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Jubilee Foundation

Annual Giving
$3.0M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.3M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3,000,000
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $300,000 (typical)
  • Geographic Focus: US and international (Akron, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Mexico City, Kampala, New Delhi, and more)
  • Total Assets: $179,700,000
  • Application Method: No public application process

Contact Details

Address: 3713 East A Street, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 546-5999
Website: www.broetjefamilytrust.org
Director: Twigy Tellez (Director, Jubilee Foundation)

Overview

Jubilee Foundation, established in 2005 and formally incorporated in 2019, is one of three foundations under the Broetje Family Trust umbrella, founded by Ralph and Cheryl Broetje. With assets of $179.7 million, the foundation develops and nurtures life-giving communities that encourage people to discover meaning and purpose by sharing their gifts to serve the common good. The foundation made 24 grants totaling $3 million, with grants ranging from approximately $50,000 to $300,000. While much of Jubilee's direct work focuses on the Tierra Vida community in Pasco, Washington—a 250-home intentional community serving over 1,500 residents—the foundation also funds partner organizations across the United States and internationally. The foundation is closely connected to two sister organizations: the Center for Sharing (servant leadership training) and Vista Hermosa Foundation (international grantmaking and education).

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Jubilee Foundation does not operate distinct named grant programs but provides funding through trustee discretion. Grant amounts typically range from $50,000 to $300,000, with a median grant size of $77,500 and an average of $105,900.

Priority Areas

  • Community Development: Neighborhood development and life-giving communities
  • Faith-Based Initiatives: Christian organizations emphasizing servant leadership and community service
  • Youth and Family Services: Programs serving at-risk children and low-income families
  • Education: Support for educational institutions serving underserved communities
  • Affordable Housing: Community-based housing initiatives
  • International Development: Community-led initiatives in developing countries (though international grants may primarily flow through Vista Hermosa Foundation)

Core Values and Approach

The foundation emphasizes doing things "with" people, not "for" them, and operates according to five core values:

  • Love
  • Community
  • Respect
  • Compassion
  • Purpose

Geographic Focus

The foundation funds initiatives in various US cities including Akron, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, and locations across California, New York, Texas, and Washington. International funding has been reported in Mexico City, Kampala, New Delhi, and other global locations.

What They Don't Fund

No specific exclusions are publicly documented, though the foundation's Christian faith foundation and community development focus suggest funding is limited to organizations aligned with these values.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors

  • Cheryl Broetje - Co-Founder and President
  • Ralph Broetje - Co-Founder and Treasurer
  • Roger Bairstow - Board Chair
  • Suzanne Broetje - Chair (of Jubilee Foundation)
  • Callie Sims - Vice President
  • Tyler Broetje - Board Member
  • Shaun Broetje - Board Member
  • Omar Escalera - Executive Director (Broetje Family Trust)

Key Staff

  • Twigy Tellez - Director, Jubilee Foundation (Compensation: $87,250)
  • Martin Martinez - Community Relations ($59,935)
  • Sarahi Bravo Gonzalez - Property Manager ($57,090)

Philanthropic Approach

Ralph and Cheryl Broetje have built their philanthropic legacy on the foundation of Broetje Orchards, which has remarkably donated between 65-75% of its annual net profits to mission projects. The Broetjes created Vista Hermosa in 1988 (121 affordable homes for employees) and Tierra Vida in 2005 (over 250 single-family homes and 130 apartments), demonstrating a long-term commitment to community-based development.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Jubilee Foundation makes grants through trustee discretion and existing relationships rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. The foundation's grantmaking appears to support organizations within its established network and areas of strategic interest.

Grants are awarded to organizations that align with the foundation's mission of developing life-giving communities and promoting mutual relationships and service to the common good.

Getting on Their Radar

Note: The following represents specific, documented approaches related to this funder:

  • Sister Organization Contact: Vista Hermosa Foundation (another Broetje Family Trust foundation) accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry for international grantmaking. Organizations interested in Jubilee Foundation funding might consider whether their work aligns with Vista Hermosa's international focus or if building awareness through that channel could be valuable.

  • Community Connection: The foundation operates the Tierra Vida community and the Center for Sharing in Pasco, Washington. Organizations working in Eastern Washington or with connections to the region may have opportunities to build relationships through these local initiatives.

  • Leadership Approach: Director Twigy Tellez previously served as Executive Director of FirstFruits Community (Vista Hermosa Community). Organizations working in community development, affordable housing, or servant leadership may find aligned interests.

  • Faith-Based Networks: As a Christian foundation emphasizing servant leadership, the foundation may discover partners through faith-based networks and conferences focused on community development.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. The foundation does not publish decision timelines or notification methods.

Success Rates

Not publicly available. With 24 grants made from what is presumably a larger number of funding relationships and internal decisions, specific success rates for external applicants are not applicable given the lack of a public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to the absence of a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Given the lack of a public application process, the following factors appear important based on the foundation's documented priorities and funded work:

  • Community-Led Approach: The foundation emphasizes doing "with" not "for" people, focusing on empowering individuals and communities rather than providing services to passive recipients.

  • Faith Alignment: As a Christian foundation, organizations should share or respect faith-inspired perspectives on community development and servant leadership.

  • Place-Based Focus: The foundation values deep, long-term commitment to specific geographic communities rather than broad, scattered initiatives.

  • Holistic Community Development: Beyond single-issue programs, the foundation supports work that addresses families, leadership development, and sustainable livelihoods in integrated ways.

  • Relationship-Driven: With no public application process, relationships and trust appear central to the foundation's grantmaking decisions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Jubilee Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications; funding decisions are made through trustee discretion and existing relationships
  • The foundation is one of three Broetje Family Trust organizations—Vista Hermosa Foundation handles most international grantmaking and does accept letters of inquiry
  • Typical grants range from $50,000 to $300,000, with 24 grants totaling $3 million annually
  • Strong emphasis on faith-based, community-led development that empowers rather than serves
  • Geographic focus includes US cities (particularly Eastern Washington) and select international locations
  • Organizations should align with core values: love, community, respect, compassion, and purpose
  • Building relationships through local Pasco initiatives (Tierra Vida, Center for Sharing) or Vista Hermosa Foundation may provide pathways to awareness
  • The Broetje family's commitment to giving 65-75% of orchard profits demonstrates deep philanthropic dedication spanning decades

References

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