OVERVIEW: The Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to women’s causes, LGBT causes, Jewish causes, and community organizations.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a website, which limits available information about its grantmaking strategies or interests. It tends to make modest annual donations to a small number of favored organizations. It’s not an accessible or approachable funder making it a tough nut to crack.; however, a phone number has been provided below should you have general questions.
PROFILE: Established in 2006, the Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer Family Foundation was founded by businesswoman Bonnie Schaefer and her wife Jamie. Bonnie was co-CEO and co-chair of Claire’s store and is the owner of Westglow Resort and Spa in North Carolina. The foundation maintains a low public profile and does not operate a website or employ a paid staff. According to tax filings, the Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to women’s causes, LGBT causes, and community organizations.
Grants for Women and Girls
Schaefer is a major backer of Ms. Foundation for Women, which fights to eliminate barriers for all women. She gave the organization at least $1 million alone in 2009. Via their foundation, the couple have supported places like Appalachian Women’s Fund, Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge, and Women in the Visual Arts.
Grants for LGBTQ
Past grantees include High Country LGBTQ Youth Alliance in North Carolina; Faith in America, which has “worked to educate the public about the ongoing harm caused to LGBTQ people, especially youth, by faith-based discrimination”; F.A.R.M. Cafe, a non-profit, pay-what-you-can restaurant in Boone, NC; and Watauga Humane Society.
Grants for Israel and Jewish Causes
Schaefer makes modest annual donations to Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, as well as the New Israel Fund, a progressive organization that promotes civil rights, women’s rights, and the rights of people living in Israel’s occupied territories.
Important Grant Details:
Grants range from $1,000 to around $9,600. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away approximately $11,000. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer Family Foundation
2070 North Ocean Blvd, Suite 2
Boca Raton, FL 33431
(561) 620-3200