Put God First Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,421,200 (2023)
• Number of Grants: 51 awards (2023)
• Average Grant Size: ~$47,475
• Foundation Type: Private non-operating foundation
• Geographic Focus: Information not publicly available
• IRS Ruling Year: 2022

Contact Details

Address: 2006 Cambridge Place, Vestal, NY 13850-5506

Phone: (607) 759-8006

Email: Not publicly available

EIN: 87-4064687

Overview

Put God First Foundation is a private non-operating foundation established in Vestal, New York, with IRS ruling year 2022. The foundation operates as an independent 501(c)(3) organization with a Christian mission focused on serving the needy through both physical and spiritual support. In 2023, the foundation distributed $2,421,200 across 51 grants, with an average grant size of approximately $47,475. The foundation is led by trustees Dave Culbertson and Emily Culbertson, with Emily K. Culbertson noted as a 2002 graduate of SUNY Broome. The foundation has shown consistent growth in its grant-making activities, increasing from 45 awards in 2022 to 51 awards in 2023.

Funding Priorities

Mission Statement

The foundation's stated purpose is to "Feed God's sheep by donating to charities that: Contribute to the needy. Provide physical and spiritual nourishment. Distribute food, shelter, clothing, and Bibles. Let them hear about the love of Jesus. Invite them to attend church. Fill the emptying churches by spreading the message of Jesus Christ."

Priority Areas

Based on the foundation's mission statement, funding priorities include:

• Basic Human Needs: Organizations providing food, shelter, and clothing to those in need
• Faith-Based Ministries: Christian organizations spreading the message of Jesus Christ
• Church Support: Initiatives aimed at filling churches and supporting congregations
• Spiritual Nourishment: Programs that combine physical assistance with spiritual guidance
• Bible Distribution: Organizations that distribute Bibles as part of their ministry

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a Christian-focused foundation, it is likely that:

• Non-religious charitable organizations may not align with mission priorities
• Organizations not serving populations in need
• Secular programs without spiritual components

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

• Dave Culbertson - Trustee
• Emily Culbertson - Trustee (SUNY Broome alumna, Class of 2002)

The foundation operates as a private non-operating foundation with an independent affiliation status. Limited public information is available about the board structure or additional leadership personnel.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. As a private non-operating foundation, Put God First Foundation operates through trustee discretion and does not accept unsolicited grant applications through a public process.

Grants are awarded based on the trustees' selection of organizations that align with the foundation's Christian mission and charitable objectives. The foundation distributed grants to 51 different organizations in 2023, suggesting an active grant-making program, but these recipients are likely identified through the trustees' knowledge of organizations, personal connections, and direct outreach rather than a competitive application process.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to the absence of a public application process. The foundation files Form 990-PF annually, indicating grants are reviewed and distributed on the trustees' timeline.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not applicable for organizations outside the trustees' network, as there is no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable without a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since Put God First Foundation does not accept public applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, based on the foundation's mission and structure, the following factors characterize organizations that receive support:

• Strong Christian Mission: Organizations must demonstrate a clear commitment to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and serving God's purposes
• Service to the Needy: Programs that provide tangible support (food, shelter, clothing) to people in need
• Dual Focus: Organizations that combine physical assistance with spiritual nourishment and evangelism
• Church Connection: Programs that encourage church attendance and support church communities
• Bible-Centered Ministry: Incorporation of Bible distribution or biblical teaching in program delivery
• Alignment with "Feed God's Sheep" Philosophy: A holistic approach to ministry that addresses both physical and spiritual hunger

The foundation's average grant size of approximately $47,475 suggests they support organizations with substantive programs requiring moderate to significant funding.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• No Public Application Process: This foundation operates through trustee discretion; unsolicited applications are not accepted
• Christian Focus Required: Only organizations with a clear Christian mission and evangelical purpose align with funding priorities
• Holistic Ministry Model: Successful recipients likely combine meeting basic needs with spiritual outreach and Bible distribution
• Private Foundation Structure: As a relatively young foundation (IRS ruling 2022), it operates independently with concentrated decision-making authority
• Consistent Grant-Making: With 51 grants in 2023 (up from 45 in 2022), the foundation maintains an active funding program despite no public process
• Moderate Grant Sizes: Average grants around $47,475 suggest support for established programs rather than seed funding or major capital projects
• Local Connection: Based in Vestal, NY, the foundation may have geographic preferences, though this is not publicly documented

References

1. Charity Navigator - Put God First Foundation Profile. EIN: 87-4064687. Available at: https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/874064687 (Accessed January 2026)

2. Candid Foundation Directory - Put God First Foundation Profile. Foundation Center Online. Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=CEI14073300 (Accessed January 2026)

3. Instrumentl - Put God First Foundation 990 Report. 2023 IRS Form 990-PF data. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/put-god-first-foundation (Accessed January 2026)

4. GuideStar - Put God First Foundation Profile. EIN: 87-4064687. Available at: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/87-4064687 (Accessed January 2026)

5. SUNY Broome Foundation Donor Roll - Emily K. Culbertson '02 listed as connected to Put God First Foundation. Available at: https://sunybroome.edu/foundation/donorroll/ (Accessed January 2026)