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James A And Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$4.4M
Grant Range
$10K - $2.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4,442,279 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $2,000,000
  • Average Grant: $341,714
  • Geographic Focus: Kentucky (preference for Harrison and Nicholas Counties)
  • Total Assets: $36.5 million

Contact Details

Address: 250 W Main St., Suite 2300, Lexington, KY 40507

Phone: 859-226-2234

Website: https://jmbrownfoundation.org/

Application Method: Download application form from website and mail to foundation

Overview

Established in 2018, the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation continues the philanthropic legacy of James "Jim" and Martha Brown, prominent Kentucky entrepreneurs from Cynthiana. With assets totaling $36.5 million, the foundation distributed $4.4 million in grants during 2023 to 13 organizations. The foundation empowers organizations and institutions that provide cultural, educational, and civic improvement opportunities across Kentucky. Jim Brown, a former Air Force pilot, EMT, and Mayor of Cynthiana, and his wife Martha, a nursing home administrator, built a diverse business empire before establishing the foundation following Martha's death in 2006. The foundation gives special preference to organizations operating in Harrison County and/or Nicholas County, reflecting the Browns' deep roots in these communities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with a mail-in application process. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $2,000,000, with an average award of approximately $341,714.

Priority Areas

The foundation's mission focuses on three core areas:

  • Education: Scholarships, educational facilities, and academic programs (including full tuition scholarships and major capital projects like the $2 million Midway University library)
  • Cultural Enhancement: Arts organizations, youth orchestras, and community cultural initiatives
  • Civic Improvement: Community services, food pantries, adaptive sports programs, emergency services, and economic development

The foundation supports education, needy youth, and community projects, with demonstrated interest in:

  • Educational institutions and scholarships
  • Healthcare facilities and services
  • Social services and food security
  • Arts and cultural programs
  • Youth development and recreation
  • Animal welfare
  • Public safety initiatives

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation appears to support a wide range of charitable causes within Kentucky.

Geographic Preferences

  • Primary focus: Kentucky communities
  • Special preference: Harrison County and Nicholas County
  • Documented grants in: Albany, Cynthiana, Dayton, Dry Ridge, Flemingsburg, Frankfort, Georgetown, Independence, Lexington, and Midway

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

  • Joni Douglas: Board Chair and President (Compensation: $10,000)
  • Harry Richart: Director and Secretary (Compensation: $7,500)
  • Edwin Culbertson: Director (Compensation: $7,500)

Foundation Background:

The foundation was established by James Arnold "Jim" Brown (1930-2017) following the death of his wife Martha in 2006. Jim was a 1949 Paintsville High School graduate and University of Kentucky alumnus who served as an Air Force pilot before settling in Harrison County. He became the fourth licensed EMT in Kentucky, served as Mayor of Cynthiana, and sat on the Harrison Memorial Hospital board. The Browns built a diverse business portfolio including nursing homes, banks, hotels, construction companies, an ambulance service, and various retail and real estate ventures. Martha received the 1988 Citizen of the Year Award from the Cynthiana-Harrison County Chamber of Commerce.

Leadership Quote:

Joni Douglas stated regarding the $2 million Midway University grant: "We are very excited to be partnering with Midway University in furthering their mission."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts applications through a mail-in process:

  1. Download the grant application form from the foundation's website (jmbrownfoundation.org)
  2. Complete the application form
  3. Mail the completed application to: James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation 250 W Main St., Suite 2300 Lexington, KY 40507

The application is available as a PDF download from the foundation's Grants page.

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. Applicants should contact the foundation directly at 859-226-2234 for information about review schedules and notification processes.

Success Rates

Specific success rates are not publicly available. Recent data shows:

  • 2023: 13 grants awarded
  • 2022: 3 grants awarded
  • 2021: 2 grants awarded
  • 2020: 4 grants awarded
  • 2019: 3 grants awarded

The foundation has shown significant growth in grant activity, with 2023 representing the highest number of awards in recent years.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation's reapplication policy is not publicly disclosed. Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplication procedures.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns and stated priorities, successful applications likely demonstrate:

Geographic Connection: Strong preference for organizations serving Harrison County and Nicholas County, though the foundation funds throughout Kentucky. Projects demonstrating impact in the Browns' home communities may receive favorable consideration.

Educational Impact: The foundation has made substantial investments in education, from full tuition scholarships to a $2 million library project. Applications should clearly articulate educational outcomes and opportunities for students.

Community Enhancement: The Browns spent 60 years building and supporting their community. Projects that demonstrate long-term community benefit and civic improvement align with their legacy. Joni Douglas emphasized the foundation's excitement about "partnering" with organizations, suggesting they value collaborative relationships.

Needy Youth Focus: The foundation's stated purpose includes supporting "needy youth," making youth-serving programs with demonstrated need particularly relevant.

Diverse Funding Sizes: With grants ranging from $10,000 to $2 million, the foundation considers both modest program grants and transformational capital projects. Organizations shouldn't self-select out based on project size.

Recent Grant Recipients Include:

  • Blue Grass Community Foundation
  • Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation
  • Central Music Academy
  • Central Kentucky Youth Orchestras
  • Dayton Independent Schools
  • Georgetown College (conference center and scholarships)
  • Harrison County Food Pantry
  • Kentucky State Police (Shop with a Trooper, Trooper Island)
  • Lexington Humane Society
  • Lexington Public Library
  • Midway University ($2 million for library)
  • Milestones, Inc.
  • RadioLex
  • Trooper Island, Inc.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic targeting matters: If your organization serves Harrison or Nicholas Counties, emphasize this connection prominently. The Browns' roots in Cynthiana and Harrison County drive the foundation's geographic preferences.

  • Scale appropriately: Don't be intimidated by the large grants to universities. The foundation awards grants from $10,000 to $2 million, with an average around $342,000. Projects of various scales receive consideration.

  • Emphasize education and youth: Education constitutes a core priority, including scholarships, facilities, and programs. Youth-serving initiatives, particularly those addressing need, align strongly with the foundation's mission.

  • Demonstrate civic impact: The Browns were deeply engaged civic leaders. Show how your project enhances community well-being, strengthens civic infrastructure, or addresses community needs.

  • Contact before applying: With a phone number prominently displayed and a mail-in application process, the foundation may welcome preliminary conversations. Consider calling 859-226-2234 to discuss fit before submitting a full application.

  • Be patient with timing: The foundation has awarded between 2-13 grants annually in recent years, suggesting selective grantmaking. The absence of published deadlines implies a rolling or periodic review process.

  • Think transformation: The $2 million Midway University library grant was described as the foundation's "largest single gift ever," indicating willingness to make major investments in the right projects.

References

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