The Coons Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Coons Foundation is a private foundation in Memphis, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $387,000 in 29 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $80,000. 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$387,000
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$80,000
- Assets$9.1 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $295,500 the year before.
28% 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 | $253,000 | 19 | $6.5 million |
| 2024 | $295,500 | 23 | $7.9 million |
| 2025 | $387,000 | 29 | $9.1 million |
How to apply
The Coons 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 The Coons Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 20 | $305,000 |
| Tennessee | 5 | $60,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $10,000 |
| Missouri | 2 | $7,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wesleylife | General Operations | $80,000 |
| Blank's Children's Hospital | General Operations | $55,000 |
| Des Moines Metro Opera | General Operations | $50,000 |
| LeBonheur Children's Hospital | General Operations | $30,000 |
| Living History Farms Foundation | General Operations | $27,000 |
| Russell Fire Department | New Pumper/Rescue Truck | $25,000 |
| Iowa Public Television Foundation | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Mid-South Soaring Foundation | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Mind & Spirit Counseling Center | General Operations | $10,000 |
| St George's Independent School | General Operations | $10,000 |
| Chariton High School | Academic Team Fees and Athletic Storage Shed | $7,000 |
| Almost Home Animal Rescue | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Playhouse | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Dorothy Day House | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Food Bank of Iowa | General Operations | $5,000 |
| IEEE Foundation Inc | General Operations | $5,000 |
| ISU Foundation | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Orpheum Theater | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Salvation Army Lucas County Chapter | General Operations | $5,000 |
| UCM Foundation | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Des Moines Performing Arts | General Operations | $4,000 |
| Des Moines Symphony Association | General Operations | $3,000 |
| Little White Schoolhouse | General Operations | $3,000 |
| Humeston Public Library | General Operations | $2,000 |
| University Of Iowa Foundation | General Operations | $2,000 |
| William Woods University | General Operations | $2,000 |
| Appanoose County Historical Society | General Operations | $1,000 |
| John L Lewis Museum | General Operations | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kevin Coons
- Kyle Coons
- Kenton Coons
- Christine Coons
- Karen Dixson
Questions people ask
Does The Coons Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Coons Foundation give?
$387,000 in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Coons Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Kevin Coons (Director/President), Kyle Coons (Director/Secretary/Treasurer), Kenton Coons (Director) and Christine Coons (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Coons Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, health and youth programs.