Bertin Family Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,934,500 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: Varies (Average ~$40,000-$46,000)
• Geographic Focus: National (emphasis on Utah, California, Connecticut, Florida, New York, and other U.S. states)
• Assets: $35,415,473

Contact Details

Address: 723 Mont Clair Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054-3382

Phone: 385-289-5871

Email: admin@BertinFamilyFoundation.org

Website: https://bertinfamilyfoundation.org

Application Submissions: Email grant requests as PDF to admin@BertinFamilyFoundation.org between July 1 and August 31 annually

Overview

The Bertin Family Foundation was established in 1999 and became tax-exempt in 2000, operating as a private independent foundation from North Salt Lake, Utah. Founded and administered by Dr. Kim C. Bertin (an orthopedic surgeon) and Jennifer Bertin, along with their children and spouses who all serve on the foundation's board, this family-run philanthropic organization has grown its assets to over $35 million. The foundation operates with a clear mission statement: "As a family, we are collectively responsible for a unique public trust. We will strive to create impact, to improve the world we live in, and further the values we believe in." In 2024, the foundation awarded 48 grants totaling $1,934,500, maintaining a consistent grantmaking pattern with similar activity levels in previous years (46 awards in 2023, 47 in 2022). The foundation focuses on helping individuals improve their lives through strategic philanthropic investments aligned with their four-fold mission areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with proposals accepted annually. Grants average between $40,000 and $46,000, though amounts vary based on project scope and alignment with foundation priorities.

Application Window: July 1 - August 31 each year
Submission Method: PDF via email to admin@BertinFamilyFoundation.org
Decision Announcement: Timing not publicly disclosed

Priority Areas

The Bertin Family Foundation has a four-fold mission:

1. International Humanitarian Aid: Supporting global initiatives that address critical human needs and improve quality of life for vulnerable populations

2. LDS Religious Initiatives: Supporting Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints programs and faith-based initiatives

3. Local Community Development: Investing in projects that strengthen communities, particularly in Utah and other states where they operate

4. Educational Opportunities: Providing access to education and supporting educational institutions, with a focus on higher education

Additional Focus Areas:

• Arts and cultural programs
• Christian agencies and churches
• Human services
• Programs with measurable outcomes and demonstrated impact

Geographic Reach: The foundation supports organizations across the United States, including major urban centers (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco) and smaller communities (Rexburg, Pleasant Grove), with operations in California, Connecticut, Florida, Utah, and other states.

What They Don't Fund

• Endowments
• Debt reduction
• Political campaigns
• Lobbying activities
• Individuals
• For-profit entities
• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a family board consisting of Dr. Kim C. Bertin and Jennifer Bertin as trustees, along with their children and spouses. All board members serve without compensation, demonstrating their commitment to maximizing philanthropic impact.

Leadership Structure: Family-run board of trustees and directors

Key Personnel:

• Dr. Kim C. Bertin, Trustee (Orthopedic surgeon based in Salt Lake City)
• Jennifer Bertin, Trustee
• Additional family members (children and spouses) serve on the board

The foundation emphasizes ethical standards, transparency, and active governance as core values, preferring to fund organizations that demonstrate similar governance practices.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Organizational Status:

   • Must be a 501(c)(3) public charity
   • In good standing with IRS and state agencies
   • Operational for at least one full fiscal year
   • Preference given to organizations with Candid Gold or Platinum Seal of Transparency

2. Mission Alignment:

   • Programs must align with the foundation's four-fold mission
   • Demonstrate commitment to measurable outcomes
   • Advance the foundation's values

3. Governance Requirements:

   • Active board of directors
   • Board members who serve without compensation
   • Demonstrate ethical standards and transparency
   • History of achievement, effectiveness, and good management
   • Sound financial condition

Application Submission:

• Deadline: July 1 - August 31 annually
• Format: Complete grant application as PDF
• Email to: admin@BertinFamilyFoundation.org
• Future Portal: The foundation plans to implement Foundant grant management software

Required Attachments:

• IRS determination letter
• Financial statements
• Board member list
• Project budget
• Clear project plan with timeline
• Demonstration of ability to provide progress and final reports

Decision Timeline

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific timelines for grant decisions or notification processes. Given the annual application window of July-August, applicants should anticipate decisions being made in the fall or winter months, though this is not confirmed.

Success Rates

With 48 grants awarded in 2024 totaling $1,934,500, the foundation maintains an active grantmaking program. However, specific data on the number of applications received versus awards made is not publicly available, making it difficult to calculate an exact success rate.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not publicly disclosed a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying should contact the foundation directly to inquire about their approach to subsequent applications.

Application Success Factors

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

1. Clear Alignment with Four-Fold Mission: Applications that explicitly connect their work to one or more of the foundation's core areas (humanitarian aid, LDS religious initiatives, community development, or educational opportunities) are essential. The foundation emphasizes supporting organizations that help individuals improve their quality of life.

2. Measurable Outcomes and Impact: The foundation explicitly seeks organizations that demonstrate "commitment to measurable outcomes." Applications should include specific metrics, evaluation methods, and clear indicators of success. This emphasis on measurement suggests the foundation values data-driven approaches and accountability.

3. Transparency and Strong Governance: The foundation gives preference to organizations with Candid Gold or Platinum Seals of Transparency, indicating they value organizations that publicly share detailed information about their finances, leadership, and impact. They also require active boards where members serve without compensation, mirroring their own governance structure.

4. Financial Stability and Track Record: Organizations must demonstrate "a history of achievement, effectiveness, and good management demonstrating a sound financial condition." The requirement that organizations be operational for at least one full fiscal year suggests they prefer established entities with proven track records over startup organizations.

5. Comprehensive Project Planning: Applications must include clear project plans, timelines, and budgets, along with demonstrated ability to provide progress and final reports. This suggests the foundation values detailed planning and ongoing communication with grantees.

6. Values Alignment: The foundation's mission statement emphasizes being "collectively responsible for a unique public trust" and striving to "further the values we believe in." Given the family's connection to the LDS faith and emphasis on community development, applications that reflect similar values around family, faith, service, and community are likely to resonate.

7. Capacity Building Focus: The foundation supports not just programs and projects but also capacity-building initiatives, suggesting they're interested in strengthening organizations' long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Apply during the July 1 - August 31 window with a complete PDF application emailed to admin@BertinFamilyFoundation.org
• Explicitly connect your work to at least one of the four mission areas: humanitarian aid, LDS religious initiatives, community development, or educational opportunities
• Emphasize measurable outcomes with specific metrics and evaluation plans; this foundation clearly values data-driven impact
• Obtain Candid Gold or Platinum Seal before applying if possible, as the foundation gives preference to transparent organizations
• Demonstrate financial stability and governance strength through detailed financial statements and board composition that mirrors the foundation's values
• Expect grants averaging $40,000-$46,000 based on historical data, though amounts vary by project
• Plan for capacity building elements in your proposal, as the foundation supports organizational strengthening alongside programmatic work
• Prepare comprehensive documentation including IRS determination letter, financials, board list, and detailed project budget with timeline

References

1. Bertin Family Foundation Official Website - https://bertinfamilyfoundation.org (Accessed February 2026)
2. Bertin Family Foundation Grants Page - https://bertinfamilyfoundation.org/grants (Accessed February 2026)
3. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Bertin Family Foundation (EIN: 87-0638640) - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/870638640 (Accessed February 2026)
4. Cause IQ Profile - Bertin Family Foundation - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/bertin-family-foundation,870638640/ (Accessed February 2026)
5. Instrumentl 990 Report - Bertin Family Foundation - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/bertin-family-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
6. Grantmakers.io Profile - Bertin Family Foundation - https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/870638640-bertin-family-foundation/ (Accessed February 2026)
7. Candid Foundation Directory - Bertin Family Foundation - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=BERT020 (Accessed February 2026)
8. Dr. Kim Bertin Professional Profile - Doximity - https://www.doximity.com/pub/kim-bertin-md (Accessed February 2026)