The Banks Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Banks Family Foundation is a private foundation in Oakland, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $165,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $25,000. 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$165,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$1.0 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $155,000 the year before.
50% 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 | $155,000 | 14 | $860,026 |
| 2024 | $155,000 | 12 | $1.0 million |
| 2025 | $165,000 | 10 | $1.0 million |
How to apply
The Banks Family 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 The Banks Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 9 | $155,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Destiny Arts Center | Support after school programs in three west oakland schools | $25,000 |
| Luna Dance & Creativity | Support and expand children's programs at childhood centers | $20,000 |
| Oakland Museum of California | To support california school programs | $20,000 |
| St Vincents Day Home | Support for comprehensive learning | $20,000 |
| Creative Growth Art Center | Support year round saturday art program for youth with disabilities | $15,000 |
| Cycles of Change | To support the bike club program at four east oakland schools | $15,000 |
| Oakland Lacrosse Club | Support professional development | $15,000 |
| St Mary's Center Preschool | To support a new literacy program | $15,000 |
| Maps Arts | To be used to acquire an art mobile to be able to offer classes around new york city | $10,000 |
| Oakland Leaf Foundation | To support general operation of intership program | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Karen Banks
Questions people ask
Does The Banks Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Banks Family Foundation give?
$165,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Banks Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Karen Banks (President).
What does The Banks Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and youth programs.