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Booth-Bricker Fund

Annual Giving
$3.0M
0
Decision Time
3mo
0

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,002,585 (2023)
  • Total Assets: $40,798,231
  • Grant Range: Varies (average approximately $50,000 based on 2023 data)
  • Number of Awards: 60 (2023)
  • Geographic Focus: New Orleans, LA and Louisiana
  • Application Method: Rolling basis with quarterly review

Contact Details

Address: 509 Octavia Street, Suite A, New Orleans, Louisiana 70115

Alternative Address: 826 Union Street, Suite 300, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

Phone: 504-581-2430

Website: www.theboothbrickerfund.org

Executive Director: Anne Banos

Overview

The Booth-Bricker Fund was established in 1966 by John F. Bricker and his first wife, Nina Booth Bricker. With assets of approximately $40.8 million, the Fund has distributed over $32 million in charitable contributions since its inception. Originally supporting a broad range of religious, charitable, scientific, literary, and educational programs, the Fund underwent a strategic shift in 2006 to concentrate exclusively on public education reform in New Orleans. Under the leadership of Executive Director Anne Banos, who brings four decades of experience in higher education and the arts, the Fund awards approximately $3 million annually across 60 grants, primarily supporting organizations working to enhance educational outcomes and foster equitable access to quality learning opportunities for students in the New Orleans area.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Booth-Bricker Fund operates a single, focused grant program dedicated to public education reform in New Orleans. Grants are awarded on a rolling basis with quarterly review cycles.

  • Education Reform Grants: Variable amounts (2023 average approximately $50,000)
  • Application Method: Rolling submissions reviewed quarterly

Priority Areas

Since 2006, the Fund has focused exclusively on:

  • Public education reform in New Orleans
  • Educational equity and access to quality learning opportunities
  • Charter school development and support
  • Programs enhancing student educational outcomes
  • Organizations supporting K-12 education in New Orleans

Primary geographic focus is New Orleans, with secondary consideration for other Louisiana locations.

What They Don't Fund

The Fund explicitly does not support:

  • Grants to individuals
  • Single individual's education expenses
  • Fiscal sponsors
  • Private foundations
  • Supporting organizations (as defined by IRS)
  • Fundraising event ticket purchases

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Anne Banos brings four decades of expertise in higher education and the arts, with skills in strategic planning, community empowerment, and operations management. She previously held positions at the New Orleans Museum of Art and Tulane University before joining the Booth-Bricker Fund.

Founding History: The Fund was established by John F. Bricker (1909-1998), who had a successful career in oil and gas exploration and development, and his first wife Nina Booth Bricker. John F. Bricker continued to serve as a trustee until his death in 1998.

President: Gray S. Parker

The Fund manages approximately $70 million in assets under Anne Banos's leadership, focusing on key projects aimed at transforming educational outcomes in New Orleans.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Booth-Bricker Fund accepts full grant proposals at any time on a rolling basis. Proposals are reviewed quarterly.

Submission Methods:

  • Electronic submission through website
  • Mail to: 509 Octavia Street, Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70115

Required Proposal Components:

  • Complete organizational information (name, address, history, purpose, current operations)
  • IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status
  • Governing board details (members and affiliations)
  • Current organizational operating budget
  • Project budget with specific description of how requested funds will be used
  • Audited financial statements
  • Brief evaluation plan demonstrating how program/project success will be measured
  • Signature of CEO and Board Chair (or letter of support from Board Chair)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must be a U.S. governmental agency or public charity under Section 501(c)(3)
  • Must be classified under IRS Sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2)
  • Must align with education reform focus in New Orleans or Louisiana

Decision Timeline

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly cycle. Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed, but applicants can expect review within one quarter of submission.

Success Rates

With 60 awards made in 2023 from total annual giving of approximately $3 million, the Fund maintains an active grantmaking program. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly available. Organizations should contact the Fund directly for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

While the Booth-Bricker Fund does not publish specific evaluation criteria or quotes from leadership about what makes applications successful, several factors can be inferred from their focus and requirements:

Alignment with Education Reform Mission: Since 2006, the Fund has concentrated exclusively on public education reform in New Orleans. Applications must clearly demonstrate how the proposed project supports this mission.

Clear Evaluation Metrics: The Fund requires a "brief evaluation plan" showing how program or project success will be measured. Applications should include specific, measurable outcomes.

Strong Organizational Governance: The requirement for board member information and both CEO and Board Chair signatures suggests the Fund values strong organizational leadership and governance structures.

Geographic Focus: Priority is given to New Orleans-based programs, with secondary consideration for other Louisiana locations.

Financial Transparency: The requirement for audited financial statements and detailed budgets indicates the Fund prioritizes fiscal responsibility and transparency.

Comprehensive Project Planning: Detailed project budgets and specific descriptions of fund use suggest the Fund favors well-planned initiatives with clear implementation strategies.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Narrow Focus: The Fund exclusively supports public education reform in New Orleans—applications outside this focus will not be considered
  • Rolling Submissions: No fixed deadlines allow organizations to apply when ready, though quarterly review cycles mean timing submissions strategically may be advantageous
  • Strong Governance Required: Both CEO and Board Chair must sign the proposal or provide supporting documentation, indicating the Fund values organizational stability
  • Moderate Grant Size: With an average grant of approximately $50,000, align budget requests accordingly
  • Evaluation Matters: Include specific, measurable outcomes in your evaluation plan—the Fund wants to see how you'll demonstrate success
  • Geographic Priority: New Orleans organizations receive priority consideration, though other Louisiana organizations may be considered
  • Four-Decade History: The Fund has deep roots in New Orleans and over $32 million in giving history—demonstrating knowledge of local education landscape strengthens applications

References

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