The Ward Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ward Foundation is a private foundation in Hilton Head, South Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $200,000 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $6,000 and the largest $30,000. 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$200,000
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$6,000
- Largest grant$30,000
- Assets$5.1 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was up from $197,700 the year before.
27% 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 | $204,200 | 17 | $4.6 million |
| 2024 | $197,700 | 21 | $4.6 million |
| 2025 | $200,000 | 22 | $5.1 million |
How to apply
The Ward 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 Ward Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to South Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 9 | $87,500 |
| Georgia | 5 | $70,000 |
| Florida | 7 | $32,500 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project | Circles program | $30,000 |
| Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation Inc | Child life program | $25,000 |
| KIPP Metro Atlanta | Kipp forward ambassadors program | $20,000 |
| Honduras Agalta Valley Education Foundation (Have) | Teacher STEM training | $15,000 |
| Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | Endowment fund | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida | Triple play-healthy habits | $10,000 |
| Children's Center Inc | Summer fun & development program | $10,000 |
| Volunteers in Medicine (Vim) Clinic | Ecg spiro machine, pharmacy ivr system | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry | Reading program | $8,000 |
| Memory Matters | Fee assistance for low-income clients | $7,500 |
| Deep Well Project Hilton Head | Grants for fresh produce for clients | $7,000 |
| Artsbridge Foundation | Student field trips financial aid assistance | $5,000 |
| Carter Center | To support the charitable mission of the recipient organization | $5,000 |
| Children's Cancer Partners of the Carolinas Inc | Patient support | $5,000 |
| KIPP Jacksonville Inc | Support the charitable mission of the recipient organization | $5,000 |
| Low Country Legal Volunteers | Medical/legal partnerships | $5,000 |
| Museum of Science & History of Jacksonville Inc | Assessment to reach under served students | $5,000 |
| Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation Inc | Financial planning program | $5,000 |
| United Way of the Low Country | General support for beaufort county | $5,000 |
| Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center | "see the girl" elementary program | $3,000 |
| Pace Center for Girls Inc | Paces jacksonville academic and community day program | $3,000 |
| Community Foundation for Northeast Florida | Womens giving alliance | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- John F Ward
- Susan Kelly
Questions people ask
Does The Ward Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ward Foundation give?
$200,000 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $6,000.
Who runs The Ward Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John F Ward (Trustee) and Susan Kelly (Trustee).
What does The Ward Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and education.