E.L. Cord Foundation

OVERVIEW: The E.L. Cord Foundation supports secondary education, higher education, social services, youth and culture in Nevada.

IP TAKE: Although this funder does not have a website to make itself particularly accessible to grant seekers, it does accept unsolicited funding requests with no restrictions.

PROFILE: Established in 1962, the E.L. Cord Foundation is a private foundation based in Reno, Nevada. Errett Lobban (E.L.) Cord was a business executive who founded the Cord Corporation in 1929 and was successful in the transportation industry. In the 1950s, he established KCRL-TV and radio, he owned a ranch in the Nevada desert, and he passed away from cancer at the age of 79 in 1974. Today, this foundation supports local education, social services, youth, culture efforts.

Grants for Higher Education, K-12 Education, Arts and Culture, and Community Development

The E.L. Cord Foundation does not have a website to guide grant seekers. It maintains a low profile in terms of grantmaking, but nonprofits may be familiar with the E.L. Cord Center for Learning and Literacy at the University of Nevada, Reno. This learning center has supported children’s literacy in Nevada since 1964 through tutoring programs. Otherwise, the foundation supports a broad range of local causes, typically for well-established organizations for program support and events.

Past local grantees include the Nevada Humane Society, Reno Bike Project, Reno Chamber Orchestra, and Sparks Middle School.

Important Grant Details

Grants range between about $5,000 and $100,000. The funder has awarded $2 million to $3 million annually in contributions, gifts, and grants paid in recent years. Grantmaking focuses on the state of Nevada, prioritizing nonprofits that serve Reno.

According to its tax records, this foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Applications mailed to the foundation office should include project descriptions, amounts requested, and proof of tax-exempt status. There are no deadlines, restrictions or limitations on grant awards. Joseph S. Bradley and William O. Bradley Jr. serve as co-trustees of the foundation. Direct general questions to the staff at 775-323-0373.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

320 West Liberty Street

Reno, NV 89501