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Albert And Elaine Borchard Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
Decision Time
2w

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,606,500 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 2-4 weeks after board review
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $75,000
  • Geographic Focus: Primarily Los Angeles County, California

Contact Details

Address: 202 S Lake Ave Ste 294, Pasadena, CA 91101-4993

Phone: 818-565-1020

Email: info@borchardfoundation.org

Website: https://borchardfoundation.org

Application Portal: Online application by invitation only

Overview

Founded in 1978 by Albert and Elaine Borchard, who tragically died in an auto accident in 1983, this private foundation has continued their vision to promote research, education, social justice, and the arts. With approximately $18.3 million in assets and annual giving of $1.6 million distributed through 71 grants in 2024, the foundation primarily serves nonprofits in Los Angeles County. The foundation operates three specialized research centers: the Center on International Education (established 1987), the Center on Law and Aging (established 1998), and the Center on Literary Arts (established 2020). The most common grant amount is $10,000, with grants ranging from $10,000 to $75,000 for general grantmaking, though specialized center grants can reach $35,000 for international research opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grantmaking (Invitation Only)

  • Typical grants: $10,000 - $75,000
  • Median grant: $20,000
  • Application method: Invitation only, reviewed twice annually (April 1 and October 1 deadlines)

Center on Law and Aging Academic Research Grants (Open Application)

  • Up to four grants of up to $20,000 each annually
  • Application method: Online applications open around September 15, due around October 15
  • Open to scholars in health, law, medicine, economics, gerontology, psychology, and sociology

Center on Law and Aging Post-Graduate Legal Fellowships (Open Application)

  • Two-year fellowships at $65,000 per year
  • Two new fellowships awarded annually

Center on International Education Scholar-in-Residence Grants (Open Application)

  • Two grants of $35,000 each per year
  • Includes research in France for a semester/quarter plus accommodations at Château de la Bretesche
  • Open to Southern California professors

Priority Areas

  1. Elimination of Poverty: Food and nutrition programs, case management, supportive housing for homeless individuals, and policy advocacy informing policymakers about poverty issues

  2. Youth Development: Services for people under age 21, including mentoring programs, after-school programs for at-risk and disabled youth, and education programs

  3. Health and Medicine: Comprehensive healthcare services that improve health outcomes

  4. Education: K-12, undergraduate, and graduate programs including scholarships, internships, and fellowships

  5. The Arts: Music, art, creative writing, and dance programs

  6. Environment: Environmental awareness activities and environmental improvement programs

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Annual fund drives
  • Building campaigns
  • Equipment purchases
  • Activities exclusively benefiting sectarian or religious organizations
  • Private foundations (only funds 501(c)(3) organizations that are not private foundations)

Governance and Leadership

Officers:

  • Janna Beling, PhD, PT - President and Co-Director, Center on International Education
  • Michael Spurgeon, MFA - Executive Vice-President and Director, Center on Literary Arts
  • Jennifer Mills - Chief Financial Officer
  • Kristen Beling, DDS - Secretary and Co-Director, Center on International Education

Board of Directors:

  • Janna Beling, PhD, PT
  • Kristen Beling, DDS
  • Mary Jane Ciccarello, JD (Director, Center on Law and Aging)
  • Dwight Hotchkiss
  • Michael Spurgeon, MFA
  • Stephen Spurgeon, MD

Deceased Leadership:

  • Willard Beling, PhD (Chairman) - Led the foundation's expansion into international education
  • Edward Spurgeon, JD, LL.M (President)
  • Albert Borchard and Elaine Borchard (Founders)

The foundation is led by family members and associates who have maintained the founders' vision for nearly five decades, with continuity in leadership enabling long-term strategic planning around the three specialized research centers.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For General Grants (Invitation Only):

The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests. The Board of Directors identifies and invites organizations to submit proposals. If your organization is invited to apply, you will be asked to complete an online application including:

  • Organization description and 501(c)(3) documentation
  • Detailed project description and objectives
  • Explanation of alignment with foundation priorities
  • Project importance and impact
  • Comprehensive project budget
  • Recent audited financial statement (within 2 years)
  • Current unaudited financial statement
  • Current fiscal year budget
  • Contact person information

Organizations can direct general questions to info@borchardfoundation.org or call 818-565-1020, though this does not guarantee an invitation to apply.

