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Bingle Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$100K - $0.9M

Bingle Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,605,243 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation only)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable (no public process)
  • Grant Range: $100,000 - $855,755
  • Number of Annual Grants: 3
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily New York and Connecticut, some Colorado
  • Total Assets: $77.4 million (2024)

Contact Details

Location: Saratoga Springs, NY
EIN: 85-3658614
Website: None
Email: Not publicly available
Phone: Not publicly available

Note: This foundation does not have a public contact system for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Bingle Foundation was established in 2021 as a private grantmaking foundation based in Saratoga Springs, New York. Led by Eryn Bingle (President) and Michael Bingle (Secretary), the foundation has experienced exceptional growth, increasing revenue by an average of 18.4% annually over its first four years. As of 2024, the foundation holds total assets of $77.4 million and distributed $1,605,243 in grants in 2023.

The foundation operates as a family philanthropy vehicle, making a highly selective number of grants annually (typically 3 awards). Michael Bingle, who serves as Secretary, is Vice Chairman of Silver Lake private equity firm and sits on the boards of Duke University, the US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, and the Third Option Foundation. The foundation's grantmaking reflects the family's interests in Olympic and Paralympic sports, higher education (particularly Duke University), and community organizations in their residential area of Greenwich, Connecticut.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Bingle Foundation does not operate formal grant programs. All grants are made at the discretion of the foundation's trustees.

Typical Grant Size: $100,000 - $855,755
Annual Grants: 3 awards
Total Annual Distribution: Approximately $1.6 - $1.9 million

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's classification and the trustees' affiliations, the foundation appears to focus on:

  • Recreation & Sports: Particularly Olympic and Paralympic sports initiatives
  • Higher Education: With strong connections to Duke University
  • Community Development: Organizations in Greenwich, CT and New York areas
  • Philanthropy Infrastructure: Supporting other grantmaking organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications
  • Does not fund individuals
  • Geographic focus limited to areas connected to the trustees (primarily NY, CT, and selectively CO)

Governance and Leadership

President: Eryn Bingle
Secretary: Michael Bingle
Director: Mark Bingle
Director: Emily Goldner

All officers report minimal time commitments (less than 1 hour per week) and receive $0 compensation, indicating this is a family foundation operated alongside the trustees' other professional commitments.

Michael Bingle serves as Vice Chairman of Silver Lake, a leading private equity firm, and is a Duke University alumnus (Engineering, 1994). He serves as a trustee of Duke University, the US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation, and the Third Option Foundation. His philanthropic leadership extends beyond the Bingle Foundation, demonstrating significant engagement with educational and sports-related causes.

Eryn Bingle serves on the board of Waterside School and has contributed to various organizations including the Red Cross of Greater New York and the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Bingle Foundation does not have a public application process.

This is a private family foundation that makes grants exclusively at the discretion of its trustees. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or maintain an application portal. Grants are made to organizations with which the trustees have existing relationships or personal connections.

Getting on Their Radar

Given Michael Bingle's specific affiliations, organizations in these sectors may have better visibility:

  • Duke University-connected initiatives: Michael Bingle serves on Duke's Board of Trustees and Duke Capital Partners
  • Olympic and Paralympic sports programs: Michael Bingle is a trustee of the US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation
  • Greenwich, CT area organizations: The Bingle family has demonstrated support for local organizations including the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (contributing $50,000-$99,999) and Waterside School
  • New York area nonprofits: Including the Red Cross of Greater New York (contributing $5,000+)

Organizations should note that casual networking is unlikely to result in funding. The foundation's extremely limited annual grants (only 3 awards per year) suggest grants are reserved for organizations with deep, established relationships with the trustees.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion without a fixed timeline.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept applications, traditional application strategies do not apply. However, organizations seeking to understand the foundation's giving patterns should note:

  • Large grant sizes: With only 3 grants awarded annually and total distributions of $1.6 million+, individual grants are substantial (averaging over $500,000)
  • Personal connections are essential: The foundation's giving appears entirely driven by the trustees' board service, personal interests, and residential community
  • Focus on institutional giving: The grant range ($100,000 - $855,755) suggests the foundation supports established institutions rather than grassroots organizations
  • Sports and education alignment: Michael Bingle's roles with Duke University and the US Olympic & Paralympic Foundation indicate these are core family interests

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - this foundation cannot be approached through traditional grant-seeking methods
  • Extremely selective grantmaking - with only 3 grants per year from assets of $77+ million, this is one of the most selective foundations in its asset class
  • Relationship-driven philanthropy - grants appear tied to organizations where trustees serve on boards or have personal connections
  • Substantial individual grants - when grants are made, they are significant (averaging $500,000+)
  • Focus on sports and education - particularly Olympic/Paralympic athletics and Duke University
  • Geographic concentration - Primarily New York and Connecticut, with selective grants in Colorado
  • Family foundation structure - All officers are family members with minimal time commitments, indicating this is managed as a personal philanthropy vehicle

References

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