The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation
Accepts applications
The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation is a private foundation in Bakersfield, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $584,782 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $16,422 and the largest $79,977. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$584,782
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$16,422
- Largest grant$79,977
- Assets$17.9 million
- New grantees96%
Giving in 2025 was up from $567,298 the year before.
96% 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 | $479,326 | 23 | $15.9 million |
| 2024 | $567,298 | 31 | $16.8 million |
| 2025 | $584,782 | 26 | $17.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Tracy Cowenhoven P O Bin 440, Bakersfield, CA 93302 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (661) 395-7290 |
| What to submit | Grant application form available on foundation website. Shall provide: organization name, address, contact person, purpose of organization, project for which funds are sought, project needs, information related to similar programs, future funding, information relating to lasting benefits, and involvement of other groups. Requests must also include a budget for the project, operationg budget for the organization, IRS exemption letter, and a list of those on the governing board. |
| Deadlines | April 8 and october 18 |
| Restrictions | Disburse funds specifically for education and the arts to organizations in kern county that are exempt from federal income tax under the provisions of the internal revenue code 501(c)(3) exemption. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 26 | $584,782 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kern River Parkway Foundation | Program service support | $79,977 |
| Bakersfield Firefighters Historical So | Program service support | $50,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Kern County | Program service support | $50,000 |
| White Wolf Wellness Foundation | Program service support | $50,000 |
| Critters Without Litters | Program service support | $35,000 |
| Valley Center for the Blind | Program service support | $35,000 |
| Taft College Foundation | Program service support | $32,000 |
| California Native Plant Society | Program service support | $30,000 |
| Fort Tejon Historical Association | Program service support | $25,000 |
| Kern Bridges Youth Homes | Program service support | $25,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central Coast | Program service support | $25,000 |
| Adventist Health Bakersfield | Program service support | $20,000 |
| Child Guidance Guild of Bakersfield Inc | Program service support | $17,845 |
| The Salvation Army Ridgecrest Corps | Program service support | $15,000 |
| The Wounded Heroes Fund | Program service support | $12,945 |
| The Open Door Network | Program service support | $11,190 |
| CSF Medical Non Profit Foundation | Program service support | $10,000 |
| Hoffmann Hospice | Program service support | $10,000 |
| Whiskers Paws Hooves & Claws | Program service support | $10,000 |
| Links for Life | Program service support | $8,825 |
| Kern County Hispanic Commission | Program service support | $6,000 |
| Tehachapi Community Orchestra Foundation | Program service support | $6,000 |
| Aaa Dog Rescue Inc | Program service support | $5,000 |
| Books in the Woods | Program service support | $5,000 |
| Community Action Partnership of Kern | Program service support | $5,000 |
| Spay Neuter Imperative Project Ca | Program service support | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Virginia Cowenhoven
- Virginia Moorhouse
- Tracey Cowenhoven
- John Moorhouse
- Peter Cowenhoven
Questions people ask
Does The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: April 8 and october 18.
How much does The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation give?
$584,782 in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $16,422.
Who runs The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Virginia Cowenhoven (Board Member), Virginia Moorhouse (President), Tracey Cowenhoven (Vice President) and John Moorhouse (Secretary/Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs and health.