For Specialized Center Grants (Open Application):

The foundation's three centers accept applications without invitation:

  • Center on Law and Aging: Applications open around September 15, due around October 15
  • Center on International Education: Check borchardcenter.org for application periods
  • Center on Literary Arts: Check borchardlit.org for fellowship information

These center programs represent the most accessible pathway for new applicants seeking Borchard Foundation funding.

Decision Timeline

  • General Grants: Proposals reviewed twice annually at April 1 and October 1 deadlines
  • Funding Timeline: If approved, funding is received within 2-4 weeks after board decision
  • Recommendation: Submit proposals well before the April 1 or October 1 deadlines

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly available. The foundation made 71 grants in 2024 from total giving of $1,606,500.

Reapplication Policy

  • Prior recipients may be invited to reapply, but prior funding does not guarantee future grant approval
  • If an application is denied, the denial letter will specify whether resubmission is welcome
  • Organizations must wait for a new invitation from the board to submit another proposal

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission: The foundation evaluates proposals based on alignment with its mission to "promote research, education, social justice, and the arts and to improve the human condition." Projects should clearly demonstrate how they advance one or more of the six priority areas.

Geographic Focus: Strong preference for organizations serving Los Angeles County. This geographic focus reflects the founders' original vision and remains central to grantmaking decisions.

Evaluation Criteria: According to the foundation's published guidelines, proposals are assessed on:

  • Thoughtful planning and preparation
  • Sound fiscal management
  • Likelihood of meeting stated objectives
  • Clear articulation of project importance and impact

Financial Responsibility: The requirement for both audited financial statements (within 2 years) and current unaudited statements indicates the foundation prioritizes organizations with strong financial oversight and transparency.

Proven Track Record: The invitation-only model suggests the foundation favors organizations with established reputations or connections to board members' areas of expertise. Past grantees that have demonstrated success may be invited to reapply for continued funding.

Specialized Research Excellence: For the three research centers, academic rigor and innovative research in law and aging, international education, and literary arts are paramount. These programs have funded scholars from institutions including East Carolina University, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Vermont, Loyola Marymount University, and University of Southern California.

Recent Grant Examples:

  • Arts and culture: 916 Ink Imaginarium, Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, Elemental Strings, La Plaza De Cultura Y Artes
  • Environment: Breathe California of Los Angeles County, Yolo Basin Foundation, New Earth, Roundhouse Aquarium
  • Law and aging: Center For Elder Law & Justice

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Invitation-only process is the primary barrier: For general grants, you cannot submit an unsolicited proposal. However, the three specialized centers (Law and Aging, International Education, Literary Arts) offer open application opportunities for academic researchers, providing an alternative entry point.

  • LA County focus is critical: The foundation maintains strong geographic boundaries, primarily funding organizations serving Los Angeles County. Organizations outside this area should not expect to receive general grants unless they have exceptional circumstances.

  • Most common grant is $10,000: Set realistic funding expectations. While grants can reach $75,000, the typical award is $10,000, with a median around $20,000.

  • Fast turnaround after approval: Organizations receive funding within 2-4 weeks of board approval, which is faster than many foundations. This suggests efficient operations and clear decision-making processes.

  • Prior funding doesn't guarantee future support: Even previous grantees must be re-invited and demonstrate continued alignment with priorities. Success requires ongoing relationship maintenance.

  • Multiple pathways exist: If you're an academic researcher in Southern California working on aging, international education, or literary arts, the specialized centers offer direct access without needing an invitation. This is the most accessible route for new applicants.

  • Board connections matter: Given the invitation-only model, building relationships with board members or funded organizations may help get your organization on the foundation's radar, though there's no public guidance on how invitations are extended.

References

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