The Joy Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Joy Fund is a private foundation in Boulder, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $140,000 in 12 grants; the typical grant was $9,750 and the largest $23,000. 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$140,000
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$9,750
- Largest grant$23,000
- Assets$2.3 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was up from $112,000 the year before.
80% 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 | $73,000 | 5 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $112,000 | 16 | $2.1 million |
| 2025 | $140,000 | 12 | $2.3 million |
How to apply
The Joy Fund 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 Joy Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 2 | $43,000 |
| Colorado | 4 | $40,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $20,000 |
| California | 2 | $12,500 |
| New York | 2 | $12,500 |
| Maine | 1 | $12,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Democracy Forward Foundation | To protect the rights and institutions that make our nation's democracy strong by working through the legal system andadministrative processes to preserve the rule of law and hold government accountable, and to educate the public about those efforts | $23,000 |
| Boulder Food Rescue | Food redistribution - rescue food that would otherwise go to waste and distribute it to low-income communities across boulder | $20,000 |
| Partnership With Native Americans | Food and water to support the long-term solutions for strong, self-sufficient native american communities | $20,000 |
| Protect Democracy Project | To prevent our democracy from declining into a more authoritarian form of government. We do this by working to strengthen the checks and balances that have held the executive branch accountable to the laws and longstanding practices that have protected our democracy through both democratic and republican administrations | $20,000 |
| Individual | $12,500 | |
| Individual | $12,000 | |
| Camfed USA Foundation | Catalyze the power of the most vulnerable girls and young women to create the future they imagine for themselves, for their communities, and for africa | $7,500 |
| Give Directly Inc | To reduce poverty by providing financial assistance directly to those in need | $7,500 |
| Community Partners for the Civics Center | Civics center is a voter registration group focused on high school students. The organization encourages state and localgovernments, as well as schools and nonprofits, to ease voter registration access and promote youth voting | $5,000 |
| Freedom of the Press Foundation | Mission is to protect, defend, and empower public-interest journalism in the 21st century | $5,000 |
| Sister Carmen Community Center Inc | Provide assistance to residents of east boulder county who are in need, without discrimination | $5,000 |
| The Trust for Land Restoration Inc | The mission is to conserve and protect significant scenic sites and historic landscapes in the san juan mountains of sw colorado, specializing in the restoration, conservation, and protection of ecologically significant properties that have been degraded by human activity | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Amy J Divine
Questions people ask
Does The Joy Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Joy Fund give?
$140,000 in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $9,750.
Who runs The Joy Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Amy J Divine (Trustee).
What does The Joy Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, education and human services.