Deer Creek Foundation
OVERVIEW: The Deer Creek Foundation’s primary purpose is to support organizations that promote government accountability, democratic institutions, civil rights and civil liberties in the United States. It also supports local public media in St. Louis.
IP TAKE: This low-profile, progressive funder does not have a website, but it does accept letters of inquiry. While it’s not the most accessible funder in its spaces of giving, it does consider 3-page, succinct proposals that focus on its areas of grantmaking. So, don’t hesitate to pitch them in a proposal if your work aligns.
PROFILE: The Deer Creek Foundation was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1964. The foundation does not have a website, which limits information on its grantmaking habits, but tax filings show that it primarily supports efforts to promote democracy and civic engagement across the United States. To a lesser extent, the foundation supports public media in the St. Louis area.
Grants for Civic Engagement and Democracy
The Deer Creek Foundation’s grantmaking for democracy and civic engagement primarily centers on promoting civic education, government transparency, government accountability and progressive policy development. One past grantee is the Constitutional Accountability Center, a D.C.-based think-tank that works with legislative and judicial officials to promote progressive causes and interpretations of the constitution. In Whitesburg, Kentucky, the foundation has supported the Appalachian Citizens Law Center, a nonprofit that provides legal services to coal miners and families dealing with issues of mine safety and black lung. And in Oregon, the foundation has supported Crag Law Center, an organization that supports communities in their efforts to protect and conserve natural resources.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Deer Creek’s arts and culture grantmaking is limited to the St. Louis area, and grants mainly go to public media outlets. Past grantees include St. Louis Regional Public Media Inc. and public radio KWMU.
Important Grant Details:
Deer Creek grants generally range from $50,000 to $250,000, with an average grant amount of about $75,000. The foundation makes just over $1 million in grants annually. For additional information about past grantees, see the foundations recent tax filings.
The Deer Creek Foundation accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOI), not to exceed three pages, at the address listed below. Additional attachments may be requested. The board meets twice a year, in April and September, to review submissions. Direct general inquiries to foundation staff at 314-241-3228.
PEOPLE:
Search for staff contact info and bios in PeopleFinder (paid subscribers only).
CONTACT:
Michael P. Fischer, Deer Creek Foundation
800 Market St., Suite 1650
St. Louis, MO 63101
(314) 241-3228