OVERVIEW: The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund supports environmental conservation organizations across the country.
IP TAKE: The Davis Charitable Fund broadly funds a variety of environmental conservation efforts. According to tax filings, it appears that Davis prioritizes land conservation establishments. Unfortunately, the foundation lacks transparency, which restricts information about its grantmaking strategies and application process.
PROFILE: Shelby Cullom Davis was an American business executive who established Shelby Cullom Davis & Company in the late 1940s. When Davis passed in 1994, his family established the Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund with an endowment from Davis’ last will and testament. With current assets of between $2 billion and $2.5 billion, the fund keeps a surprisingly low public profile, does not operate a website and employs just one formal staff member. According to tax filings, the fund supports a wide range of interests including, but not limited to, higher education, arts and culture, environmental conservation and healthcare. Tax filings do not indicate any specific areas of funding interest.
Grant amounts vary widely, ranging from $10,000 to over $30 million. Higher education grants amounts range widely as well, often falling between $20,000 and $5 million. Environmental organizations receiving support from Davis in the past include Hudson Highlands Land Trust and Peninsula Open Space Trust.
The Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund does not accept unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding.
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CONTACT:
Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund
c/o Foundation Source
501 Silverside Road, Suite 123
Wilmington, Delaware 19809