes grants exclusively to preselected organizations. The foundation filed for 501(c)(3) status and is required to file IRS Form 990-PF annually as a private foundation.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate specific named grant programs but makes discretionary grants to preselected organizations. In 2023, they made 14 grants totaling $1,798,885, with a median grant of $6,500.

Priority Areas

• Education
• Health Services
• Human Services
• Family Services
• Child Welfare

What They Don't Fund

As an invitation-only funder, they do not accept unsolicited applications from any organizations regardless of cause area.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by:

• John Fruth - President (volunteer)
• Jean Fruth - CFO and Secretary (volunteer)

Both leadership positions are held by family members who serve without compensation, typical of private family foundations. The foundation maintains a relatively simple governance structure focused on family-directed giving.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Fruth Family Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's leadership based on their strategic interests and existing relationships.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available as decisions are made internally for preselected organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable due to invitation-only grant-making approach.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since the Fruth Family Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis, traditional application strategies do not apply. Organizations that receive funding from this foundation typically:

• Have been identified by the foundation's leadership as aligned with their charitable interests
• May have existing relationships with the Fruth family
• Operate in the foundation's priority areas of education, health, and human services
• Demonstrate effective programs in child welfare and family services
• Have established track records in their fields

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Fruth Family Foundation is a legitimate grant maker distributing $800,000-$1.8 million annually
• Do not submit unsolicited proposals - the foundation explicitly states they do not accept them
• Focus relationship-building efforts if your organization aligns with their priority areas
• The foundation has substantial assets ($45 million) supporting ongoing charitable work
• Grant sizes vary widely with a median of $6,500 but can be significantly larger
• Geographic reach is national, not limited to Florida despite their Bonita Springs location
• Both leaders serve as volunteers, indicating a hands-on family approach to philanthropy

References

• Candid/GuideStar Profile - www.guidestar.org/profile/71-0956112 (Accessed February 2024)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - www.causeiq.com (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl Foundation Database - www.instrumentl.com (Accessed February 2024)
• Grantmakers.io - www.grantmakers.io (Accessed February 2024)
• Florida Division of Corporations - search.sunbiz.org (Accessed February 2024)
• IRS Form 990-PF Filings - apps.irs.gov (Tax years 2021-2023)
• TaxExemptWorld Database - www.taxexemptworld.com (Accessed February 2024)