John Dawson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
John Dawson Foundation is a private foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.2 million in 22 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $150,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.2 million
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$30.6 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
41% of its 2024 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 | $1.2 million | 18 | $28.7 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 22 | $30.6 million |
How to apply
John Dawson 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 Dawson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Arizona.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 15 | $1.0 million |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $35,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $25,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $25,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $10,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys and Girls Club of the Valley Inc | Charitable purpose | $150,000 |
| Arizona Friends of Foster Children | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Goldwater Institute | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Jazz in Arizona Inc DBA the Nash | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation Arizona Chapter | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Mindfulness First | Charitable purpose | $100,000 |
| Arizona Freedom Foundation | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Arizona Liberty Network | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Arizona Sports & Entertainment Commission | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Cato Institute | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| East Valley Inst of Technology Foundation | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Executive Council Charities | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Fiesta Events Inc | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Institute for Justice | Charitable purpose | $50,000 |
| Hillsdale College | Charitable purpose | $35,000 |
| Beyond Autism | Charitable purpose | $30,000 |
| Libertas Network | Charitable purpose | $25,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | Charitable purpose | $25,000 |
| Arizona Council on Economic Education | Charitable purpose | $20,000 |
| Autism Life & Living | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| Teach One to Lead One | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
| US Amateur Weightlifting Foundation | Charitable purpose | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David Lunt
- Sean P Sachs
- Charles Inderieden
Questions people ask
Does John Dawson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John Dawson Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2024, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs John Dawson Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists David Lunt (President/Director), Sean P Sachs (Director) and Charles Inderieden (Director).
What does John Dawson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and disability.