Thagard Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Thagard Foundation is a private foundation in Fontana, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $312,000 in 33 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $38,000. 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$312,000
- Number of grants33
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$38,000
- Assets$7.0 million
- New grantees18%
Giving in 2025 was up from $258,000 the year before.
18% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $195,000 | 31 | $5.3 million |
| 2023 | $222,000 | 33 | $5.6 million |
| 2024 | $258,000 | 32 | $5.5 million |
| 2025 | $312,000 | 33 | $7.0 million |
How to apply
Thagard 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 Thagard Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 23 | $191,000 |
| Texas | 8 | $99,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $12,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shriners Hospital for Children | Provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. | $38,000 |
| Trinity School of Midland | To provide support to fullfil the organization's missision - provides a nuturing enviroment to enrich the mind, strenthen the body, enliven the soul, and inspire servant leadership. | $25,000 |
| Permian Basin Area Foundation-Clare Tompson Ellis Memorial | Provides this foundation the opportunity to sustain the vitality of west texas communities through grants to non-profit organizations. | $20,000 |
| Kitten Clutter Rescue | Help save the lives of cats in the california shelter system. We specialize in neonatal orphaned kittens. | $19,500 |
| Breaking Bread Ministries of Midland TX | Provide sleeping bags, coats, and nourishing meals every evening for the needy. | $14,000 |
| Menlo College Office of Advancement | To support a top-ranked education and the personalized learning at the college. | $12,000 |
| Scottsdale Christian Academy | To provide support for this K-12, private, non-denominational christian school. | $12,000 |
| YMCA of Midland | Provides financial assistance, scholarship support and childcare for needy families. | $10,000 |
| Garry Marshall Theatre | Provides performing arts, theatre and arts education activities for the community. | $10,000 |
| Trabuco Presbyterian Church | Providing opportunities for children, students, and families to grow in faith, in community, and in service | $10,000 |
| Buckner of Midland Texas | Provide support to vulnerable children and families in need. | $10,000 |
| Culver Educational Foundation | Provides support for this co-educational, residential institution for grades 9-12 located in culver, indiana. | $10,000 |
| Scottish Rite Aphasia Fund | Provide services for children who struggle with speaking clearly, reading and writing. | $10,000 |
| Casa Teresa | Provide food and shelter for women, children, and babies to help break cycles of abuse, addiction and homelessness. | $10,000 |
| Mission Hospital Foundation | To support the fundraising goal of the hospital, including supporting the work of the intensive care physicians. | $10,000 |
| The Center for Comprehensive Care and Diagnosis of Inherited Blood Disorder | Provide support for this pediatric acute care hospital. | $10,000 |
| St Joseph Hospital Foundation | Provide support for cancer services. | $10,000 |
| Pacific Marine Mammal Center | Inspires ocean stewardship through animal rescue and rehabilitation, research, STEM education programs, and advocacy for a healthy ocean. | $10,000 |
| Safeplace of Midland Texas | Provide services to victims of domestic violence and their children. | $10,000 |
| Huntington Christian School | Preschool through 8th grade christian school | $6,000 |
| Orange Tree Christian School | Provides support for this private, non-denominational preschool service 2-6 year olds. | $6,000 |
| Newport Beach Historical Society | Collecting, educating, and preserving the history of newport beach | $5,000 |
| Hospice of Midland Texas | Provide care to those with life-limiting illnesses. | $5,000 |
| Midland Soup Kitchen of Midland TX | Provides an average of 150 home cooked meals daily and holiday meals and gifts during christmas. | $5,000 |
| USC Gould School of Law | To support the dean's strategic fund. | $5,000 |
| Balboa Island Museum | To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of balboa island and newport beach. | $5,000 |
| The Bishop's School Office of Advancement | Providing students a comprehensive education that inspires passion and curiosity at this college-preparatory, grades six through twelve, day school | $3,000 |
| California Youth Services | Providing rehabilitation and ongoing support and couseling for individuals and their families. | $3,000 |
| Miracles for Kids | To improve the lives of critically ill children and their families in need | $3,000 |
| Rad Camp | Provides support for youth with special needs to enjoy a summer camp experience. | $2,000 |
| Cancer Research Collaboration Incorporated | Provide new and better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. | $1,500 |
| CHP 11-99 Foundation | Provides california highway patrol employees and their families emergency assistance, death benefits and scholarship funds. | $1,000 |
| Think Together | Provides for afterschool and early learning programs, student support services, and school improvement. | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- William N Ratkovic
- Raymond G Thagard Jr
- Belle L Ellis
- John C Bagwell
- George F Thagard III
- Glen J Ellis Jr
- Kirk A Vanmatre
- V William Osier
- Bruce Robinson
Questions people ask
Does Thagard Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Thagard Foundation give?
$312,000 in tax year 2025, across 33 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Thagard Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists William N Ratkovic (Trustee), Raymond G Thagard Jr (Trustee), Belle L Ellis (Trustee) and John C Bagwell (Trustee) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Thagard Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.