Barnes Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Barnes Family Foundation is a private foundation in Durham, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $828,650 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$828,650
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$35.7 million
- New grantees78%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.7 million the year before.
78% 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 | $1.0 million | 34 | $25.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 14 | $28.5 million |
| 2025 | $828,650 | 9 | $35.7 million |
How to apply
Barnes Family 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Barnes Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 7 | $643,750 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $169,900 |
| Virginia | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carolina Theatre of Durham Inc | General purpose support | $250,000 |
| Sarah P Duke Gardens | General purpose support | $218,750 |
| American Council of Trustees & Alumni | General purpose support | $169,900 |
| NC Museum of Life & Science | General purpose support | $100,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club | General purpose support | $25,000 |
| Carteret Community College Foundation | General purpose support | $25,000 |
| Marine Corps League | General purpose support | $15,000 |
| Book Harvest | General purpose support | $15,000 |
| Town of Beaufort | General purpose support | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Marvin L Barnes
- Matthew A Barnes
- Marvin L Barnes Jr
- Michael L Barnes
- Marvin L Barnes III
Questions people ask
Does Barnes Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Barnes Family Foundation give?
$828,650 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Barnes Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marvin L Barnes (President/Treasurer), Matthew A Barnes (Trustee), Marvin L Barnes Jr (Vice President/ Secretary) and Michael L Barnes (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Barnes Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and environment and conservation.