Sharkey Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sharkey Foundation is a private foundation in Ashland, Oregon. In tax year 2025 it gave $160,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$160,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$3.4 million
- New grantees38%
Giving in 2025 was up from $150,000 the year before.
38% of its 2025 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 | $145,321 | 17 | $3.1 million |
| 2024 | $150,000 | 16 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $160,000 | 16 | $3.4 million |
How to apply
Sharkey 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 Sharkey Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Oregon.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 10 | $112,500 |
| California | 5 | $37,500 |
| Washington | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ashland Schools Foundation | High school theater | $20,000 |
| Ashland Community Health Foundation | School nurse program | $17,500 |
| La Clinica | Happy smiles program and acute care center | $12,500 |
| Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon | Teen education | $12,500 |
| Surfing for Hope | Surf camps | $12,000 |
| Applause Children's Theater | Junior director program | $10,000 |
| Bee Girl | General fund | $10,000 |
| Farestart | Barista program | $10,000 |
| Jefferson Public Radio | General fund | $10,000 |
| Oregon Shakespeare Festival | School visits | $10,000 |
| Scienceworks | Education program | $10,000 |
| Friends of Santa Margarita Library | Children's program | $8,500 |
| Oregon Family Support Network | Family needs program | $5,000 |
| United Way | Imagination library program | $5,000 |
| Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (Capslo) | Teen wellness program | $4,500 |
| Collaborative Theatre Project | Children's shows | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Carl Wolfe
- Michael Wolfe
- Laurel Kiichli
- Patricia Wolfe
Questions people ask
Does Sharkey Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sharkey Foundation give?
$160,000 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Sharkey Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Carl Wolfe (President), Michael Wolfe (Vice President), Laurel Kiichli (Secretary/Treasurer) and Patricia Wolfe (Director).
What does Sharkey Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and arts and culture.