The Muir House Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Muir House Foundation is a private foundation in Lexington, Kentucky. In tax year 2025 it gave $250,500 in 19 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$250,500
- Number of grants19
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees11%
Giving in 2025 was up from $237,000 the year before.
11% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $102,250 | 28 | $5.0 million |
| 2024 | $237,000 | 29 | $5.5 million |
| 2025 | $250,500 | 19 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
The Muir House 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 Muir House Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Kentucky.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | 14 | $211,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $20,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $6,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $4,500 |
| California | 1 | $4,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington Children's Museum | Inspire future generations through educational play | $50,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. | $50,000 |
| Caf America | Enable cross-border giving by americans to validated charities and charitable projects across the world. | $20,000 |
| Lexington Children's Theatre | Creating theatre experiences for young people and their families. | $20,000 |
| The Nest - Center for Women Children and Families Inc | Provide support for women & children | $15,000 |
| Carnegie Center | Provide literacy and learning programs to people of all ages and backgrounds | $10,000 |
| Children's Advocacy Center | Provide support to children who have suffered from sexual abuse. | $10,000 |
| Foodchain | Provide support for educational outreach | $10,000 |
| Legal Aid of the Bluegrass | Help low-income and vulnerable people in kentucky. | $10,000 |
| Lexington Public Library Foundation | Lexington public library foundation funds innovation within the public library system. The library's vision is for a community engaged in a lifetime of discovery and private donations help lexingtonians learn and play in dynamic new ways. | $10,000 |
| Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass | To be a beacon of hope and a force for change for survivors of sexual violence while empowering individuals, educating communities, and advocating for the prevention of sexual violence. | $10,000 |
| Hias | Provide support for refugees | $6,000 |
| Appalred Legal Aid | Provide legal assistance to families, seniors, domestic violence victims, veterans, and the disabled. | $5,000 |
| Hope Center Inc | To care for homeless and at-risk persons by providing life-sustaining and life-rebuilding services. | $5,000 |
| Individual | $5,000 | |
| Evidence Action | Provide support to people in the poorest places to provide them with better opportunities and improved lives. | $4,500 |
| Mazon A Jewish Response to Hunger | Provide support to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the united states and israel. | $4,000 |
| GREENHOUSE17 | Provides safe opportunities for survivors of intimate partner abuse. | $3,000 |
| International Book Project Inc | Promote education and literacy while broadening americans' understanding of their neighbors | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Angela L Beck
- Sarah Fozzard
- Hillary McCowan
- Dennis Hermansson-Ekman
Questions people ask
Does The Muir House Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Muir House Foundation give?
$250,500 in tax year 2025, across 19 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Muir House Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Angela L Beck (Trustee/President), Sarah Fozzard (Treasurer), Hillary McCowan (Secretary) and Dennis Hermansson-Ekman (Investment Manager).
What does The Muir House Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and arts and culture.