Joy in Blue Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Joy in Blue Foundation is a private foundation in Litchfield Park, Arizona. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 30 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $160,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants30
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$160,000
- Assets$29.2 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.0 million the year before.
21% 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 | $1.1 million | 32 | $26.0 million |
| 2024 | $1.0 million | 31 | $27.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 30 | $29.2 million |
How to apply
Joy in Blue 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Joy in Blue Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 14 | $555,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $156,650 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $100,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $80,000 |
| Maryland | 4 | $60,000 |
| California | 2 | $50,000 |
| Georgia | 2 | $40,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Next generation global engagement scholarship fund (umf fund #22981) | $160,000 |
| Boston College Trustees | Drinan family fund in support of public interest law | $100,000 |
| National Science and Technology Medals Foundation | Operating support | $100,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc | Operating support | $100,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Inc | Operating support | $55,000 |
| Feeding America | Operating support | $50,000 |
| Solid Ground | Operating support | $41,000 |
| Women's Advocates | Operating support | $40,000 |
| Helping Paws Inc | Operating support | $35,000 |
| Penumbra Theatre Company Inc | Operating support | $35,000 |
| The Sanneh Foundation Inc | Operating support | $35,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Boynton paws (umf fund #21206) | $35,000 |
| Minnesota Public Radio | Operating support | $32,000 |
| Animal Humane Society | Operating support | $30,000 |
| BABY2BABY | Operating support | $30,000 |
| Crossroads Fund | Operating support | $30,000 |
| For the Good | Operating support | $30,000 |
| Great River Greening | Operating support | $30,000 |
| International Institute of Minnesota | Operating support | $30,000 |
| The History Theatre Inc | Operating support | $25,000 |
| University of Minnesota Foundation | Next generation global discovery scholarship fund (umf fund #22982) | $24,000 |
| Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Inc | Operating support | $20,000 |
| Books for Keeps Inc | Operating support | $20,000 |
| Historic Annapolis Inc | Operating support | $20,000 |
| University of Georgia Foundation | Jill crim memorial fund (ugaf fund #7176599) | $20,000 |
| Vision to Learn | Operating support | $20,000 |
| The Bernie House Inc | Operating support | $10,000 |
| Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating Inc | Operating support | $10,000 |
| Achieve Twin Cities | Edison high school - ib french language teaching resources | $3,000 |
| Association of Small Foundations | Operating support | $1,650 |
Officers and trustees
- Laura Jean Rathmann
- Richard G Rathmann
- Kaeli J Rathmann
Questions people ask
Does Joy in Blue Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Joy in Blue Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 30 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Joy in Blue Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Laura Jean Rathmann (President), Richard G Rathmann (Treasurer/Secretary) and Kaeli J Rathmann (Director).
What does Joy in Blue Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, international and arts and culture.