The Ensign-Bickford Foundation Grant

The Ensign-Bickford Foundation, established by Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., is the primary vehicle through which the company engages in philanthropic giving and community outreach. The Foundation’s mission focuses on supporting organizations that are recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its contributions are designed to address a variety of community needs, with a strong emphasis on education and environmental initiatives, which are considered priority funding areas. The Foundation’s guidelines outline specific program areas in which grants may be awarded, as well as limitations on funding eligibility. In the area of education, the Foundation supports accredited educational institutions, special interest programs, and scholarships for underprivileged students. It funds programs that employ innovative teaching approaches, promote fields of study relevant to the company, and encourage lifelong learning such as adult literacy initiatives. In the environmental sphere, the Foundation considers requests from organizations dedicated to ecological stability and improvement, as well as those providing relief from environmental imbalances or disasters, whether natural or human-caused. The Foundation also funds health and welfare initiatives in the geographic areas where the company operates. These include community service organizations, social welfare agencies, hospitals, and other medical groups that provide direct services. Special consideration is given to local hospitals and healthcare providers that serve company employees and their dependents, along with programs promoting preventive health care, safety, and cost containment. Welfare funding may also address homelessness, unemployment, support for aging and disabled populations, and programs aimed at addressing root causes of social inequities. Additional funding areas include local and civic projects, economics and humanities, and arts and culture. Local and civic grants may support parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and innovative municipal projects that improve quality of life in company communities. Economics and humanities funding supports organizations promoting free enterprise, historical awareness, and cultural institutions. Arts and culture grants fund organizations involved in the production, promotion, and financing of music, art, theater, and dance near company operations. Grant requests are subject to clear limitations. The Foundation does not fund individuals, religious organizations serving only their own members, political organizations, or entities primarily engaged in influencing legislation. It also excludes organizations that violate equal opportunity, environmental, or other applicable laws, and requests for unrestricted purposes. While these guidelines are generally adhered to, exceptions may be made for special reasons at the discretion of the Foundation. The Foundation also operates a matching gifts program, matching contributions made by directors, officers, employees, and retirees to eligible organizations, up to $2,000 per year per donor with a $100 minimum per gift. In certain cases, such as when an employee serves on the board of a qualifying organization, the match may be up to $5,000. The Foundation may also match volunteer hours with monetary contributions when employees have made a significant impact through their time and effort. Organizations wishing to apply must submit a formal request using the Foundation’s application form. While no fixed deadlines are specified, applicants should ensure that their programs align with the Foundation’s funding priorities and eligibility requirements. Requests are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board, and all inquiries and applications can be directed to the Foundation at its Denver, Colorado office by phone at (860) 843-2088 or by fax at (303) 583-1321.