Madrono Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Madrono Foundation is a private foundation in Denver, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 26 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$25.4 million
- New grantees65%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.0 million the year before.
65% 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 | $115,000 | 7 | $20.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.0 million | 25 | $22.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 26 | $25.4 million |
How to apply
Madrono 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 Madrono Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 11 | $445,000 |
| Washington | 4 | $110,000 |
| Colorado | 2 | $100,000 |
| Montana | 2 | $100,000 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $62,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| New York | 1 | $50,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $50,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACLU Foundation of San Diego | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Essential Access Health | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Middle East Children's Alliance | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Access Reproductive Justice | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Reproductive Freedom for All Foundation | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Lavender Rights Project | Human rights/social justice | $50,000 |
| Climate Justice Alliance | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| Green Latinos | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| The Wilderness Land Trust | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| Center for Environmental Law & Policy | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| The Climate Center | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| The Bail Project | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Undue Medical Debt | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Center for Refugee Services | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Harvest International Ministry | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Fundamental Needs | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Solid Ground | Poverty alliviation | $50,000 |
| Western Organization of Resource Councils | Environment/climate change | $50,000 |
| Sound Future Foundation | Special projects | $25,000 |
| San Diego State University Foundation | Special projects | $25,000 |
| Indigenous Environmental Network | Environment/climate change, special projects | $12,000 |
| Community Against Sexual Harm | Special projects | $10,000 |
| San Diego Library Foundation | Special projects | $10,000 |
| St Stephen's Episcopal School | Special projects | $10,000 |
| King County Library System Foundation | Special projects | $5,000 |
| Seattle Neighborhood Greenways | Special projects | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Martin Kohout
- Elizabeth Kohout
- Christopher Kohout
- Thea Kohout
- Jennifer Crossett
- Nor Christenson
Questions people ask
Does Madrono Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Madrono Foundation give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Madrono Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Martin Kohout (Director), Elizabeth Kohout (Director), Christopher Kohout (Director) and Thea Kohout (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Madrono Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, human services and health.