Werth Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,022,224 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $24 - $300,000
• Geographic Focus: Connecticut (primarily), with some grants to MA, NH, RI

Contact Details

• Website: werthff.org
• Phone: 203-929-3535
• Address: P.O. Box 4034, Woodbridge, CT 06525

Overview

The Werth Family Foundation Inc is a private charitable family foundation established in 2001 by Peter Werth, Jr. With total assets of approximately $11.2 million, the foundation distributes over $1 million annually through approximately 50 grants to nonprofit organizations. The foundation's mission is to "provide funding for worthy causes that will have a positive impact on Connecticut people and communities," with a focus on building philanthropy as a family activity across generations. The foundation particularly emphasizes innovative and pioneering programs that deliver direct, far-reaching, and positive impacts on Connecticut communities, serving multiple purposes with long-term results.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $24 - $300,000 (median grant $2,000, average $20,444)
• Major Initiative Grants: Up to $300,000 for transformational projects
• Community Support Grants: Typically $1,000 - $50,000

Priority Areas

• Education (including higher education and literacy)
• Environment and natural resources (particularly coastal and marine research)
• Human services and family welfare
• Arts and culture
• Health (with emphasis on women's health)
• Food security
• Child welfare services

What They Don't Fund

[Information not publicly available]

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of six members:

• Peter J. Werth Jr. - President and Founder
• Peter J. Werth III - Treasurer
• Deborah K. Bachard - Secretary
• Suzanne Werth - Board Member
• Jacqueline Moore - Board Member
• David Moore - Board Member

All board members work without compensation and reside in Connecticut. The foundation emphasizes family involvement in philanthropy, building and educating the next generation of philanthropists.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and existing relationships with nonprofit organizations in Connecticut.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns, organizations may benefit from:

• Demonstrating innovative approaches to Connecticut community challenges
• Building relationships with board members who are active in Connecticut philanthropy
• Showcasing programs that address multiple foundation priorities simultaneously
• Establishing credibility through partnerships with other Connecticut institutions

Decision Timeline

[Not publicly available]

Success Rates

[Not publicly available]

Reapplication Policy

[Not publicly available]

Application Success Factors

The foundation demonstrates clear patterns in its grant-making:

• Strong Connecticut connection is essential - The vast majority of grants stay within Connecticut, particularly the New Haven area
• Education and environment are top priorities - Major gifts have supported SCSU's marine research center ($3 million total) and educational initiatives
• Size and reputation matter less than impact - The foundation funds both large institutions (Yale, Harvard) and small local organizations (Massaro Community Farm, Literacy Volunteers)
• Multi-purpose programs are favored - Projects that combine education, health, and social welfare receive particular attention
• Innovation and pioneering approaches are valued - The foundation explicitly seeks programs that break new ground

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The foundation operates without a public application process but actively makes 50+ grants annually
• Connecticut-based organizations, particularly in the New Haven area, have the strongest alignment
• Programs combining multiple focus areas (education + environment, health + social services) may have advantages
• Both small community organizations and major institutions receive support, with grants ranging from $24 to $300,000
• The foundation values long-term impact and innovative approaches to community challenges
• Direct contact through phone or mail may be necessary to explore funding opportunities
• Family foundations often rely on trustee networks - building visibility within Connecticut philanthropic circles could be beneficial

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings (2021-2023)
• GuideStar/Candid Foundation Directory
• Instrumentl Foundation Database
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile
• Grantable.co Foundation Research
• GrantExec Database
• Southern Connecticut State University - Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies announcements
• UConn Today - Articles on Peter Werth philanthropy
• Foundation website: werthff.org (accessed March 2024)