Why Grants Matter

Grants play a vital role in sustaining and expanding the mission of Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. They provide the resources needed to support educational programming, therapeutic services, safe housing, and life-enriching experiences for the boys we serve.

Through grant funding, the Ranch is able to invest in both immediate needs and long-term solutions—strengthening infrastructure, enhancing academic support, and creating opportunities that help boys build confidence, stability, and life skills.

Equally important, grants allow the Foundation to steward donor resources responsibly, ensuring funds are used strategically, transparently, and with measurable impact. Together with our philanthropic partners, grants help transform lives and secure a stronger future for the boys entrusted to our care.

2025 Grant Projects

Rodeheaver Foundation recently raised over $100,000 to purchase
two 15-passenger vans for Rodeheaver Boys Ranch.

RBR is home to up to 40 at-risk boys, ages 6 to 17, who come to us due to parental death, abandonment, dysfunction, or other crises. These young men thrive in our stable, structured, and loving environment, but to participate in school, sports, church, and other enrichment activities, they need reliable transportation.

 Rodeheaver Foundation recently raised over $100,000 to purchase two 15-passenger van for Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. Reliable transportation is critical to our program—our boys rely on our vans daily for school, church, medical appointments, and other activities that promote their development and stability. Over the years, our vehicles have logged countless miles, and several in our fleet are aging rapidly. Replacing them regularly is essential to ensuring safety, efficiency, and continued access to opportunities off the Ranch. It seems like once we replace a van, we already need to replace another one. Thanks to a few generous donors, we were able to assist with the purchase of two vans recently for RBR.

Rockin R’ Junior Wrangler Equine Therapy Program

RBR is seeking grant support to sustain and expand our most impactful and costly program:
Rockin R’ Junior Wrangler Equine Therapy Program

This initiative provides a unique blend of physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapy through guided interactions with horses. Serving boys from at-risk and disadvantaged backgrounds, our equine therapy program fosters emotional healing, life skill development, and spiritual growth in a peaceful, open-air ranch setting.

 With over 20 horses in our care, it costs us more than $30,000 annually to maintain this program—including expenses for hay, grain, veterinary care, and training. As a ministry that never charges families for services, this support is vital to our continued impact.

At Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, we serve boys who come from crisis situations: poverty, neglect, family loss, and instability. Many arrive carrying trauma and emotional wounds that traditional therapy alone may not reach. Equine therapy—backed by research and rooted in compassion—has proven to be a powerful tool in helping our boys develop trust, responsibility, and self-confidence.

Despite its effectiveness, access to equine-assisted therapy is often out of reach for low-income communities. With your support, we can ensure this transformative experience remains a consistent part of each boy’s journey at the Ranch.

New Playground Project

A new playground has been installed in 2025. This project will provide a safe, engaging outdoor space that supports physical activity, social development, and healthy recreation for the boys. Special thanks to Clay Electric’s Operation Round Up funding.

 Operation Outdoor Fund

—a two-part project designed to enrich the lives of the boys at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch through active, outdoor experiences. This initiative includes our Youth Bike Initiative and our Kayaks for Outdoor Enrichment Program. 

Both the bikes and kayaks will be used regularly during structured recreation time, summer activities, weekend outings, and mentoring programs. These are more than just pieces of equipment—they are tools for healing, empowerment, and transformation.

2024 Grant Projects

Dining Hall Reopening & Interior Refresh

The Ranch dining hall was successfully reopened with thoughtful interior and exterior design updates. Improvements included coordinated paint and trim selections and the framing and installation of artwork, creating a warm, welcoming space where boys gather daily for meals and fellowship.

Transformation of the Ranch Museum into the Ranch School

Support was provided to transition the former Ranch Museum into the Ranch School. This included securing office furniture, supplies, and décor to prepare the space for educational use, helping establish a functional and inspiring learning environment for students.

Winter Activities & Travel Support

This grant provided resources for winter activities and travel, ensuring boys continued to experience enrichment, connection, and positive engagement during the school year.

