The Knowlton Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Knowlton Foundation is a private foundation in Vail, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $175,560 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $30,000. 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$175,560
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$1.9 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2025 was up from $153,318 the year before.
48% 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 | $210,600 | 44 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $153,318 | 29 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $175,560 | 29 | $1.9 million |
How to apply
The Knowlton 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 Knowlton Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 6 | $71,000 |
| Colorado | 8 | $27,000 |
| Iowa | 2 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $20,000 |
| California | 5 | $14,060 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $6,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $1,000 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hormel Historic Home | Community, educational | $30,000 |
| University of Minnesota | Educational, shelly joseph-kordell memorial scholarship fund | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross - Ca Wildfires | Community, charitable | $20,000 |
| Alzheimer's Association - Houston Texas Walk | Medical, community | $10,000 |
| Austin Artworks | Education, the arts | $10,000 |
| Bravo Vail | Cultural, educational | $10,000 |
| Covenant House Texas | Charitable, community | $10,000 |
| Horatio Alger Association | Community, charitable | $10,000 |
| McCallum Theatre | Cultural, community | $10,000 |
| Vail Valley Foundation Community Fund | Community, charitable | $8,000 |
| The ALS Foundation | Medical, community | $5,000 |
| Denver Health Foundation | Health, charitable | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army | Community, charitable | $5,000 |
| Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School | Religious | $5,000 |
| Celebration Ministries Inc - Desert Community Foundation | Community, religious | $2,000 |
| Alzheimer's Accociaion - Longest Day | Medical, community | $1,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley | Community, charitable | $1,000 |
| County Sheriffs of Co | Community, charitable | $1,000 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | Community, charitable | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Medical | $1,000 |
| Project Pantry | Community, charitable | $1,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital | Medical, scientific | $1,000 |
| Wounded Warriors Project | Community, charitable | $1,000 |
| American Cancer Society | Medical, scientific | $500 |
| Boys Town | Community, charitable | $500 |
| Caring Bridge | Charitable, community | $500 |
| PBS Rocky Mtn | Community, charitable | $500 |
| Special Olympics | Community, charitable | $500 |
| PBS Southern California - Kcet | Community, charitable | $60 |
Officers and trustees
- Nancy V Knowlton
- Claudia K Chike
- Julie K Wham
- David R Knowlton
- Kimberly K Heymann
- Scott B Knowlton
Questions people ask
Does The Knowlton Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Knowlton Foundation give?
$175,560 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs The Knowlton Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nancy V Knowlton (Pres/Treasurer/Secretary), Claudia K Chike (Director), Julie K Wham (Director) and David R Knowlton (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Knowlton Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and human services.