Frequently Asked Questions

The Patterson Foundation is a fully endowed charitable entity. Dorothy Patterson, the Foundation’s benefactor, entrusted direction and decision making to those who worked with her and the Foundation’s leaders who would follow.

The Patterson Foundation strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities by focusing on issues that address mutual aspirations, foster wide participation, and encourage learning and sharing.

We would be delighted to make a presentation about The Patterson Foundation at one of your organization's upcoming meetings or events. Please fill out the Speaker Request Form, and we will contact you within two business days of receiving your completed form.

The Patterson Foundation believes that philanthropy strengthens the efforts of people, organizations, and communities. Strong communities thrive in the face of adversity and work together to achieve shared aspirations. That is why we focus on helping people engage with each other, providing expertise, encouraging learning, and sharing promising practices.

We encourage you to find out more about our approach.

Rather than having grant cycles, The Patterson Foundation invests in strengthening communities. Support through the thoughtful use of assets takes time and intention. That is why we focus on helping people engage with each other, providing expertise, encouraging learning, and sharing promising practices.

While we do not accept funding requests or unsolicited proposals from individuals or organizations, opportunities do exist to receive support from community movements and related organizations touched by our initiatives, such as the Giving Challenge, Margin & Mission Ignition, Season of Sharing, Student Emergency Fund, and EdExploreSRQ.

The Patterson Foundation’s future work evolves from existing engagements and initiatives. With more than 10 initiatives at any time, the Foundation determines when and where there might be alignment for future endeavors and does not accept requests for new initiatives.

The Patterson Foundation is a fully endowed charitable entity that was established in perpetuity. Northern Trust is the trustee, continuing the business relationship Dorothy Patterson enjoyed during her lifetime. Through the leadership of the Governing Board, President and CEO Debra Jacobs administers the Foundation.

The source of The Patterson Foundation’s funds can be traced back through four generations of the Patterson family to Joseph Medill, who became the owner of the Chicago Tribune in 1855. The Foundation’s benefactor is Dorothy Clarke Patterson, the wife of Medill’s great-grandson James J. Patterson.

After disbursements of more than $120 million, The Patterson Foundation's endowment is now more than $300 million.

The Foundation is based in Sarasota, Florida:
2 N. Tamiami Trail
Suite 206
Sarasota, Florida 34236