Public Life Foundation of Owensboro
Preselected recipients only
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro is a private foundation in Owensboro, Kentucky. In tax year 2025 it gave $4.4 million in 22 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $3.5 million. 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$4.4 million
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$3.5 million
- Assets$2.7 million
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2025 was up from $754,961 the year before.
23% 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 | $441,789 | 20 | $7.1 million |
| 2024 | $754,961 | 30 | $7.1 million |
| 2025 | $4.4 million | 22 | $2.7 million |
How to apply
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Public Life Foundation of Owensboro funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Nebraska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 1 | $3.5 million |
| Kentucky | 20 | $911,222 |
| Ohio | 1 | $4,649 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Daf Giving 360 - the John and Marjorie Hager Fund | Grant | $3.5 million |
| Goodfellows Club of Owensboro | Tennis tournament sponsorship; endowment | $500,300 |
| Owensboro Family YMCA | Grant | $149,194 |
| Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence | Early childhood education specialist position | $100,000 |
| The Center of Owensboro | Grant | $70,000 |
| Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute | Grant | $50,000 |
| Daviess County Public Library | Grant | $6,650 |
| Daviess County Public Schools | Grant; gap grant | $6,268 |
| Miracle of Ky and TN FBO H L Neblett Center | Playground equipment | $5,000 |
| Scholastic Inc FBO Owensboro Health Pediatrics | Reach out and read book orders | $4,649 |
| Cathedral Preschool | Gap grant | $3,000 |
| Green River District Health Department | Gap grants; hands and first steps | $3,000 |
| H L Neblett Community Center | Grant | $3,000 |
| Imagination Library of Daviess Co | Gap grant | $3,000 |
| United Way of Ohio Valley | Grant | $3,000 |
| Owensboro Public Schools | Gap grant; hager preschool | $2,900 |
| Riverpark Center | Grant | $1,283 |
| Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club | Grant | $1,000 |
| Daniel Pitino Shelter | Grant | $1,000 |
| Girls Inc Owensboro Dav Co | Grant | $1,000 |
| Leadership Kentucky | Grant | $1,000 |
| Wendell H Ford Government Education Center | Books for students | $627 |
Officers and trustees
- William G Speciale
- Sarah Hager Wood
- Bruce William Hager
- Joe Berry
- John S Jr Hager
- Susan Hager Alford
- Kathy Strobel
- Janet Land
- David Boeyink
Questions people ask
Does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro give?
$4.4 million in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs Public Life Foundation of Owensboro?
Its 2025 filing lists William G Speciale (Director-Treasurer), Sarah Hager Wood (Director-Chair), Bruce William Hager (Director-Vice Chair) and Joe Berry (President) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.