The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Durham, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.9 million in 27 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.1 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$2.9 million
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.1 million
- Assets$35.5 million
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.6 million the year before.
48% 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 | $2.0 million | 37 | $19.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.6 million | 33 | $35.7 million |
| 2025 | $2.9 million | 27 | $35.5 million |
How to apply
The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc 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 Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Connecticut. It also paid $5,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 3 | $1.2 million |
| New York | 6 | $830,000 |
| North Carolina | 3 | $501,000 |
| Florida | 2 | $102,600 |
| Illinois | 1 | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $52,061 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $40,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $20,000 |
| California | 4 | $11,160 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Avon Old Farms | Unrestricted | $1.1 million |
| Syracuse University | Unrestricted | $650,000 |
| Duke University | Unrestricted | $241,000 |
| Old Chatham Golf Club | Unrestricted | $150,000 |
| Durham Academy | Unrestricted | $110,000 |
| Ormcf Inc | Unrestricted | $101,600 |
| Kellogg School of Management | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| St Paul's School | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Headstrong Foundation | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Team Impact | Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Tewaaraton Fdn | Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Bronx Lacrosse | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Harlem Lacrosse | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| The Purchase College Foundation | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Wingman Open | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Boston Children's Hospital | Unrestricted | $11,061 |
| New Canaan Cnty School | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Frosted Faces Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,150 |
| Gofundme Simon Brooks | To raise money for assistance - unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Lou Ferraro Golf Classic | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| MSK | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Usvi Lacrosse Association | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Bag Room Open | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Breakthrough JDRF | Unrestricted | $510 |
| A Shot for Life | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Gofundme Kelly Gebert's Family | To raise money for assistance - unrestricted | $500 |
| Vineyard Golf Club | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Catherine Jefferson
- Brett Jefferson
- Karen Carlisle
Questions people ask
Does The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc give?
$2.9 million in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Catherine Jefferson (Trustee), Brett Jefferson (Trustee) and Karen Carlisle (Trustee).
What does The Catherine Jefferson Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.