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William B Dietrich Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.5M
Grant Range
$100K - $0.8M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,493,453 (2024)
  • Total Assets: $72.7 million (2024)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: Varies significantly (average ~$355,000-$390,000 per grant)
  • Geographic Focus: Philadelphia region
  • Number of Annual Grants: 9-12 grants per year

Contact Details

Address: 30 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: (215) 979-1906

Contact: Frank G. Cooper, President

Overview

The William B. Dietrich Foundation was established in 2011 following the death of William Braun Dietrich, a Philadelphia-area philanthropist who devoted over 25 years to supporting cultural institutions in Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township. The foundation, with assets of $72.7 million as of 2024, operates as a private grantmaking foundation focused primarily on architectural and historic preservation in the Philadelphia area. The foundation also supports the fine arts (particularly sculpture and museums), secondary and postsecondary education, HIV/AIDS research, and services for the elderly. Administered by attorney Frank G. Cooper since its inception, the foundation awarded $3.5 million in grants in 2024, continuing Dietrich's legacy of preserving Philadelphia's architectural heritage and supporting its cultural institutions.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-directed grantmaking with written applications accepted on a rolling basis. Grant amounts vary significantly based on project scope, with recent awards ranging from substantial six-figure grants for major restoration projects to smaller grants for specific organizational needs.

Priority Areas

Historic Preservation & Architecture (Primary Focus):

  • Restoration of historic buildings and landmarks
  • Preservation of architecturally significant structures
  • Renovation of historic institutional buildings
  • Conservation of National Historic Landmarks

Arts & Culture:

  • Museum galleries and exhibition spaces
  • Sculpture and fine arts collections
  • Historic house museums
  • Cultural institution facilities

Education:

  • Secondary schools (particularly historic campus buildings)
  • Higher education institutions
  • Educational facilities restoration

Health & Social Services:

  • HIV/AIDS research and services
  • Programs serving the elderly

Recent Grant Recipients

Notable projects funded by the foundation include:

  • Girard College: Masonry preservation and restoration of Founder's Hall, a National Historic Landmark designed by Thomas U. Walter
  • Springside Chestnut Hill Academy: Renovation and restoration of the Henry Library in the historic Wissahickon Inn
  • Drexel University: Renovation of the Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery
  • Free Library of Philadelphia: Creation of the William B. Dietrich Gallery
  • Rodin Museum: Restoration of the museum building and parkway
  • Cedar Grove: Restoration of this historic house in Fairmount Park
  • Academy of Natural Sciences: Creation of the William B. Dietrich Gallery

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not specify explicit exclusions, but its grantmaking history shows a strong concentration on:

  • Philadelphia-area organizations
  • Projects with architectural or historic preservation components
  • Established cultural and educational institutions

Governance and Leadership

Frank G. Cooper - President and Treasurer ($184,079 compensation in 2024)

  • Attorney specializing in nonprofit law
  • Has administered William B. Dietrich's estate since 2011
  • Oversees all foundation operations and grantmaking

John J. Soroko - Secretary and Co-Director ($184,078 compensation in 2024)

  • Chairman Emeritus of Duane Morris LLP (served as Chairman and CEO from 2008-2017)
  • Trustee of the Academy of Natural Sciences
  • Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Free Library of Philadelphia
  • Director of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
  • Chair of the Corporate Executive Board of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

The foundation's leadership brings extensive experience in Philadelphia's cultural and civic sectors, with both officers deeply connected to the city's major cultural institutions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted in writing to:

William B. Dietrich Foundation c/o Frank G. Cooper 30 South 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

Required Materials:

  • Written proposal outlining the nature of your organization
  • Detailed description of the intended use of funds
  • Copy of IRS letter of determination of charitable status
  • Documentation confirming the recipient is not a private foundation

The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis with no specified deadlines.

Important Note: The William B. Dietrich Foundation operates through trustee discretion. While the foundation accepts written applications, grantmaking decisions are made by the foundation's leadership based on alignment with the foundation's mission and priorities. The foundation's pattern of supporting major Philadelphia cultural institutions suggests relationships and institutional knowledge play a role in funding decisions.

Decision Timeline

The foundation does not publicly specify decision timelines. Based on the foundation's grantmaking patterns (9-12 grants per year distributed annually), applicants should expect the review process may take several months.

Success Rates

With approximately 9-12 grants awarded annually from the foundation's grantmaking budget of approximately $3.5 million, this is a highly selective funder. The foundation appears to favor significant grants to established institutions over numerous smaller awards.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation has not published specific reapplication policies. However, the grantmaking history shows ongoing support for certain institutions over multiple years, suggesting that successful grantees may receive repeat funding for different projects.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grantmaking history and priorities:

Strong Alignment Indicators:

  • Architectural or Historic Preservation Focus: Projects involving restoration, renovation, or preservation of architecturally significant or historic buildings have the strongest track record. The foundation specifically seeks projects that preserve Philadelphia's architectural heritage.

  • Philadelphia Connection: The foundation demonstrates a clear geographic preference for Philadelphia-area organizations, particularly those in the city proper and surrounding communities like Lower Merion Township.

  • Institutional Credibility: The foundation's recent grants favor established cultural institutions, educational organizations, and recognized nonprofits with strong governance and track records.

  • Tangible, Physical Projects: The foundation's history shows preference for capital projects with visible, lasting impact - galleries, building restorations, facility improvements - rather than operating support or program funding.

  • Cultural and Educational Value: Projects that combine preservation with enhanced public access to cultural or educational resources appear particularly attractive.

Application Approach:

  • Clearly articulate the architectural or historic significance of the property or project
  • Detail the preservation methodology and expected outcomes
  • Demonstrate organizational capacity to successfully complete major capital projects
  • Include professional assessments, architectural plans, and preservation studies where applicable
  • Show how the project serves the broader Philadelphia community
  • Provide detailed budget information with clear line items for restoration work

Relationship Building: Given John J. Soroko's extensive board involvement with major Philadelphia institutions (Academy of Natural Sciences, Free Library, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, Philadelphia Museum of Art), organizations connected to these networks may benefit from established relationships. However, the foundation's track record shows support for various institutions across the cultural sector.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a historic preservation funder first: If your project doesn't involve architectural restoration, renovation of historic buildings, or preservation of culturally significant structures, alignment may be limited

  • Think major projects: With an average grant size of $350,000-390,000, this foundation supports substantial undertakings rather than small-scale projects

  • Philadelphia focus is non-negotiable: The foundation's grantmaking is concentrated in Philadelphia and immediate surrounding areas

  • Written applications are required: Despite the trustee-directed approach, formal written applications with required documentation are necessary

  • Capital over operations: The foundation's history shows overwhelming preference for capital projects, building improvements, and physical space creation/restoration

  • Patience is essential: With only 9-12 grants awarded annually, competition is intense and the review process may be lengthy

  • Multiple Dietrich foundations exist: Ensure you're applying to the correct foundation - the William B. Dietrich Foundation (EIN 90-0628306) in Philadelphia is distinct from The Dietrich Foundation in Pittsburgh

References

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