Knight Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Knight Foundation is a private foundation in Beaverton, Oregon. In tax year 2024 it gave $227 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $7.5 million and the largest $182 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$227 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$7.5 million
- Largest grant$182 million
- Assets$5.4 billion
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2024 was up from $191 million the year before.
22% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $191 million | 12 | $5.0 billion |
| 2024 | $227 million | 9 | $5.4 billion |
How to apply
Knight 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 Knight Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Oregon. It also paid $335,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 6 | $219 million |
| New York | 1 | $5.2 million |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2.0 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oregon Foundation | This gift has been designated for the campus for accelerating scientific impact (the "casi program") as well as general operating and program support. | $182 million |
| Albina Head Start | This gift has been designated for general operating support. | $10.0 million |
| Sei Inc | This gift has been designated for general operating support. | $10.0 million |
| 1803 Fund | This gift has been designated for general operating support. | $8.5 million |
| Providence St Vincent Medical Foundation | This gift has been designated to the cardiology program. | $7.5 million |
| Blue Meridian Partners | This gift has been designated for general operating support. | $5.2 million |
| The Brookings Institution | This gift has been designated for the foreign policy program. | $2.0 million |
| Fanconi Anemia Research Fund | This gift has been designated for general operating support. | $1.0 million |
| Portlaoise Gaa Club | This gift has been designated for a capital improvement project. | $335,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Philip H Knight
- Penelope P Knight
- Lisa McKillips
- Travis A Knight
Questions people ask
Does Knight Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Knight Foundation give?
$227 million in tax year 2024, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $7.5 million.
Who runs Knight Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Philip H Knight (President/Treas), Penelope P Knight (Director/Vp), Lisa McKillips (Asst Sec/Asst Treas) and Travis A Knight (Vp/Sec/Director).
What does Knight Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research.