The Skeet Varner Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Skeet Varner Foundation is a private foundation in Bakersfield, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $174,451 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 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$174,451
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$1.1 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was down from $306,100 the year before.
40% 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 | $689,500 | 18 | $1.1 million |
| 2024 | $306,100 | 21 | $1.2 million |
| 2025 | $174,451 | 25 | $1.1 million |
How to apply
The Skeet Varner 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 The Skeet Varner Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 19 | $107,450 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $20,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $20,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $5,001 |
| Michigan | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California Policy Center | To support the advancement of free-market public policies. | $25,000 |
| Broom Tree Refuge | To provide general contributions to the ministry | $20,000 |
| Radius International | To assisst the evangelical church and missions community by providing pre-field missions training that will equip cross-cultural workers to establish healthy, indigenous, reproducing churches among unreached language groups. | $20,000 |
| Keepers Transformation House | Assist and guide individuals through a systematic program designed to encourage believing, belonging and becoming, utilizing christian values and beliefs. | $15,200 |
| Bakersfield College Foundation | To provide academic scholarships | $13,000 |
| Fivestones Churches | To support the connection of people and their relationship with the kingdom of god. | $10,000 |
| Kern Community Foundation | To support the growth of a community through philanthropy by helping people support the causes they care most about. | $10,000 |
| French Foundation | To promote connections between leaders in business, government, and culture through policy dialogues and exchange programs. | $10,000 |
| Mission at Kern County | To provide meals, shelter, education, and clothing to those in need. | $10,000 |
| Crossover Church | To support the community through faithful bible study, prayer, and evangelism, aiming to make disciples. | $10,000 |
| California State University Bakersfield Foundation | To establish entrepreneurship center | $7,000 |
| Market of Hope | To provide food and hygiene items to people in need. | $5,001 |
| Youth for Christ of Kern County | To reach young people everywhere, working with local churches and partners to raise up lifelong followers of jesus christ. | $5,000 |
| Garden Pathways | To provide a communal ceremony over prayer for homelessness, oil, agriculture, and the economy. | $3,750 |
| Bakersfield Angels | To offer support to foster care families in the community. | $2,500 |
| Kirschenmann Foundation | To support the youth in kern county by allowing them to reach their individual goals | $2,000 |
| New Arbor Church | To support the people of washtenaw county to worship the lord jesus christ and connect them together to serve him. | $2,000 |
| New Hope Cemetary | To provide for those who lost loved ones. | $1,000 |
| Bakersfield West Rotary Foundation | To support charities in the greater bakersfield area, particularly those serving children and youth, and to support the club-sponsored interact and rotaract clubs. | $1,000 |
| Bakersfield Prayer Breakfast | To provide a communal ceremony over prayer for homelessness, oil, agriculture, and the economy. | $600 |
| Children to Love | To assist and guide individuals through a systematic program designed to encourage believing, belonging and becoming, utilizing christian values and beliefs. | $500 |
| Bakersfield North Rotary Foundation | To support charities in the greater bakersfield area, particularly those serving children and youth, and to support the club-sponsored interact and rotaract clubs. | $300 |
| Liberty High School Tennis | To provide support to the liberty high school tennis teams. | $250 |
| Jamison Children's Center | To offer nuturing environment that meets children's immediate needs. | $250 |
| Laurelglen Bible Church | To support the development of fully committed followers of jesus christ. | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Jacob Panero
- Sally Panero
- Lisa Mann
Questions people ask
Does The Skeet Varner Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Skeet Varner Foundation give?
$174,451 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Skeet Varner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jacob Panero (President), Sally Panero (Secretary) and Lisa Mann (Director).
What does The Skeet Varner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and arts and culture.