The Okavango Private Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Okavango Private Foundation is a private foundation in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $379,600 in 28 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $85,000. 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$379,600
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$85,000
- Assets$9.8 million
- New grantees55%
Giving in 2025 was down from $406,375 the year before.
55% 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 | $464,800 | 27 | $9.8 million |
| 2024 | $406,375 | 23 | $9.8 million |
| 2025 | $379,600 | 28 | $9.8 million |
How to apply
The Okavango Private 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 The Okavango Private Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 11 | $154,600 |
| Utah | 2 | $90,000 |
| New York | 6 | $77,500 |
| California | 4 | $27,500 |
| Virginia | 2 | $15,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $10,000 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Best Friends Animal Society | Support sanctuary for homeless animals | $85,000 |
| American Friends of the Ocean Cleanup Foundation | Preserve and protect the natural ocean environment for the benefit of the public | $50,000 |
| Duke University | General | $50,000 |
| Beautiful Together | Support rescue of animals who have been abused, neglected or abandoned | $25,000 |
| Siembra NC | General | $25,000 |
| The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA Inc | Support the rehabilitation and rescue of orphaned elephants | $15,000 |
| ACLU | General | $10,000 |
| Beautiful Together | Support rescue of animals who have been abused, neglected or abandoned | $10,000 |
| National Alliance on Mental Illness | General | $10,000 |
| National Immigrant Justice Center | General | $10,000 |
| Southern Environmental Law Center | General | $10,000 |
| Carolinas Golf Foundation | Provide scholarships and funding for a variety of carolina-based golf initiatives | $9,600 |
| Beautiful Together | Support rescue of animals who have been abused, neglected or abandoned | $5,000 |
| Best Friends Animal Society | Support sanctuary for homeless animals | $5,000 |
| Blind Spot Animal Sanctuary Inc | General | $5,000 |
| Haw River Assembly Inc | General | $5,000 |
| Haw River Assembly Inc | General | $5,000 |
| Muddy Paws Rescue | Support for foster adoption of dogs | $5,000 |
| Muddy Paws Rescue | Support for foster adoption of dogs | $5,000 |
| New York Bully Crew | Support for protection, rehabilitation and adoption of homeless dogs | $5,000 |
| Operation Providing Hope | Disaster recovery | $5,000 |
| Sky Dog Sanctuary Inc | Support a sanctuary for mustangs | $5,000 |
| Sky Dog Sanctuary Inc | Support a sanctuary for mustangs | $5,000 |
| Southern Environmental Law Center | General | $5,000 |
| Farm Sanctuary Fund | Support shelter for farmed animals | $2,500 |
| Frosted Faces Foundation Inc | Support rescue of animals who have been abused, neglected or abandoned | $2,500 |
| Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary | Support senior dogs, especially those with medical problems or abilities | $2,500 |
| Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary | Support senior dogs, especially those with medical problems or abilities | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Caren Gadigian-Keefe
- Richard Keefe
Questions people ask
Does The Okavango Private Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Okavango Private Foundation give?
$379,600 in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Okavango Private Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Caren Gadigian-Keefe (President & Secretary) and Richard Keefe (Vice President & Treasurer).
What does The Okavango Private Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly animals, housing and homelessness and environment and conservation.