Cottage Renovations & Apartment Expansion

Ongoing cottage renovations focused on consistent aesthetic upgrades using a modern farmhouse design approach. In addition, apartments were added to three cottages, expanding on-site housing capacity and improving long-term staff support for Ranch operations.

Grants Secured in 2024

Summer Activities & Travel Support

Funding was secured to support summer activities and travel experiences for Ranch youth. These opportunities allow boys to explore new environments, build confidence, and create meaningful memories outside the Ranch.

Ranch School Program Support

Grant funding supported the development and operation of the Ranch School, helping provide educational resources, supplies, and infrastructure that enhance academic instruction and student success.

Cottage Transportation Vans

Multiple grants were secured to fund cottage vans used for daily transportation needs. These vehicles support school attendance, appointments, activities, and outings—ensuring safe and reliable mobility for the boys and staff.

Cottage Apartment Expansion

Significant grant funding supported the construction of new cottage apartments, strengthening on-site housing for staff and reinforcing the Ranch’s ability to provide stable, consistent care for its residents.

New Playground Funding (Pending)

Pending grant funding has been requested to support the construction of a new playground. Once completed, this space will enhance outdoor recreation and contribute to the overall well-being of the boys at the Ranch.

Grants Secured in 2023

Corporate Grant & Community Partner Support

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch received broad corporate support through contributions from nationally recognized partners. These grants helped fund essential programs, supplies, and operational needs that directly support the boys’ daily lives.

Community Foundation of Northeast Florida – Program Support

Grant funding from the Community Foundation of Northeast Florida supported Ranch programming through the Frank Oliver Jr. Fund. This investment strengthened core services and reinforced a growing partnership with regional philanthropic leaders.

Covered Equine Pavilion – Capital Project Grant

Following an on-site tour, significant grant funding was awarded to support the construction of a covered equine pavilion. This project expands the Ranch’s equine therapy and vocational programming by providing a safe, functional space for year-round use.

Pool Project & Dock Repairs

Grant funding supported major infrastructure improvements, including enhancements to the Ranch pool and repairs to the dock. These upgrades improve recreation, safety, and quality of life for the boys.

Phillips Cottage Roof Renovation

A private foundation grant funded critical roof repairs to one of the Ranch cottages. This project ensured the longevity of residential housing and protected a safe, stable living environment for residents.

Summer Activities & Enrichment Programming

Annual grant funding supported summer activities and enrichment opportunities for Ranch youth. These experiences promote personal growth, teamwork, confidence, and exposure to new environments beyond the Ranch.

Barn Improvements

Grant funding was secured to improve Ranch barn facilities, strengthening the infrastructure that supports equine care, vocational training, and therapeutic programming.

Transportation Van Purchase

Funding was awarded to purchase a new Ranch vehicle, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for school, appointments, activities, and off-site programming.

Equine Therapy Program Support

Grant funding supported the Ranch’s equine therapy program, which plays a vital role in emotional regulation, responsibility-building, and healing for the boys through hands-on work with horses.

Rodeheaver Education Fund

A dedicated education fund was established to provide annual academic support for Ranch youth. This fund distributes resources directly to students at the end of each school year, reinforcing academic achievement and long-term success.

Academic Tutoring & Educational Advancement

Endowment funding supported tutoring services brought to the Ranch, expanding academic support and individualized instruction for students. Additional funding further strengthened long-term educational investment.

Grants Secured in 2022

Growth in Returning Grant Support

In 2022, Rodeheaver Foundation successfully increased grant support from several long-standing donors. Through strong stewardship and relationship building, multiple partners significantly increased their year-over-year giving, strengthening both program funding and long-term sustainability.

Unrestricted Grant Support

More than $52,000 in unrestricted grant funding was secured for Rodeheaver Foundation. These flexible funds supported operational needs and allowed the Ranch to respond quickly to priorities not typically covered by restricted grants.

Learning Center & Tutoring Program

Grant funding supported the Ranch’s Learning Center and tutoring program, providing academic assistance and individualized educational support. This investment helped ensure students received the resources they needed to succeed in school.

Ranch Security Gate Improvement

Grant funding supported the installation of a new security gate at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. This improvement enhanced campus safety and provided greater security for residents, staff, and visitors.

