James Ludke Charitable Trust
Preselected recipients only
James Ludke Charitable Trust is a private foundation in Wickenburg, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $121,500 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $21,000. 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$121,500
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$21,000
- Assets$2.9 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was down from $170,000 the year before.
45% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $141,600 | 24 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $170,000 | 16 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $121,500 | 23 | $2.9 million |
How to apply
James Ludke Charitable Trust 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What James Ludke Charitable Trust funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 10 | $73,500 |
| Michigan | 1 | $13,000 |
| Oregon | 5 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 4 | $10,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Sigler Western Museum | Provide funds | $21,000 |
| Hillsdale College | Provide funds | $13,000 |
| Goldwater Institute | Provide funds | $12,500 |
| Del Webb Center | Provide funds | $10,000 |
| Phoenix Chamber Music Soc | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| Arizona Liberty Network | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| Individual | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| Turning Point USA | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| YMCA of the Rockies | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| Students for Liberty | Provide funds | $5,000 |
| Friends of Cave Creek Canyon | Provide funds | $4,000 |
| YMCA Phoenix | Provide funds | $4,000 |
| Bread of Life International | Provide funds | $3,500 |
| Individual | Provide funds | $3,500 |
| Swaziserve | Provide funds | $3,500 |
| Oregon Zoo | Provide funds | $3,000 |
| Dallas Museum of Art | Provide funds | $2,500 |
| Cedar Mill Community Library | Provide funds | $2,500 |
| Perot Museum of Nature and Science | Provide funds | $2,500 |
| Portland Art Museum | Provide funds | $2,000 |
| Individual | Provide funds | $1,500 |
| Oregon Museum of Science | Provide funds | $1,500 |
| Oregon Symphony | Provide funds | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James Ludke
- Barbara Rea Ludke
- Jeanne Heaslip
- Jill B Ludke Dixon
- Jamie Denler
Questions people ask
Does James Ludke Charitable Trust accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does James Ludke Charitable Trust give?
$121,500 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs James Ludke Charitable Trust?
Its 2025 filing lists James Ludke (Manager), Barbara Rea Ludke (Member), Jeanne Heaslip (Member) and Jill B Ludke Dixon (Member) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does James Ludke Charitable Trust fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and science and research.