The Dobson Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Dobson Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $241,750 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $35,000. 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$241,750
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$35,000
- Assets$5.0 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2025 was up from $234,770 the year before.
41% 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 | $250,650 | 43 | $5.1 million |
| 2024 | $234,770 | 33 | $3.5 million |
| 2025 | $241,750 | 29 | $5.0 million |
How to apply
The Dobson 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 Dobson Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 9 | $106,000 |
| Maine | 4 | $47,700 |
| Pennsylvania | 6 | $37,050 |
| California | 1 | $20,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| Connecticut | 3 | $7,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $6,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $5,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $2,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Museum of Racing | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $35,000 |
| Yale University | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $22,700 |
| Cornell Lab of Orinthology | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $20,000 |
| American Civil Liberties Union | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $20,000 |
| Lancaster County Historical Society | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $15,350 |
| National Audubon Society | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Lancaster | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Earthjustice | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of NYC | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Lancaster Conservancy | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| The Peregrine Fund | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Seabird Institute | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Enviornmental Advocates of Ny | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Freiends of Susquehana River Art | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $10,000 |
| Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Inc | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| St Lukes School | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| Friends of Hog Island | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| Amazon Conservation Association | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| Friends of Lopez Island Pool | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $5,000 |
| American School of Classical Studie | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $2,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Foundation | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $1,500 |
| Lancaster Farmland Trust | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $1,000 |
| Gladys Porter Zoo | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $1,000 |
| National Maratime Historical Societ | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $1,000 |
| Individual | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $1,000 |
| Birdnote | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $500 |
| Save the Children | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $500 |
| Individual | To accomplish 501c3 purpose | $200 |
Officers and trustees
- Sarah Jeffords Esq
- Kenneth Totilo
Questions people ask
Does The Dobson Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Dobson Foundation Inc give?
$241,750 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Dobson Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Sarah Jeffords Esq (President) and Kenneth Totilo (Treasurer).
What does The Dobson Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and education.