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Dorothy D. & Joseph A. Moller Foundation

Annual Giving
$11.1M
Grant Range
$24K - $2.7M

Dorothy D. & Joseph A. Moller Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $11.1 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $24,000 - $2,700,000
  • Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on Arizona and military-related causes
  • Total Assets: $183.1 million
  • Established: 1987

Contact Details

Foundation Administrator: Hillsdale College Independence Foundation
Location: Hillsdale, MI
EIN: 74-6355685

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Dorothy D. & Joseph A. Moller Foundation was established in 1987 and is administered by Hillsdale College. Created by Joseph A. Moller, a decorated World War II colonel who commanded the 390th Bombardment Group and led more raids over Europe than any other senior officer, the foundation honors his legacy of service and values. Colonel Moller accumulated wealth through his work with the Pure Oil Company, cattle ranching, and investments. With assets of $183.1 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $11.1 million, the foundation supports three primary areas: military and veterans' organizations, animal welfare causes, and center-right nonprofit organizations. The foundation operates as an endowed grantmaking entity, generating income primarily through investment returns, and typically distributes 85-90% of its expenses toward charitable purposes annually.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates on an invitation-only basis with grants ranging from $24,000 to $2,700,000. In 2023, the foundation made 23 grants with a median grant size of $74,000.

Military & Veterans Support
Major historical grants include support for military museums, veteran organizations, and military memorial projects. Notable recipients:

  • Association of Graduates of the Air Force Academy: $2,700,000 (2019) for Air Gardens restoration
  • 390th Memorial Museum: $529,000 (2019)
  • British WWII charity: $25,000 (2019)

Animal Welfare Organizations
The foundation made 10 grants to environmental and animal welfare organizations in 2019, with four grants exceeding $100,000:

  • Arizona Animal Welfare League
  • Arizona Center for Nature Conservation
  • Arizona Humane Society
  • Humane Society of Southern Arizona

Center-Right Nonprofit Organizations
Five center-right nonprofits received grants over $50,000:

  • Institute for Humane Studies
  • Leadership Institute
  • Media Research Center
  • National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
  • Washington Legal Foundation

Educational Support

  • Hillsdale College: $2,700,000 (2019)

Priority Areas

  • Military charities and veteran support organizations
  • Animal welfare and wildlife conservation
  • Conservative and free-market policy organizations
  • Educational institutions aligned with the foundation's values

What They Don't Fund

While specific exclusions are not publicly documented, the foundation's invitation-only structure and focused giving history suggest they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their three core areas (military, animal welfare, center-right causes)
  • International development projects unrelated to military history
  • Arts and cultural organizations
  • General healthcare and medical research
  • Progressive or left-leaning advocacy organizations

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is administered by the Hillsdale College Independence Foundation, which serves as trustee. The foundation lists no officer compensation, indicating it operates with minimal administrative overhead through Hillsdale College's administrative infrastructure.

Historical Context: The foundation honors the legacy of Joseph A. Moller, who served as a second lieutenant in WWI and rose to colonel in WWII. The Chicago Tribune noted he "led more raids over Europe than any other senior officer." He received the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and foreign military honors for his service commanding the 390th Bombardment Group, which flew 301 missions into Germany and Occupied Europe.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Dorothy D. & Joseph A. Moller Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees, who proactively identify organizations aligned with the foundation's mission and values.

Organizations cannot apply directly to the foundation. Grants are made to organizations that fall within the foundation's three core funding areas: military and veterans causes, animal welfare organizations, and center-right policy and advocacy nonprofits.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. As an invitation-only funder, the foundation operates on its own internal schedule for identifying and supporting organizations.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications from the general public.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the Dorothy D. & Joseph A. Moller Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, understanding what the foundation values can help organizations position themselves should they come to the foundation's attention:

Alignment with Founder's Legacy: Organizations that honor military service, particularly World War II history and veterans' causes, align strongly with Colonel Moller's distinguished military career. The foundation's support for the 390th Memorial Museum and Air Force Academy projects reflects this priority.

Excellence in Animal Welfare: The foundation has demonstrated commitment to established animal welfare organizations, particularly in Arizona. Recipients have included major humane societies and wildlife conservation organizations with proven track records.

Free-Market and Conservative Values: The foundation consistently supports organizations advancing free-market economics, limited government, and conservative policy research. Recipients like the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and Institute for Humane Studies represent this philosophical alignment.

Established Organizations: Grant recipients tend to be well-established organizations with significant track records rather than startup nonprofits. The foundation appears to favor organizations that have demonstrated sustained impact in their fields.

Geographic Considerations: While the foundation supports national organizations, there is a notable concentration of animal welfare grants to Arizona-based organizations, possibly reflecting the Moller family's connection to the region.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this foundation operates by invitation only through trustees at Hillsdale College
  • Three clear funding pillars: military/veterans causes, animal welfare, and center-right policy organizations - organizations outside these areas are unlikely to receive consideration
  • Large grant capacity: With annual giving exceeding $11 million and grants ranging up to $2.7 million, the foundation can provide transformational support
  • Relationship-based grantmaking: Connection to Hillsdale College or visibility within conservative philanthropic networks may influence selection
  • Honors founder's legacy: Colonel Joseph A. Moller's military service and values shape the foundation's priorities
  • Focus on established organizations: Grant history shows preference for organizations with proven track records rather than emerging nonprofits
  • Patient capital approach: As an endowed foundation with $183 million in assets, the foundation takes a long-term view of its philanthropic mission

References

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