The Kenan Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Kenan Family Foundation is a private foundation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $395,000 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 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$395,000
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$9.4 million
- New grantees5%
Giving in 2025 was up from $380,000 the year before.
5% 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 | $360,000 | 27 | $7.8 million |
| 2024 | $380,000 | 25 | $8.6 million |
| 2025 | $395,000 | 22 | $9.4 million |
How to apply
The Kenan 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.
What The Kenan Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 14 | $265,000 |
| California | 4 | $65,000 |
| Utah | 3 | $62,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bridge 21 Park City Corp | Director's discretionary fund | $50,000 |
| Trinity School | Designated for security | $40,000 |
| UNC at Wilmington Foundation | Owen g. Kenan fellowship endowment | $35,000 |
| Singing on Grandfather Mountain | Operations | $30,000 |
| Canal Alliance | Director's discretionary fund | $25,000 |
| Duplin County Board of Education | Liberty hall restoration | $25,000 |
| St Stephens Epsicopal Church | Choir | $25,000 |
| Compass Family Services | Operations | $20,000 |
| Duke University | Dr. Carl berg hepatology education fund | $15,000 |
| Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation | General needs | $15,000 |
| SF Marin Food Bank | Operations - greatest needs | $15,000 |
| St Stephens Epsicopal Church | Operations | $15,000 |
| UNC Health Foundation of NC | Fitch comprehensive pediatric rehab center | $15,000 |
| Duke University Medical Center | Fh kenan research fund in plastic surgery | $10,000 |
| National Ability Center | Coach internship program | $10,000 |
| Reality Ministries | Honor of david mcswain | $10,000 |
| Seeds | Operations - honor of will altwater | $10,000 |
| UNC Health Foundation of NC | Owen g. Kenan pancreatic cancer research fund | $10,000 |
| UNC Health Foundation of NC | Owen g. Kenan pancreatic cancer research fund | $10,000 |
| Commonweal | Honor of michael lerner | $5,000 |
| Maker Union | Director's discretionary | $2,500 |
| Fuller Center for Housing | Teamanninmal support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Elizabeth Kenan Howell
- Annice Hawkins Kenan
- Owen Gywn Jr
- Thomas S Kenan III
- Roberta Sterling Kenan
Questions people ask
Does The Kenan Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Kenan Family Foundation give?
$395,000 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Kenan Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Elizabeth Kenan Howell (President/Director), Annice Hawkins Kenan (VP, Director), Owen Gywn Jr (Director) and Thomas S Kenan III (VP, Treas, Direct) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Kenan Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and health.