The James Foundation Inc
Accepts applications
The James Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Auburn, Indiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $8.9 million in 71 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $3.0 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$8.9 million
- Number of grants71
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$3.0 million
- Assets$20.4 million
- New grantees49%
Giving in 2025 was down from $11.7 million the year before.
49% 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 | $11.5 million | 449 | $24.3 million |
| 2024 | $11.7 million | 85 | $21.8 million |
| 2025 | $8.9 million | 71 | $20.4 million |
How to apply
| Contact | The James Foundation Inc PO Box 606, Auburn, IN 46706 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (260) 333-0068 |
| What to submit | Please visit www.thejamesfoundation.org to download and fill out the james foundation preliminary grant application. |
| Restrictions | Students graduating from a dekalb county, Indiana, high school are invited to apply for one of the scholarships offered by the james foundation. Scholarship opportunities include one four-year and one two-year, renewable scholarship is available to each high school with a value of $5,000 per year ($2,500 per semester). Scholars must maintain a 3.2 on a 4.0 scale in the major course of study, and an overall gpa equivalent to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale by the end of each academic year. Scholars must submit grades and upcoming semester scheduled each semester. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The James Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Indiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 64 | $5.5 million |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $3.3 million |
| Michigan | 2 | $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $5,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Parks Foundation | Unrestricted | $3.0 million |
| Canterbury School | Fine arts campaign | $1.0 million |
| Trine University | College health professions | $1.0 million |
| Vincent Village | Capital campaign support | $500,000 |
| Dekalb Central Foundation | Dekalb central early learning - preschool programming | $425,000 |
| Trine University | Scholarships | $300,000 |
| Dekalb County Courthouse | Courthouse barrier wall | $246,600 |
| Alzheimer's Association | Operational support | $200,000 |
| Fort Wayne Philharmonic | Music is fundemental | $200,000 |
| Neighborhood Health | Oxford street project | $200,000 |
| Growing Lives Foundation | General operation | $125,000 |
| National Parks Foundation | Unrestricted | $125,000 |
| The Arc of Northeast Indiana (Easterseals Rise) | Esports / trine collaboration | $120,000 |
| Questa Foundation | Scholarship support | $110,000 |
| Arts United | Arts resiliency fund | $100,000 |
| Bridge of Grace | Hope unleased capital campaign | $100,000 |
| Kendallville Restoration Inc | Programming / operations support | $100,000 |
| Make A Wish Foundation Indiana | Wish support - indiana | $100,000 |
| The Brandon Foundation | Capital campaign support | $100,000 |
| YWCA Northeast Indiana | Domestic violence programming | $85,000 |
| Early Childhood Alliance | Spark a future sponsorship | $77,707 |
| Summit Equestrian Center | Cavalry program for veterans | $75,000 |
| The Rescue Mission | Operational and programming support for charis house | $75,000 |
| Bridge of Grace | Early learning center operations | $50,000 |
| Community Harvest Food Bank | Program and operations support | $50,000 |
| Scan | Programming support | $50,000 |
| Fort Wayne Philharmonic | Sponsorship support | $37,700 |
| Fort Wayne Children's Choir | Scholarship support for participants | $25,000 |
| Garrett Museum of Art | Special exhibit / traveling exhibit fund | $25,000 |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes | Annual programming support | $20,000 |
| Kate's Kart | Book support | $15,000 |
| Community Foundation of Dekalb | Funding for transforming communities / lilly endowment match | $10,000 |
| Euell A Wilson Center | Programming support | $10,000 |
| Humane Fort Wayne | Capital campaign support | $10,000 |
| Mad Anthony Foundation Red Jacket | Operation support | $10,000 |
| Make A Wish Foundation Indiana | Approved future grant | $10,000 |
| MLK Montessori | Programming support | $10,000 |
| PBS | Matching challenge | $10,000 |
| Trine University | Golf outing | $8,500 |
| Alex Leon - Indiana University Bloo | Scholarship | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Kendra Klink
- Rick James
- Vicki James
- Stephanie Foote
- Jeffrey Turner
- Matt Fetter
- Jessica Buss
Questions people ask
Does The James Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does The James Foundation Inc give?
$8.9 million in tax year 2025, across 71 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The James Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Kendra Klink (Executive Director), Rick James (Chairman), Vicki James (President) and Stephanie Foote (Vice President) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The James Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and arts and culture.