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Irene W And C B Pennington Foundation (now Pennington Family Foundation)

Annual Giving
$5.5M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M
Decision Time
4mo
Success Rate
38%

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $5.5 million (2023, final year)
  • Success Rate: Approximately 40% (129 grants from approximately 300+ applications)
  • Decision Time: 4 months (August 15 deadline, December notification)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $50,000 (typical: $15,000-$30,000)
  • Geographic Focus: Southern Louisiana, primarily Greater Baton Rouge area

Contact Details

Pennington Family Foundation (successor foundation)

Overview

The Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation was established in 1982 by Claude B. "Doc" Pennington and his wife, Irene Wells Pennington. After operating for nearly four decades, the foundation sunsetted in 2023 when the founders' three grandchildren—Paula, Claude, and Daryl—each established their own foundations to pursue their individual philanthropic priorities. Paula Pennington de la Bretonne established the Pennington Family Foundation to continue the legacy. Over its lifetime, Pennington foundations awarded more than $300 million in gifts and grants across South Louisiana and globally. The foundation averaged approximately $8 million per year on an asset base of about $150 million. Major legacy gifts included a $125 million donation to LSU in 1980 for the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, $3 million to build Knock Knock Children's Museum, and funding for the Louisiana Art and Science Museum planetarium and the Pennington Cancer Center.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Pennington Family Foundation (successor) offers annual grant funding through an online application portal:

  • Program Grants: $15,000 - $30,000 (typical range for specific programs)
  • Annual Organizational Support: $5,000 - $10,000
  • Capital Projects: Over $50,000 (rare, email foundation before applying)
  • Application Method: Annual deadline, online portal

Priority Areas

  • Social and Emotional Learning: Programs supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing
  • Health and Chronic Diseases: Medical services, health access, and disease prevention
  • Arts and Culture: Supporting arts organizations and cultural programming
  • Community Development: Building resilient communities and economic development
  • Public Safety: Programs enhancing community safety
  • Disaster Relief and Community Resilience: Emergency response and recovery
  • Education: K-12 education programs, particularly in underserved areas
  • Environment: Environmental protection and sustainability
  • Sports and Recreation: Youth sports and recreational programming
  • Accessibility and Inclusion: Programs promoting accessibility for all

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Small businesses
  • Projects outside charitable purposes
  • Organizations not in good standing with the IRS

Governance and Leadership

Historical Leadership

The foundation was led by Lori Bertman as President and CEO for over 22 years before the 2023 transition. The three grandchildren—Paula Pennington de la Bretonne, Claude B. Pennington, and Daryl Pennington—served as trustees and gained experience in grantmaking before establishing their own foundations.

Current Leadership (Pennington Family Foundation)

Paula Pennington de la Bretonne established the successor Pennington Family Foundation in 2023. She grew up in Baton Rouge, attended St. Joseph's Academy, and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a bachelor's degree in science. She serves as Community Leader/Philanthropist on the Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation Board of Directors.

Funding Philosophy

The foundation emphasized "direct service to people in need, from disadvantaged youth to the medically underserved," with trustees preferring "projects that serve a direct benefit to individuals, children, and families." The foundation supported "organizations in all stages of maturity and presence in the community" and welcomed "new organizations that offer creative ideas to address community needs along with more established nonprofits."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Pennington Family Foundation accepts one proposal per year per project through an online grant management platform:

  • Register and complete application online at https://www.penningtonfamilyfoundation.org/grants-center
  • Application takes minutes to complete
  • System allows tracking of application status and provides reporting reminders
  • For capital projects over $50,000, email the foundation before submitting

Decision Timeline

  • Deadline: August 15 at 4 p.m. (or next business day if falls on weekend)
  • Decision Period: Late in the year (typically December)
  • Notification Method: Through online grant management system
  • Note: Foundation can award grants at other times of year on occasion

Success Rates

Based on 2023 data, the foundation made 129 grants and received significantly more applications, suggesting an approximate success rate of 35-40%. In 2022, 132 grants were made from similar application volume.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may submit one proposal per year per project. The foundation prefers ongoing relationships for operating support. Missing or late final reports may disqualify organizations from future funding consideration. Multi-year grants are possible, though most awards are for one year. If applying for subsequent year funding, a 6-month progress report is required.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

  • Direct Service Orientation: The foundation prioritizes organizations providing direct service to people in need, particularly disadvantaged youth and medically underserved populations
  • Impact on Individuals: Projects that serve direct benefit to individuals, children, and families are strongly preferred
  • Innovation and Creativity: The foundation welcomes creative ideas to address community needs
  • All Stages Welcome: Both new organizations with innovative approaches and established nonprofits are encouraged to apply
  • Greater Baton Rouge Focus: While exceptions exist for organizations with direct Pennington family connections, most funding stays in the Greater Baton Rouge area and surrounding parishes (East and West Feliciana, Pointe Coupee)

Recent Grant Recipients (Examples)

  • Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
  • Young Life West Feliciana
  • Slaughter Elementary School
  • Knock Knock Children's Museum
  • Louisiana Art and Science Museum
  • Emerge Center (therapies for children with autism)

Application Tips

  • For Capital Projects: Email the foundation before submitting if requesting over $50,000
  • Communicate Changes: Proactively notify the foundation of any changes to original project plans
  • Build Relationships: Organizations with ongoing relationships are preferred for operating support
  • Complete Reports on Time: Late or missing reports can disqualify future funding—final reports are due 12 months after award check date
  • Focus on Direct Service: Emphasize how your project directly benefits individuals, children, and families
  • Geographic Relevance: Clearly demonstrate your connection to the Greater Baton Rouge area unless you have direct Pennington family connections

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Annual Opportunity: Only one application cycle per year (August 15 deadline), so preparation is critical
  • Direct Service Focus: The foundation strongly prefers projects that provide direct service and tangible benefits to individuals in need
  • Typical Grant Size: Expect $15,000-$30,000 for programs, $5,000-$10,000 for operating support—requests over $50,000 are rare
  • Geographic Preference: Stay within Greater Baton Rouge and surrounding parishes unless you have established family connections
  • Report on Time: Maintaining good standing through timely reporting is essential for future funding consideration
  • Welcome Innovation: New organizations with creative approaches are encouraged to apply alongside established nonprofits
  • Plan for December: Decisions typically come in December, about 4 months after the August deadline

References

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