The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc
Accepts applications
The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc is a private foundation in Fort Myers, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $248,000 in 43 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $30,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$248,000
- Number of grants43
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$7.7 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2025 was down from $273,000 the year before.
16% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $289,500 | 47 | $6.6 million |
| 2023 | $278,500 | 42 | $6.9 million |
| 2024 | $273,000 | 47 | $7.1 million |
| 2025 | $248,000 | 43 | $7.7 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Mary Jo Walker 1412 Royal Palm Sq Blvd 102, Fort Myers, FL 33919 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (239) 334-8852 |
| What to submit | Simple letter request outlining charitable purpose and a copy of the IRS determination letter for code sec. 501(c) (3) status. |
| Restrictions | Charitable, medical, educational, scientific, artistic, literary and cultural purpose organizations qualifying under IRS code sec 501(c)(3), |
What The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 36 | $212,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $17,500 |
| New York | 1 | $10,000 |
| South Carolina | 2 | $3,500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $2,500 |
| Nebraska | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of FL Fdn Inc - Ifas | Operations | $30,000 |
| Lee Memorial Health Systems Foundation | Operations | $17,500 |
| Fort Myers Community Church Inc | Operations | $16,500 |
| Samaritan's Purse | Operations | $15,000 |
| Community Cooperative Ministries | Operations | $10,000 |
| Hope Hospice | Operations | $10,000 |
| Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation | Operations | $10,000 |
| Reliant | Operations | $8,000 |
| Project Dentists Care | Operations | $7,500 |
| Salvation Army | Operations | $7,500 |
| The Breeze Church | Operations | $6,000 |
| Artfest Fort Myers Inc | Operations | $5,000 |
| CTN10 | Operations | $5,000 |
| Desire Street Ministries | Operations | $5,000 |
| Echo Inc | Operations | $5,000 |
| Fort Myers Christian School | Operations | $5,000 |
| Larc | Operations | $5,000 |
| Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center | Operations | $5,000 |
| The Heights Foundation | Operations | $5,000 |
| Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates Inc | Operations | $5,000 |
| Tim Tebow Foundation | Operations | $5,000 |
| Valerie's House | Operations | $5,000 |
| Fort Myers Rescue Mission | Operations | $3,500 |
| Guadalupe Center Inc | Operations | $3,500 |
| Fort Myers Fire Department | Operations | $3,000 |
| Fort Myers Police Department | Operations | $3,000 |
| Harry Chapin Food Bank | Operations | $3,000 |
| Lee County Ems | Operations | $3,000 |
| Lee County Sheriff Department | Operations | $3,000 |
| PATH2FREEDOM Inc | Operations | $3,000 |
| Southwest FL Christian Academy | Operations | $3,000 |
| Around the Corner Ministries | Operations | $2,500 |
| City Church Tallhassee | Operations | $2,500 |
| Crosspoint Church | Operations | $2,500 |
| Gigi's Playhouse | Operations | $2,500 |
| K-Love | Operations | $2,500 |
| Lifesong of Orphans | Operations | $2,500 |
| Rcma | Operations | $2,500 |
| Way FM | Operations | $2,500 |
| Lifeline Family Center Inc | Operations | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Jo Walker
- Michael C Sanders
- Richard O Hilliker
- Michael A Sanders
Questions people ask
Does The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc give?
$248,000 in tax year 2025, across 43 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Jo Walker (Director/Pre), Michael C Sanders (Director/Vic), Richard O Hilliker (Director) and Michael A Sanders (Director).
What does The George and Mary Jo Sanders Foun Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and health.