The Karakin Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Karakin Foundation is a private foundation in Abilene, Texas. In tax year 2024 it gave $16.4 million in 121 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $3.0 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$16.4 million
- Number of grants121
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$3.0 million
- Assets$365 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2024 was up from $14.7 million the year before.
47% of its 2024 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 | $14.7 million | 129 | $328 million |
| 2024 | $16.4 million | 121 | $365 million |
How to apply
The Karakin 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 Karakin Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 27 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 44 | $9.0 million |
| California | 19 | $2.1 million |
| District of Columbia | 9 | $812,000 |
| Maine | 3 | $526,000 |
| Florida | 4 | $460,000 |
| Virginia | 4 | $458,136 |
| Massachusetts | 5 | $454,000 |
| Kentucky | 1 | $410,000 |
| Washington | 3 | $375,500 |
| Oregon | 1 | $300,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of Abilene | To support abilene heritage square project | $3.0 million |
| Abilene Youth Sports Authority | Soccer fields | $1.0 million |
| Grover Nelson Park Zoological Foundation | Capital expansion | $1.0 million |
| West Texas Rehabilitation Center Foundation | Capital project | $833,333 |
| Hendrick Medical Center Foundation | A foundation for the future | $800,000 |
| Everfree | Freedom lifemap | $500,000 |
| Hardin-Simmons University | School of nursing | $500,000 |
| Healthy Kids Brighter Future Inc | Healthy learners | $500,000 |
| Chenla Children's Health Inc | Operations - kratie, mondulkiri and stung treng cambodia | $410,000 |
| Neurokids | Bridge programs in vietnam | $373,136 |
| Apopo US Inc | Mine detection, search/rescue rats & wildlife detection rats | $350,000 |
| Admiral Nimitz Foundation | Gallery expansion | $300,000 |
| Terrewode Women's Fund | Operations | $300,000 |
| Community Foundation of Abilene | Building project | $250,000 |
| Maternal Health Hope Fund | Mercy women's catholic hospital | $250,000 |
| Northwest Maritime Center | The blue school initiative | $250,000 |
| Operation Finally Home | Home modifications for veterans and first responders | $250,000 |
| Water to Thrive | Rural water access in tigray ethiopia | $208,250 |
| Emergency USA Life Support for Civilian Victims of War and Poverty | Surgical needs in goderich, sierra leone | $200,000 |
| Foster Love - Together We Rise | Rapid response program | $200,000 |
| Operation Healing Forces | Immediate needs program | $200,000 |
| Sudan Relief Fund | Doctors to the world | $200,000 |
| Team Rubicon | Disaster operations in texas | $200,000 |
| Abilene Preservation League | Elks arts center | $175,000 |
| Semper Fi Fund | Service member & family support program | $175,000 |
| Watsi Inc | Operations | $175,000 |
| All Hands and Hearts Smart Response | Disaster relief | $150,000 |
| Christina Noble Children's Foundation | Cncf vietnam operational costs for 2025 | $150,000 |
| Gary Sinise Foundation | Smart home in texas | $150,000 |
| Project Expedite Justice | Justice-based work in sudan, drc and ethiopia and ukraine | $150,000 |
| The Wild Animal Sanctuary | Horse barn | $150,000 |
| Fund for Global Human Rights | Kwo and kwat support in myanmar | $132,000 |
| Discipleship Network of America-Dna Ministries | Operations | $125,000 |
| Hoover Institution Stanford University | Veteran fellowship program and general operating | $125,000 |
| SE Asia Foundation | Elementary school in phuket, thailand | $123,000 |
| African Mission Healthcare Foundation | Gidel mother of mercy hospital | $100,000 |
| Exodus Road Inc | Freedom home and general operating | $100,000 |
| Fisher House Foundation Inc | To sponsor a fisher house family in texas | $100,000 |
| Headstrong Project | Veteran mental health treatment | $100,000 |
| