Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $150,000 (2023)
- Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
- Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
- Grant Range: $25,000 - $50,000
- Geographic Focus: National, with emphasis on Montana
Contact Details
No public contact information available. Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.
Overview
The David A Coulter And Susan C Weeks Charitable Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established by David A. Coulter, former Chairman and CEO of BankAmerica Corporation and current Managing Director at Warburg Pincus, and his wife Susan C. Weeks Coulter. With annual giving of approximately $150,000 and total assets of $11,000 (as of 2023), the foundation makes strategic grants to organizations across the United States. The foundation's giving reflects the Coulters' professional networks and personal interests, particularly in economic development, public policy, higher education, and community development. The Coulters' ranch ownership outside Bozeman, Montana has significantly influenced their philanthropic priorities, inspiring both foundation grants and major personal gifts focused on workforce development and modern manufacturing skills.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
The foundation operates through trustee-discretionary grants only:
- Standard Grants: $25,000 - $50,000 (invitation-only basis)
Priority Areas
- Economic development and entrepreneurship
- Public policy and civic engagement (particularly through think tanks)
- Higher education and workforce development
- Healthcare (children's health research)
- Community development (with special focus on rural Montana)
- Modern manufacturing and agricultural technology training
What They Don't Fund
No specific exclusions documented, though grant patterns suggest limited funding for arts, international projects, or direct service programs outside their focus areas.
Governance and Leadership
David A. Coulter (Co-Founder/Trustee) brings extensive financial and corporate leadership experience as former Chairman and CEO of BankAmerica Corporation (1976-1998), former Vice Chairman of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (2000-2005), and current Managing Director and Senior Advisor at Warburg Pincus. He serves as Chair of Carnegie Mellon University's Board of Trustees and on boards including Third Way, American Prairie Reserve, Open to Debate, and ModivCare.
Susan C. Weeks Coulter (Co-Founder/Trustee) partners with her husband in their philanthropic endeavors, though less public information is available about her specific roles.
The Coulters' Montana ranch ownership has notably shaped their giving priorities, with David Coulter stating about their ranch experience: "We recognized that local mining and agricultural workers need high-tech skills to operate modern machinery," which inspired significant investments in workforce development programs.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. All grants are made at the discretion of the trustees based on their personal knowledge of organizations and strategic priorities. The foundation explicitly states it "does not accept applications."
Getting on Their Radar
Based on grant patterns, organizations connected to this foundation typically have:
- Board relationships with David Coulter (notably Third Way where he serves as trustee)
- Connections to Carnegie Mellon University where Coulter chairs the board
- Operations in Montana, particularly around Bozeman where the Coulters own property
- Leadership in economic development or public policy sectors where Coulter has professional expertise
Application Success Factors
Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, analysis of recent grants reveals patterns:
- Organizations receiving support often have direct board or advisory relationships with David Coulter
- Geographic presence in Montana or connection to Montana workforce development appears advantageous
- Policy and education organizations aligned with centrist economic development receive priority
- Grants consistently support "general charitable purposes" allowing recipient flexibility
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- This foundation does not accept unsolicited applications or proposals - relationship-building through board service or professional networks is essential
- The Coulters' Montana ranch connection creates unique opportunity for Montana-based organizations, particularly those focused on workforce development
- David Coulter's extensive board service provides pathways for connection through organizations like Third Way, Carnegie Mellon, and American Prairie Reserve
- Grant amounts are consistent ($25,000-$50,000), suggesting standardized giving levels
- The foundation complements significant personal giving by the Coulters, including $15+ million to Carnegie Mellon University
- Focus on economic development and workforce training aligns with Coulter's banking/private equity background
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990-PF filings for The David A Coulter And Susan C Weeks Charitable Foundation (EIN: 87-1695854). Accessed February 27, 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/871695854
- Cause IQ - Financial data and grant recipient listings for foundation. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/coulter-entrepreneurial-economic-development,871695854/
- GrantExec - Foundation grant statistics and application policy. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://grantexec.com/foundations/871695854
- Carnegie Mellon University News - "David and Susan Coulter Give $10 Million to Mechanical Engineering" (February 2019). Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2019/february/coulter-gift.html
- Third Way Board of Trustees - David A. Coulter biography. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.thirdway.org/about/board-of-trustees/david-a-coulter
- Warburg Pincus - David Coulter professional biography. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://warburgpincus.com/team/david-coulter/
- SPUR Annual Report 2025 - Donor acknowledgment confirming foundation support. Accessed February 27, 2026. https://www.spur.org/about/annual-reports/2025
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