Turner Foundation
Contact information:
133 Luckie Street, NW
2nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-681-9900
Fax: 404-681-0172
Website: http://www.turnerfoundation.org/
Type of foundation: Independent
Types of grants: Program, operating.
Description: The Foundation was established by media mogul Ted Turner in 1999. The Board of the Foundation is made up of Ted Turner and his five children. One of his children, Rhett Turner, is a filmmaker who makes documentaries for organizations including the National Wildlife Federation. The Foundation focuses on environmental issues, specifically:
- Safeguarding habitat: protecting marine and terrestrial habitats and wildlife.
- Growing the movement: engaging and mobilizing new constituencies in support of environmental issues.
- Creating solutions for sustainable living: modifying consumption and advancing sustainable policies and practices.
- Healthy planet, healthy communities: restoring or mitigating the effects of nonsustainable practices.
The Foundation Board annually picks priority issues within these program areas. Program staff work closely with the Board to develop the annual priority areas. Staff regularly attend conferences and network with the NGO and philanthropic communities to identify leading organizations. The Turner Foundation supports public education, advocacy, organizing and hands-on conservation work. The Foundation has moved to an invitation-only application process.
The Turner Foundation is affiliated with the following other organizations:
- Captain Planet Foundation: This Foundation makes small grants (generally up to $2,500) nationwide to support environmental education projects for kids.
- United Nations Foundation: Created with a $1 billion gift from Ted Turner, this Foundation is an advocate for the UN and a platform for connecting people to help the UN serve pressing global problems.
- Better World Fund: This Fund was created as a project of the United Nations Foundation. One of its chief goals is to broaden public support for the UN.
Sample grants:
- $100,000 to ETV Endowment of South Carolina (2008).
- $47,850 to Kentucky Educational Television (2008).
- $25,000 to the Society of Environmental Journalists (Jenkintown, PA) (2008).
- $10,000 to Environmental Media Association (Los Angeles) (2008).
- $10,000 to International Wildlife Film Festival (Missoula, MT) (2008).
- $10,000 to International Women's Media Foundation (Washington, DC) (2008).
Fit for public broadcasting: The Turner Foundation has a good history of support for media organizations, including public media (despite some indication that it technically does not support media). Because the Foundation has moved to an invitation-only proposal process, organizations must find a way to introduce themselves to one of the Board or staff members.
Eligibility: Although there is some indication that the Foundation does not technically support media projects, it has a history of doing so. The Foundation has moved to an invitation-only application process. It no longer accepts letters of inquiry or unsolicited proposals.
Deadline: Not applicable.
How to apply: The Foundation has moved to an invitation-only application process. It no longer accepts letters of inquiry or unsolicited proposals.
Giving range: $500 – $500,000; most grants are under $50,000.
Assets: $4,062,701 (year ending 12/31/2008)
Total giving: $10,735,654 (2008)
