The J. Bulow Campbell Foundation was established in 1940 by the Will of J. Bulow Campbell, Atlanta businessman, civic leader, Southern Presbyterian layman and Christian philanthropist. It is guided by Mr. Campbell’s instructions and seeks to reflect his philosophy of giving. The Foundation is directed by a seven-member board of trustees that approves all grants.

Eligibility and Grant Criteria
     The Foundation responds to a variety of charitable organizations serving the general welfare of the community, education, youth, Christian concerns and, to a limited extent, arts and cultural organizations. Grants are awarded almost exclusively in Atlanta and Georgia. While organizations in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee are technically eligible to receive grants, the Foundation has provided only limited support outside Georgia, and it does not award grants outside the six-state region.

     The Foundation takes interest in projects that benefit the development and preservation of the Christian faith but discourages requests from individual church congregations.

     When supporting Christian-based agencies, a stated interest, the Foundation seeks to further Mr. Campbell’s personal legacy of sharing his talents and wealth to help institutions and causes that honor God and serve humankind.

     The Foundation considers grants only to institutions determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be tax-exempt and classified by the IRS as “not a private Foundation.” No grants or loans of any kind are made to individuals.

     Priority is given to non-government, privately supported institutions, and to agencies and organizations that have programs of acknowledged or potential excellence and give evidence or promise of regional leadership.

     The Foundation gives highest priority to capital funding rather than providing support for current operating expenses or recurring programs. Exceptions may be made when a grant might ensure initial success of an important project that would continue thereafter without the Foundation's additional support.

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Grantmaking Policies
     The Foundation is selective in grant decisions and prefers to provide support for a smaller number of significant, carefully planned projects rather than to give assistance to a large number of organizations. Almost all grants are challenge grants.

     In consideration of requests by educational institutions, priority will be given to those which are privately-supported and accredited, and special consideration will be given to Christian-based institutions emphasizing Christian life on campus as well as the intellectual performance of students.

     The Foundation’s policy precludes personal appearances by applicants before the board, and trustees should not be contacted personally concerning a proposal or anticipated approach to the Foundation. Interviews with the staff are granted, when appropriate, and applicants are encouraged to correspond or confer with the Foundation’s staff before submitting a formal grant proposal.

     All applicants are required to wait at least one year from the date of any previous application before submitting a new request. Grantees are asked not to apply for new grants until current grants are “closed.”

     The Campbell Foundation conducts its business without publicity, and grants are awarded without public announcement. Information on grants made by the Foundation is provided to the Foundation Center (a branch is located in Atlanta), and the Foundation is listed in The Foundation Directory. The Foundation does not publish an annual report.

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Application Procedures
     The board meets quarterly in January, April, July and October. The Foundation does not provide an application form.

     A formal proposal to the Campbell Foundation is initiated by submitting a letter of request limited to one page and including the following:

1. The full legal name of the organization.
2. A concise description of the organization and its purpose and program.
3. A specific amount of money requested.
4. A brief description of the purpose for which the grant would be used.
5. A definite plan and timetable for successful completion of the project.
6. Signature of the principal officer of the governing board, and signature of the chief administrative officer of the institution.

     The letter of request should have enclosed with it a copy of the Internal Revenue Service letter, which attests to the organization’s tax-exempt status and classification as “not a private Foundation.”

     An eligible letter of request received by January 1st will be given preliminary consideration at the January meeting; a proposal received by April 1st will be given preliminary consideration at the April meeting; a proposal received by July 1st will be given preliminary consideration at the July meeting; and a proposal received by October 1st will be given preliminary consideration at the October meeting. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of these deadlines.

     After preliminary consideration is given, the applicant will immediately be notified in writing either that the board decided to decline further consideration of the proposal, or that the board decided to have the Foundation staff conduct a more detailed study for additional consideration at the next quarterly meeting.

     In the case of an applicant receiving further study, the staff prepares a written report about the institution and the proposed project. This usually follows at least one site visit by a member of the staff. This report is given consideration at the board’s next quarterly meeting, unless the applicant specifically requests consideration at a later date.

     The board reviews the materials submitted in support of the application and, through the staff, seeks information about the organization, the project, and specific plans for achieving the success of the project.

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Correspondence
All correspondence should be addressed to:

Betsy Verner
Associate Director
J. Bulow Campbell Foundation
Suite 270
3050 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30305

Telephone (404) 658-9066