Fritz B. Burns Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $9,500,000
Success Rate: Data not publicly available
Decision Time: 3-4 months (November approval for September 30 deadline)
Grant Range: $50,000 - $3,000,000
Geographic Focus: Southern California (primarily Los Angeles metropolitan area)

Contact Details

Address: 21800 Oxnard Street, Suite 490, Woodland Hills, CA 91367-7532

Phone: 818-313-8818

Note: The foundation does not maintain a website. Direct contact via phone is recommended to confirm organizational alignment with funding priorities.

Overview

Established in 1955, the Fritz B. Burns Foundation is an independent private foundation based in Woodland Hills, California, honoring the legacy of Fritz B. Burns (1899-1979), a prominent Los Angeles real estate developer and philanthropist. With assets totaling approximately $182-189 million, the foundation awarded 31 grants in 2024, totaling $9.5 million. The foundation carries forward Burns' commitment to Catholic education and institutions, healthcare, and community development in Southern California. Burns himself was a major benefactor to Roman Catholic institutions during his lifetime, particularly Loyola Marymount University and Thomas Aquinas College. The foundation accepts unsolicited applications and has maintained long-term relationships with several key beneficiaries, with some grants spanning over 50 years.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single grant program with an annual deadline:

General Grantmaking: $50,000 - $3,000,000
- Application deadline: September 30 annually
- Decisions announced: November
- Payment disbursed: Following February
- Applications submitted via letter

Priority Areas

Education (Primary Focus):

Higher education, particularly Catholic colleges and universities
Secondary education
Student financial aid and scholarships
Educational facilities and infrastructure

Healthcare:

Hospitals (general operations and capital projects)
Medical research organizations
In-patient medical care

Religion:

Roman Catholic religious associations
Catholic federated giving programs
Church support and infrastructure

Human Services:

Services for homeless populations (particularly women)
Services for disadvantaged youth
Services for the blind (independent living and communications technology)
Social welfare agencies
Mental health services

Civic Engagement:

Citizen participation in public affairs
Law enforcement support

What They Don't Fund

Private foundations (grants are restricted to 501(c)(3) charities that are not private foundations)
Organizations outside Southern California (with rare exceptions in California and Utah)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation maintains a small board structure typical of private family foundations:

Key Leadership (as identified in recent public records):

Rex Rawlinson: President
Maureen Rawlinson: Trustee
Cheryl Robinson: Trustee

The foundation operates with no paid employees, with governance managed by the board of trustees who oversee the foundation's grantmaking activities and stewardship of Fritz B. Burns' philanthropic legacy.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from qualifying nonprofit organizations.

Application Method: Submit a letter of inquiry

Required Elements:

Organization must be a 501(c)(3) charity that is not a private foundation
Letter should include general application materials
Contact the foundation at 818-313-8818 to confirm alignment with funding priorities before applying

Submission Address: Fritz B. Burns Foundation 21800 Oxnard Street, Suite 490 Woodland Hills, CA 91367-7532

Decision Timeline

Application Deadline: September 30
Board Review: October
Decisions Announced: November
Payment Disbursed: Following February (typically February after approval)
Total Timeline: Approximately 5 months from submission to payment

Success Rates

The foundation does not publicly disclose application statistics. However, available data shows:

31 grants awarded in 2024
22 grants awarded in 2023
33 grants awarded in 2022

The foundation is noted as "not a transparent funder" and restricts information about its grant strategies and complete grantee list. The relatively small number of annual grants (15-33) compared to typical foundation application volumes suggests selectivity, though precise success rates cannot be determined.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation accepts applications annually at the September 30 deadline. Organizations may reapply in subsequent years. The foundation has demonstrated a pattern of multi-year support for favored organizations, as evidenced by relationships spanning over 50 years with institutions like Thomas Aquinas College.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant history and focus areas, successful applicants typically demonstrate:

Strong Catholic Affiliation: The foundation shows a clear preference for Roman Catholic institutions and causes. Fritz B. Burns himself was described as "a prominent Roman Catholic layman-benefactor," and this emphasis continues through the foundation. Organizations with Catholic missions, governance, or beneficiaries have a distinct advantage.

Long-Term Relationship Building: The foundation has supported Thomas Aquinas College "for more than 50 years, with grants consistently increasing since Fritz B. Burns signed his first check to the College in 1971." This pattern suggests the foundation values sustained partnerships over one-time grants. Building a relationship through smaller grants may lead to larger commitments over time.

Capital Projects and Infrastructure: Thomas Aquinas College has received foundation funding for "residence halls, science halls, administration buildings, a chapel, classrooms, a concert hall, and an athletic center." The foundation appears receptive to significant capital campaigns, particularly for educational and religious facilities.

Student Financial Aid: The foundation's $3 million Fritz B. Burns Endowed Scholarship at Thomas Aquinas College demonstrates strong support for scholarship endowments that provide lasting impact on student access to education.

Southern California Geographic Connection: The foundation focuses on "Los Angeles and elsewhere in Southern California," honoring Fritz B. Burns' legacy as a Los Angeles community developer. Organizations deeply rooted in the Los Angeles area, particularly those serving communities Burns helped develop (Westchester, Windsor Hills, Panorama City, North Hollywood), may have natural alignment.

Healthcare and Social Services: Beyond education and religion, the foundation supports hospitals, medical research, services for vulnerable populations (homeless women, disadvantaged youth, blind individuals), and mental health services. Applications should demonstrate measurable community impact in these areas.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Catholic focus is paramount: This foundation strongly prioritizes Roman Catholic institutions and causes. If your organization lacks Catholic affiliation, carefully consider whether this is the right funder.
Think long-term, not transactional: The foundation has supported some organizations for 50+ years with "grants consistently increasing" over time. Position your request as the beginning of a partnership, not a one-time ask.
Large grants are possible: With grants ranging from $50,000 to $3 million and an average grant size of approximately $694,000, the foundation makes substantial awards. Don't underestimate your funding request if it aligns with their priorities.
Geographic focus matters: Southern California location, particularly Los Angeles metropolitan area, is strongly preferred. Emphasize your Los Angeles roots and community connections.
Capital campaigns are welcome: The foundation has funded multiple buildings and major infrastructure projects. If you have a capital need, this foundation may be an excellent fit.
Call before you write: Without a website or published guidelines, the phone call to 818-313-8818 is your best opportunity to confirm fit and gather application guidance. Use this conversation strategically.
Plan for the timeline: With a single annual deadline (September 30) and payments not disbursed until the following February, plan your cash flow accordingly—you're looking at a minimum 5-month timeline from application to funding.

References

Research compiled December 25, 2025