The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation is a private foundation in Louisville, Kentucky. In tax year 2025 it gave $515,398 in 32 grants; the typical grant was $9,000 and the largest $150,000. 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$515,398
- Number of grants32
- Typical grant$9,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$10.4 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was up from $441,000 the year before.
22% 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 | $324,000 | 32 | $8.3 million |
| 2024 | $441,000 | 30 | $9.3 million |
| 2025 | $515,398 | 32 | $10.4 million |
How to apply
The Charles and Elizabeth Barr 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 The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Kentucky.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 11 | $357,500 |
| District of Columbia | 6 | $38,500 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $25,000 |
| Oregon | 4 | $20,000 |
| California | 1 | $20,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,398 |
| Virginia | 3 | $10,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $10,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $7,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Yew Dell Botanical Gardens | To spark a passion for plants and gardening | $150,000 |
| Speed Art Museum | To invite everyone to celebrate art | $70,000 |
| Kentucky Opera Association Inc | To promote a more empathetic, compassionate, and just community through the power of the arts | $30,000 |
| West End School | To provide a safe and structured environment for boys in grades pre-k through 8 | $30,000 |
| Ivy 1879 Foundation Inc | To support the preservation of the ivy club's historic building | $25,000 |
| The Louisville Orchestra Inc | Building community with music | $25,000 |
| See International | General operations | $20,000 |
| Liberty Hall Historic Site | To serve the public by preserving collections and sharing stories that illustrate urban life in early kentucky | $12,500 |
| The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America | To support dumbarton house | $12,500 |
| Macula Society | General operationscontributed 25 shares of microsoft corp stock on 2/20/2025. Cost basis of $643 reported as book value; fair value of $10,398. | $10,398 |
| DC Prep | To prepare each child academically and socially for a successful future | $10,000 |
| Ethel Walker School | To provide college preparatory education services for students | $10,000 |
| Pine Island Camp Inc | To give boys an adventurous, happy, and safe summer experience | $10,000 |
| River Fields Inc | To protect, preserve, and enhance natural and cultural resources on both sides of the ohio river | $10,000 |
| Second Presbyterian Church | To support educational and fellowship opportunities for children, youth, and adults | $10,000 |
| Visually Impaired Preschool Services Inc | To provide early intervention services to children who are blind or visually impaired | $10,000 |
| Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church | To support the presbyterian church | $8,000 |
| Feeding America | To help people get the food and resources they need to thrive | $7,000 |
| Catlin Gabel School | General operations | $5,000 |
| Dumbarton House Fund for Future | To support the national society of the colonial dames of america | $5,000 |
| Environment Oregon | To work for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity International | To bring people together to build homes, community, and hope | $5,000 |
| Join | General operations | $5,000 |
| Louisville Free Public Library Foundation Inc | Benefiting and enhancing the programs and services of the louisville free public library since 1980 | $5,000 |
| Nature Conservancy | To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends | $5,000 |
| Portland Rescue Mission | To support the lives of homeless, hungry, abused, and addicted people | $5,000 |
| University of Kentucky | Reach out and read | $5,000 |
| National Center for Missing & Exploited Children | General operations | $3,000 |
| Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law | To support achievement of racial justice | $2,000 |
| Potomac School | To prepare students to lead lives of purpose, achievement, and generosity of spirit | $2,000 |
| The Holton Arms School | To cultivate the unique potential of young women | $2,000 |
| Potomac Riverkeeper Network | To stop pollution and restore clean water in the potomac and shenandoah rivers | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Dr Charles C Barr
- Elizabeth E Barr
- Elizabeth B Fawell
- Charles M Barr
Questions people ask
Does The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation give?
$515,398 in tax year 2025, across 32 grants, with a typical grant of $9,000.
Who runs The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Dr Charles C Barr (Vice President), Elizabeth E Barr (President), Elizabeth B Fawell (Director) and Charles M Barr (Director).
What does The Charles and Elizabeth Barr Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and education.