The Karen Katen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Karen Katen Foundation is a private foundation in Westport, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $368,050 in 60 grants; the typical grant was $1,750 and the largest $73,200. 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$368,050
- Number of grants60
- Typical grant$1,750
- Largest grant$73,200
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees13%
Giving in 2025 was up from $324,800 the year before.
13% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $584,050 | 54 | $5.4 million |
| 2024 | $324,800 | 63 | $6.2 million |
| 2025 | $368,050 | 60 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
The Karen Katen 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 Karen Katen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 15 | $123,500 |
| Connecticut | 23 | $108,850 |
| Illinois | 3 | $81,300 |
| New York | 8 | $40,500 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $5,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,000 |
| California | 2 | $750 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Clinic Indian River | unrestrictedgrant | $73,200 |
| University of Chicago | unrestrictedgraant | $50,000 |
| Simpson College | unrestrictedgrant | $30,000 |
| Alzheimers Assn | unrestricted grant | $25,000 |
| Connecticut River Museum | unrestrictedgrant | $25,000 |
| McKee Botanical Gardens | unrestrictedgrant | $25,000 |
| NY Botanical Garden Center | unrestictedgrant | $25,000 |
| Middlesex Health Philanthropy | unrestrictedgrant | $25,000 |
| Miss Stacie's Foundation | unrestrictedgrant | $7,000 |
| Youth Guidance | unrestrictedgrant | $6,300 |
| Visiting Nurse of Lower valley | unrestrictedgrant | $5,500 |
| Help Me See | unrestricted Grant | $5,000 |
| Indian River Land Trust | unrestrictedgrant | $5,000 |
| Johns Island Community Service | unrestictedgrant | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | unrestrictedgrant | $5,000 |
| Johns Island Foundation | unrestrictedgrant | $3,000 |
| Trickle Up | unrestrictedgrant | $3,000 |
| Environmental Learning Center | unrestrictedgrant | $2,500 |
| Florence Griswold Museum | unrestrictedgrant | $2,500 |
| Covenant Shelter of New London | unrestrictedgrant | $2,500 |
| Red Door Community | unrestricted grant | $2,500 |
| The Learning Alliance | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Gifford Youth Center | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Indian River Habitat For Humanity | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Indian River State College | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Senior Resource Assn | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| St Judes Childrens Hospital | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| United Way of Indian River | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Susan Komen Annual Fund | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| One Love Learning | unrestrictedgrant | $2,000 |
| Court Appt Special Advocate | unrestrictedgrant | $1,500 |
| Child and Family of SE CT | unrestrictedgrant | $1,500 |
| ASPCA | unrestrictedgrant | $1,000 |
| Capitol Squash | unrestrictedgrant | $1,000 |
| Global Kids | unrestrictedgrant | $1,000 |
| Wounded Warrior Project | unrestrictedgrant | $1,000 |
| Ocean Research & Conservation Association | unrestrictedgrant | $1,000 |
| Essex Library Assn | unrestrictedgrant | $500 |
| Brady United | unrestrictedgrant | $500 |
| Boys and Girls Club | unrestrictedgrant | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Karen L Katen
- Donna Katen-Bahensky
- Elwood B Davis
- Robert E Williams Jr
Questions people ask
Does The Karen Katen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Karen Katen Foundation give?
$368,050 in tax year 2025, across 60 grants, with a typical grant of $1,750.
Who runs The Karen Katen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Karen L Katen (Trustee), Donna Katen-Bahensky (Trustee), Elwood B Davis (Trustee) and Robert E Williams Jr (Trustee).
What does The Karen Katen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, health and education.