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Nivison Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.7M
Grant Range
$5K - $0.1M

Nivison Family Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $665,425 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $18.6 million
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Grant Range: $5,000 - $119,425
  • Median Grant: $8,800
  • Number of Grants: 62 (2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily North Carolina and US-based organizations, with limited international giving

Contact Details

Address: 4104 Atlantic Ave, Raleigh, NC 27604-1802
Phone: 919-872-8885
EIN: 81-0657168

Note: This foundation does not have a website or public email address.

Overview

The Nivison Family Foundation was established in 2004 in North Carolina and received its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in March 2005. Managed by Arthur E. Nivison, the foundation operates as a private family foundation with total assets of approximately $18.6 million. In 2024, the foundation distributed $665,425 across 62 grants to various charitable organizations. The foundation generates income primarily through investment dividends (44.2% of revenue), interest (26.9%), and sales of assets (28.8%). The foundation's grant-making focuses on higher education institutions (particularly theological seminaries), religious organizations, and select community-based charitable institutions. The foundation operates on a preselected grantee model and does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs with specific application cycles or designated funding streams. All grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's management to preselected charitable organizations.

Typical Grant Amounts:

  • Median Grant: $8,800
  • Range: $5,000 - $119,425
  • Most grants fall between $5,000 - $25,000

Priority Areas

Based on recent grant recipients identified in 2024 tax filings, the foundation prioritizes:

  • Theological Education: Seminary institutions and religious higher education (Union Presbyterian Seminary, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary)
  • Higher Education: Universities and colleges (NC State University)
  • Religious Organizations: Churches and faith-based ministries (Christ Baptist Church, Samaritan's Purse)
  • International Missions: Faith-based international development (Zambian Bible College)
  • Community Development: Local charitable institutions in North Carolina

Grant purposes are typically described broadly as "Contribution Where Needed" or "Contribution Where Needed Most," indicating the foundation allows recipient organizations discretion in how funds are used.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation's approach suggests they likely do not fund:

  • Organizations outside their established network of preselected grantees
  • Unsolicited requests from any organization
  • Organizations without established connections to the foundation or its management

Governance and Leadership

Management:

  • Arthur E. Nivison - Manager

The foundation operates with minimal administrative overhead, with no reported compensation for officers. All grant-making decisions appear to be made by the foundation manager.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Nivison Family Foundation does not have a public application process. The foundation explicitly states that it "only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds."

This means:

  • There is no application portal or form
  • Unsolicited proposals will not be considered
  • Grant recipients are selected solely at the discretion of foundation management
  • Organizations cannot apply for funding directly

Grants are awarded to organizations with which the foundation has established relationships, likely based on the trustees' personal connections, religious affiliations, and philanthropic interests.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a discretionary basis throughout the year to preselected organizations. There are no published deadlines or decision timelines.

Success Rates

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

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply or reapply for funding.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of their grant-making patterns reveals:

Relationship-Based Funding: The foundation's approach indicates that grants are made to organizations with which the foundation management has personal connections, shared values, or long-standing relationships.

Religious and Educational Alignment: The majority of grants go to faith-based organizations and theological institutions, suggesting these are core values of the foundation's management. Organizations in these sectors with connections to Presbyterian, Baptist, or evangelical Christian communities appear to be favored.

Geographic Proximity: Many grants go to North Carolina-based organizations, particularly in the Raleigh area, indicating a preference for supporting local institutions.

Institutional Stability: Grant recipients tend to be established institutions (universities, seminaries, national ministries) rather than emerging organizations, suggesting the foundation values organizational stability and track record.

Flexible Use of Funds: The foundation's practice of making "Contribution Where Needed Most" grants suggests they trust their preselected grantees to allocate funds appropriately and do not seek to micromanage how funds are used.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Available: This foundation is not a viable prospect for organizations seeking to submit grant applications through traditional channels.
  • Relationship-Driven: All grants are made to preselected organizations based on existing relationships with foundation management.
  • Faith-Based Focus: Strong preference for religious institutions, particularly theological seminaries and Christian ministries.
  • Educational Priority: Significant support for higher education, especially institutions with religious affiliations.
  • Local Connections Matter: North Carolina-based organizations, particularly in the Raleigh area, receive considerable support.
  • Consistent Grant-Making: The foundation makes approximately 60 grants annually with a median size of $8,800, showing consistent philanthropic activity.
  • Investment-Funded: As a private foundation generating income through investments, the foundation has sustainable resources for ongoing grant-making.

References

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