First Fruits Family Foundation

First Fruits Family Foundation is a private independent foundation (NTEE T22) based in Naples, Florida, managed by the Pitzaferro family. Founded in 2012, it holds approximately $6.97 million in assets and operates as a traditional grantmaking foundation. The foundation does not maintain a public website with application information — the previously associated domain (firstfruits.org) belongs to a different entity, Firstfruits Gospel Foundation. Given the family-run governance structure (all board members share the Pitzaferro surname or are closely associated), the foundation likely operates on a preselected or invitation-only basis. Prospective applicants should contact the foundation directly at its registered address: 8231 Bay Colony Dr, Apt 1903, Naples, FL 34108.

The foundation shows a consistent pattern of charitable disbursements funded primarily by investment returns. Annual grantmaking has ranged from $83,286 (2019) to $1,050,000 (2015), with recent years (2022-2024) stabilizing around $325,000-$405,000 annually. The 2024 filing reports $404,897 in charitable disbursements (86.7% of total expenses), funded by dividends ($197,512) and asset sales ($413,630). The investment portfolio is concentrated in corporate stocks valued at approximately $6.4 million. The foundation experienced a major capitalization event in 2020 with $7.1 million in revenue, which established its current asset base. Administrative costs are minimal — the sole compensated position is Finance Manager Sarah Vail at $6,000/year.

Among private independent foundations in the Naples, FL area with assets in the $5-10 million range, First Fruits Family Foundation operates with notably low administrative overhead. Its 86.7% charitable disbursement rate (2024) is well above the IRS minimum distribution requirement of approximately 5% of net investment assets. The foundation distributes roughly 6% of its assets annually in charitable contributions, which is moderately above the regulatory floor. Its zero-liability balance sheet and concentrated equity portfolio are typical of family foundations of this size.

The 2024 fiscal year (most recent filing) shows the foundation increased both revenue and grantmaking. Revenue rose from $311,533 (2023) to $920,921 (2024), driven by a $309,768 contribution received and strong investment returns. Charitable disbursements increased from $324,086 to $404,897. Total assets grew from $6.51 million to $6.97 million. The foundation added Sarah Vail as a compensated Finance Manager ($6,000/year), the first paid position in recent filing history. Board composition remains stable with the Pitzaferro family members, John Sleeting, and Jae Haas as directors.

This foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals. There is no public website, no published application form, and no documented application process. The family-controlled board structure (predominantly Pitzaferro family members) suggests grants are directed to causes personally known to the trustees. If you believe your organization aligns with this foundation''s interests, the recommended approach is a direct written inquiry to: First Fruits Family Foundation, c/o John Pitzaferro, 8231 Bay Colony Dr, Apt 1903, Naples, FL 34108-7795. Include a concise organizational overview, specific funding request, and evidence of impact in your area of work.