The Ginkgo Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Ginkgo Fund is a private foundation in Louisville, Kentucky. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.8 million in 19 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $400,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$1.8 million
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$400,000
- Assets$63.5 million
- New grantees16%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.6 million the year before.
16% of its 2024 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 | $1.6 million | 21 | $58.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.8 million | 19 | $63.5 million |
How to apply
The Ginkgo Fund 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 Ginkgo Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $550,000 |
| California | 3 | $457,500 |
| Kentucky | 7 | $420,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $250,000 |
| Rhode Island | 2 | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $30,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Caltech | To be used within exempt function | $400,000 |
| National Philanthropic Trust | To be used within exempt function | $260,000 |
| FCNL Education Fund | To be used within exempt function | $250,000 |
| Friends Publishing Corporation | To be used within exempt function | $250,000 |
| Center for Employment Opportunities | To be used within exempt function | $100,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana | To be used within exempt function | $75,000 |
| Home of the Innocents | To be used within exempt function | $75,000 |
| Christopher 2X Game Changers | To be used within exempt function | $60,000 |
| Caltech Y | To be used within exempt function | $50,000 |
| Community Preparatory School | To be used within exempt function | $50,000 |
| Kentuckianaworks Foundation | To be used within exempt function | $50,000 |
| Lincoln Foundation | To be used within exempt function | $50,000 |
| Nonviolence Institute | To be used within exempt function | $50,000 |
| Friends General Conference | To be used within exempt function | $40,000 |
| Amherst College | To be used within exempt function | $10,000 |
| Phillips Academy-Andover | To be used within exempt function | $10,000 |
| Union of Concerned Scientists | To be used within exempt function | $10,000 |
| Louisville Zoo Foundation | To be used within exempt function | $10,000 |
| Pasadena Humane Society | To be used within exempt function | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Glenn E Thomas
- Ann Thomas
- Stephen B Thomas
- Nathan H Thomas
Questions people ask
Does The Ginkgo Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ginkgo Fund give?
$1.8 million in tax year 2024, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs The Ginkgo Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists Glenn E Thomas (President), Ann Thomas (Vice President/Secretary), Stephen B Thomas (Vice President) and Nathan H Thomas (Treasurer/Assistant Secretary).
What does The Ginkgo Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and animals.