John H Watson Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
John H Watson Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Dothan, Alabama. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.6 million in 25 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $1.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.6 million
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$40.0 million
- New grantees24%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
24% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.6 million | 20 | $31.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 29 | $35.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.6 million | 25 | $40.0 million |
How to apply
John H Watson Charitable Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What John H Watson Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Alabama.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 23 | $1.6 million |
| South Dakota | 1 | $5,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn University | Charitable | $1.0 million |
| Evergreen Presbyterian Church | Charitable | $147,000 |
| Alabama Media Foundation | Charitable | $125,000 |
| Various Other Tax-Exempt Organizations (Contributions of 2500 or Less) | Charitable | $31,850 |
| Child Advocacy Center | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Vivian B Adams School | Charitable | $25,500 |
| Wiregrass Hope Group | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Chrysalis A Home for Girls | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Dothan Rotary Foundation | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Friends of Army Aviation | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Hawk - Houston Center | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Economic Development Partnership of Al | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Ozark | Charitable | $12,000 |
| Acts Church Christian Center | Charitable | $11,500 |
| Alabama Network of Family Resource Centers | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Girls Inc of Dothan | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Salvation Army | Charitable | $10,000 |
| SE Health | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Dothan Tuesday Rotary Club | Charitable | $7,950 |
| Dothan Area Botanical Gardens | Charitable | $6,000 |
| Wiregrass Area Food Bank | Charitable | $5,500 |
| St Joseph's Indian School | Charitable | $5,000 |
| St Jude's Hospital | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Wallace Community College | Charitable | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John H Watson
- Gail P Watson
- John R Watson
- Abby W Downs
Questions people ask
Does John H Watson Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John H Watson Charitable Foundation give?
$1.6 million in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs John H Watson Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John H Watson (Director), Gail P Watson (Director), John R Watson (Director) and Abby W Downs (Director).
What does John H Watson Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and youth programs.