Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $858,480 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable - invitation only
• Decision Time: Not applicable - no public application process
• Grant Range: Average grant size approximately $185,000
• Total Assets: $15.6 million
• Geographic Focus: Multi-state (CA, FL, MA, NJ, NY, Washington D.C., and VA)

Contact Details

Foundation Address: Charlottesville, VA

Note: This foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications. They operate on an invitation-only basis, funding preselected charitable organizations.

Overview

The Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation was established as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) private grantmaking foundation in July 2020. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, the foundation manages assets totaling $15.6 million as of 2024. The foundation is led by President Ann Bailey Hammer and Secretary & Treasurer Neil Robert Hammer, who serve without compensation. In 2024, the foundation distributed $858,480 in charitable grants, representing approximately 73.7% of total expenses. The foundation's revenue is primarily derived from investment income, including dividends (56.4%) and sales of assets (43.6%). The foundation supports charitable initiatives across multiple states, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C., with particular presence in cities such as Boynton Beach, Longmeadow, New York, Palm Desert, Paramus, and Washington.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation operates as a private family foundation without publicly designated grant programs or application cycles. Based on available financial data:

• Average Grant Size: Approximately $185,000
• Number of Grants: Awarded 6 grants in recent reporting period
• Total Annual Grantmaking: $858,480 (2024)

The foundation does not specify particular subject areas or thematic priorities for its funding.

Priority Areas

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific funding priorities or focus areas. Their grantmaking appears to be discretionary, determined by the trustees based on their philanthropic interests and connections.

What They Don't Fund

As a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications, the foundation does not fund organizations outside of their preselected network of charitable partners.

Governance and Leadership

President: Ann Bailey Hammer

• Compensation: $0
• Role: Oversight and strategic direction of foundation

Secretary & Treasurer: Neil Robert Hammer

• Compensation: $0
• Role: Financial management and administrative oversight

Both officers report minimal hours and serve in a volunteer capacity, consistent with many small family foundations. The foundation operates with a lean governance structure typical of private family foundations.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. The Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. This is a common practice among smaller private family foundations that maintain close relationships with specific organizations aligned with the trustees' philanthropic interests.

Organizations cannot submit grant applications, letters of inquiry, or proposals to this foundation.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not operate on a public grant cycle or timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

As this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations funded by this foundation are preselected by the trustees based on their personal knowledge, relationships, and philanthropic priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant requests
• Private Family Foundation: Managed by family members Ann Bailey Hammer and Neil Robert Hammer with discretionary grantmaking authority
• Substantial Average Grants: With an average grant size of approximately $185,000, this foundation makes significant contributions when it does fund organizations
• Geographic Diversity: While based in Charlottesville, VA, the foundation supports initiatives across multiple states
• Limited Grant Portfolio: With only 6 grants reported in recent periods, the foundation maintains a focused approach to its philanthropy
• Relationship-Driven: Funding decisions appear to be based on trustees' personal connections and knowledge rather than competitive application processes
• Not a Prospect for Cold Outreach: Organizations seeking funding should not invest time in attempting to solicit this foundation, as they have explicitly indicated they do not accept unsolicited requests

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation (EIN: 83-4615985). Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/834615985 (Accessed February 2026)
• IRS Form 990-PF filings for tax years 2023 and 2024, filed November 4, 2024 and November 13, 2025
• Grantable Foundation Database: Hammer Family Charitable Giving Foundation Profile. Available at: https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/hammer-family-charitable-giving-us-foundation-834615985 (Accessed February 2026)