Johnny Carson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Johnny Carson Foundation is a private foundation in Encino, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $13.3 million in 259 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $4.5 million. 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$13.3 million
- Number of grants259
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$4.5 million
- Assets$155 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2024 was up from $13.3 million the year before.
10% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $15.5 million | 250 | $164 million |
| 2023 | $13.3 million | 252 | $160 million |
| 2024 | $13.3 million | 259 | $155 million |
How to apply
Johnny Carson 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 Johnny Carson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 17 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 211 | $6.8 million |
| Nebraska | 19 | $5.7 million |
| Illinois | 2 | $165,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $155,000 |
| New York | 6 | $130,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $65,000 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $60,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $40,000 |
| Iowa | 1 | $25,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $22,500 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska Foundation | Carson center for emerging media arts - $2,000,000lied center building fund-$2,500,000cyfs program - $25,000husker pantry - $20,000 | $4.5 million |
| Faith Regional Health Services Foundation | Varian trubeam radiotherapy system & vault | $500,000 |
| La Regional Food Bank | Unrestricted support | $330,000 |
| Homeboy Industries | Unrestricted support | $290,000 |
| Uc Regents | Drakaki cancer research project | $250,000 |
| Westside Food Bank | Unrestricted support | $230,000 |
| Nebraska Cultural Endowment | Unrestricted support | $200,000 |
| Alliance for College Ready Public Schools | Scholarships - $120,000black, proud and college bound initiative - $50,000unrestricted support-$20,000 | $190,000 |
| National Jewish Health | Copd research - $125,000unrestricted support - $30,000 | $155,000 |
| Pat Tillman Foundation | Tillman scholars program | $155,000 |
| Teach for America | Los angeles area programs unrestricted support | $155,000 |
| UCLA Foundation | Dental special patient care program - $25,000friends of the semel institute - $5,000copd fellowship - $125,000 | $155,000 |
| Motion Picture & Television Fund | Unrestricted support | $125,000 |
| Planned Parenthood la | Unrestricted support | $125,000 |
| Academy of TV Arts & Sciences | Interviews archive project - $65,000unrestricted support - $50,000 | $115,000 |
| Heart of Los Angeles | Unrestricted support | $115,000 |
| Sag-Aftra Foundation | Unrestricted support | $115,000 |
| Lausd Education Foundation | Beyond the bell program - $10,000take action leadership campaign-$100,000 | $110,000 |
| Chrysalis Foundation | Unrestricted support | $105,000 |
| A Thousand Joys | Unrestricted support | $100,000 |
| Salvation Army Western Division | Unrestricted support | $100,000 |
| One Voice | Unrestricted support | $85,000 |
| Project Angel Food | Unrestricted support | $85,000 |
| Hope the Mission | Unrestricted support | $75,000 |
| Norfolk Senior Citizens Center | Unrestricted support | $75,000 |
| Teach Democracy | Unrestricted support | $75,000 |
| American Red Cross Los Angeles Region | Unrestricted support - $20,000l.a. Wildfire relief efforts - $50,000 | $70,000 |
| Ghetto Film School Inc | Unrestricted support | $70,000 |
| Children's Institute Inc | Unrestricted support | $65,000 |
| Green Dot Public Schools | Mentoring program - $25,000unrestricted support - $40,000 | $65,000 |
| Cal State Fullerton | Jazz program - scholarships - $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Saban Community Clinic | Unrestricted - $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Children's Hospital la | Mental health program - $10,000gofarr fund - $15,000unrestricted support - $30,000 | $55,000 |
| The Unusual Suspects Theater Company | Unrestricted support | $55,000 |
| Autism Speaks | Summer camps | $50,000 |
| College Track | Los angeles area unrestricted support | $50,000 |
| Comedy Gives Back | Unrestricted support | $50,000 |
| Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assoc | Unrestricted support | $50,000 |
| Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles | Camp bob waldorf | $50,000 |
| La Family Housing | Unrestricted support | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Lawrence L Witzer
- Allan L Alexander
- Steven Sotzing
- Lawrence Heller
- Jeffrey Sotzing
Questions people ask
Does Johnny Carson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Johnny Carson Foundation give?
$13.3 million in tax year 2024, across 259 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Johnny Carson Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Lawrence L Witzer (Coo/Cfo/Sec/Director), Allan L Alexander (Ceo/Pres/Gen Counsel/Direc), Steven Sotzing (Director) and Lawrence Heller (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Johnny Carson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and food and hunger.