RosaMary Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports education, human services, arts, community development and governmental oversight in Greater New Orleans. This foundation and the Ella West Freeman Foundation were founded by A.B. Freeman.
IP TAKE: This funder contributes to many of the same causes as the Ella West Freeman Foundation, so look at both of these related foundations as potential funding sources in the New Orleans area. The difference is that the RosaMary Foundation typically makes more grants in higher amounts each year.
PROFILE: The RosaMary Foundation was established in 1939 as a charitable trust by Alfred B. (A.B.) Freeman. It was one of the early foundations in the U.S. This is a separate grantmaking entity from the Ella West Freeman Foundation, which is also profiled in our Southeast section. This particular foundation honors the couple’s daughters, Rosa and Mary.
Grants for Education, Arts and Culture, and Community Development
Foundation grantmaking prioritizes the city of New Orleans and surrounding communities. Priority funding areas are education, human services, arts, community development, and governmental oversight. The foundation provides both capital project support and program support, with capital grants requiring a history of operating stability and adequate financial capacity. It funds general operating support on a rare, but occasional basis, and it prefers to fund short-term and multi-year requests for this type of support.
New grant seekers can view a list of grants awarded in the past on the foundation’s grants list. Most past grants have been between $5,000 and $125,000. In a recent year, the RosaMary Foundation awarded grants totaling $2,508,750. This funder only makes grants to 501(c)3 organizations and not for individuals, religious purposes, or fundraisers. Almost all grants support groups who operate in the Greater New Orleans area.
The foundation is controlled today by descendants of A.B. Freeman and Ella West Freeman. The board meets twice per year to review grants; deadlines to submit grant proposals are January 15 and July 15. However, it accepts and reviews proposals throughout the year. The foundation often invites selected grantees to interviews. The application process is conducted online.
Important Grant Details
Grant seekers interested in applying for capital support should read through the foundation’s document about capital grants. This includes request for building purchases, construction, renovations, land purchases, equipment purchases, and endowments. There is a separate instructional document that grant seekers will need to reference before applying for program or operating support. The checklist for required materials is also helpful for all types of support.
PEOPLE:
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