Lawson Family Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Lawson Family Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Fort Myers, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $372,000 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $9,500 and the largest $120,000. 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$372,000
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$9,500
- Largest grant$120,000
- Assets$9.2 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was up from $337,000 the year before.
11% 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 | $341,000 | 23 | $7.7 million |
| 2024 | $337,000 | 21 | $8.2 million |
| 2025 | $372,000 | 18 | $9.2 million |
How to apply
Lawson Family 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 Lawson Family Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 5 | $169,000 |
| Florida | 7 | $139,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $40,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $3,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa State University Foundation | Greater university fund | $120,000 |
| Heights Foundation | General fund | $50,000 |
| Lee County United Way | General fund | $41,000 |
| Rainbow Acres | General fund | $40,000 |
| Hand in Hand | Educational | $30,000 |
| Sanibel Congregational Church | Support of programs and upkeep | $15,000 |
| The Legacy Foundation at Shell Point | Support of programs | $13,000 |
| Benjamin's Hope | Support for children and families affected by autism | $10,000 |
| Fish of Sanibel Captiva Inc | General fund | $10,000 |
| Iowa State University Cyclone Club | Educational opportunities | $9,000 |
| Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation | Conservation | $8,000 |
| Mercy Chefs | Support in disaster areas | $5,000 |
| Willwood Hills Ranch of Iowa | Support for children | $5,000 |
| Humble Dwellings | Support of programs | $5,000 |
| Project Rhino | Support of programs | $5,000 |
| Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation | Scholarships, grants to attend leadership programs | $3,000 |
| Let's Talk About Children | Support of programs | $2,000 |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity Foundation | Educational opportunities | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John K Lawson
- Suzanne D Lawson
- Robert Jlawson
- Jennifer Scavins
- Ann L Reed
Questions people ask
Does Lawson Family Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Lawson Family Charitable Foundation give?
$372,000 in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $9,500.
Who runs Lawson Family Charitable Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John K Lawson (Trustee), Suzanne D Lawson (Trustee), Robert Jlawson (Trustee) and Jennifer Scavins (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Lawson Family Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, human services and youth programs.