The Kennedy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Kennedy Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.5 million in 54 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants54
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$37.7 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.6 million the year before.
42% 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 | $923,840 | 24 | $38.6 million |
| 2024 | $1.6 million | 41 | $38.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | 54 | $37.7 million |
How to apply
The Kennedy 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 Kennedy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 40 | $1.2 million |
| Virginia | 1 | $70,000 |
| Minnesota | 3 | $60,205 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $50,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $45,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $22,500 |
| New York | 2 | $15,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $7,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Joseph Hospital of Orange | Innovation and Technology - MAKO Robot FUND | $100,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | General & Unrestricted | $86,410 |
| Los Angeles Waterkeeper | General & Unrestricted | $75,000 |
| Pacific Legal Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $75,000 |
| Conservation International Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $70,000 |
| Museum Associates | General & Unrestricted | $70,000 |
| Palos Verdes Art Center Beverly G Alpay Center for | General & Unrestricted | $70,000 |
| South Coast Botanic Garden Foundation Inc | General & Unrestricted | $70,000 |
| Childrens Hospital Los Angeles | Brain Tumor Center | $50,000 |
| Crystal Cove Conservancy | Cottage Refresh Restoration Fund | $50,000 |
| Metavivor Research and Support Inc | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| The Priority Center Ending the Generational Cycle | General & Unrestricted | $45,000 |
| Upper Missouri Waterkeeper Inc | General & Unrestricted | $45,000 |
| Growinggreat | General & Unrestricted | $35,000 |
| Museum Associates | LACMA Fund & GENERAL & UNRESTRICTED | $35,000 |
| Iafe United Inc | Scoot Over Fund | $30,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation of Minnesota | General & Unrestricted | $25,205 |
| Community Music Center | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Dance Downtown la Inc | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Pacific Symphony | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| San Francisco Botanical Garden Society at Strybing | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Special Hearts in the Arts | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| The Wooden Floor for Youth Movement | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| University of Southern California | USC Athletics - Track and Field | $25,000 |
| Kqed Inc | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Mongabay Org Corporation | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Santa Ana College Foundation | General & unrestricted | $20,000 |
| St Joseph Hospital of Orange | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| United Way Inc | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Whiskers & Tails Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc | General & Unrestricted | $12,500 |
| North Beach Citizens | General & Unrestricted | $10,205 |
| Earthjustice | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Irrelevant Week Inc | Charitable Event | $10,000 |
| Los Angeles Mission Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Minnesota Childrens Museum | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| National Diaper Bank Network | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Sweet Relief Musicians Fund | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| The Coral Reef Alliance | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Amy Healey
- Parker Kennedy
- Elizabeth Kennedy Myers
Questions people ask
Does The Kennedy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Kennedy Foundation give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2025, across 54 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Kennedy Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Amy Healey (Dir), Parker Kennedy (CFO, Dir) and Elizabeth Kennedy Myers (Dir).
What does The Kennedy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and health.