Summer Activities & Camping Experiences

Grant funding allowed Ranch cottages to participate in summer travel, camping, and enrichment activities. Each cottage was able to plan vacations and provide meaningful experiences that promoted bonding, confidence, and personal growth for the boys.

Cottage Repair & Infrastructure Campaign

A targeted cottage repair campaign combined grant funding with a direct mailing appeal to address critical infrastructure needs across the Ranch. This effort raised $146,000 to support essential repairs and updates, creating safer, more comfortable living environments for the boys and cottage parents.

Grant Stewardship & Donor Reporting

Comprehensive grant stewardship was provided through timely reports, photographs, and progress updates. Donors contributing $1,000 or more received personalized follow-up and impact materials, reinforcing transparency, accountability, and long-term donor trust.

Doris Satterwhite Administration Building

In 2022, Rodeheaver Foundation secured naming-rights contributions from trustees to support the creation of the Doris Satterwhite Administration Building. A total of $105,000 was raised and used to fully furnish the space. The project included coordinating interior and exterior design elements, selecting finishes and furnishings, and ensuring a cohesive farmhouse-style aesthetic throughout. Staff transitioned successfully into the new building, which was formally dedicated in October 2022 and now serves as the central hub for Ranch operations.

Ranch Museum Organization & Design

Support was provided for the organization and design of the Ranch Museum, helping preserve the history and legacy of Rodeheaver Boys Ranch. Thoughtful layout and presentation enhancements created an engaging space that honors the Ranch’s past while educating visitors and supporters.

Satterwhite Scholarship Program

The first Satterwhite Scholarship was successfully awarded, providing full tuition and books for a Ranch alumnus pursuing higher education. This scholarship reflects a meaningful investment in academic opportunity and long-term success for Ranch graduates.

RBR Alumni Engagement & Outreach

Ongoing efforts are dedicated to maintaining strong relationships with Rodeheaver Boys Ranch alumni. Alumni are kept informed, engaged, and invited to Ranch events, strengthening lifelong connections and fostering continued involvement in the Ranch community.

Grants Secured in 2021

Growth in Major Grant Support

Rodeheaver Foundation experienced significant growth in grant funding in 2021, with many long-standing partners increasing their year-over-year support. These increases reflect strong donor confidence and ongoing commitment to the Ranch’s mission.

Unrestricted Grant Funding

More than $52,000 in unrestricted grants were secured, providing flexible funding to support Ranch operations, urgent needs, and emerging priorities beyond program-restricted grants.

Learning Center & Tutoring Program

Grant funding supported the Ranch’s Learning Center and tutoring program, expanding academic assistance and individualized educational support for boys. This investment helped strengthen school success and long-term educational outcomes.

Ranch Security Gate

Grant funding was secured to support the installation of a new security gate at Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, improving campus safety and access control for residents, staff, and visitors.

Summer Activities & Travel

Grants were awarded to support summer travel, camping, and enrichment activities for Ranch boys. Each cottage was able to provide meaningful off-campus experiences that encouraged personal growth, bonding, and recreation.

Cottage Repair & Infrastructure Campaign

A targeted cottage repair initiative raised $146,000 to address critical facility needs across the Ranch. These funds supported essential updates and repairs, improving safety, comfort, and long-term sustainability of the residential cottages.

Grant Stewardship & Reporting

All grant funding was supported by comprehensive reporting, including progress updates and impact documentation. This commitment to accountability and communication helped strengthen donor relationships and support future funding.

Rodeheaver Foundation Selected as
First Recipient to Receive Grant from Clay Electric Foundation Operation Round Up 

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch has been selected as one of Clay Electric’s first Operation Round Up recipients. Participating Clay Electric Cooperative members’ bills are rounded up each month to the nearest dollar and the additional change is considered a charitable donation. 

Rodeheaver Boys Ranch will use this grant to provide electricity to their own Boy Scouts Camp. Poles and service lines will be ran over 200 feet to provide electricity to the Camp. This will provide access to multiple electrical outlets, allowing the boys to plug in tents, have better lighting, and the ability to cook or heat food.