Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Naples, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $34,750 in 12 grants; the typical grant was $2,375 and the largest $10,000. 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$34,750
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$2,375
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$905,170
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $31,000 the year before.
25% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $40,000 | 17 | $772,327 |
| 2024 | $31,000 | 12 | $820,958 |
| 2025 | $34,750 | 12 | $905,170 |
How to apply
Gardner Cowles III Charitable 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 Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 7 | $13,500 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $5,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $3,250 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hearts of the Herd | Public service | $10,000 |
| Bowdoin College | Educational | $5,000 |
| The Ellen Hermanson Foundation | Public service | $3,000 |
| Trustees of Tufts | Educational | $3,000 |
| Bay Street Theater | Public service | $2,500 |
| Southampton Hosp Foundation | Public service | $2,500 |
| Naples Therapeutic Riding Center | Public service | $2,250 |
| Heart of the Hamptons | Public service | $2,000 |
| Sag Harbor Comm Food Pantry | Public service | $2,000 |
| St Ann's Episcopal Church | Public service | $1,000 |
| Trinity by the Cove | Public service | $1,000 |
| The Bridgehampton Museum | Public service | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Elizabeth Cowles
Questions people ask
Does Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation give?
$34,750 in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $2,375.
Who runs Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Elizabeth Cowles (President).
What does Gardner Cowles III Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.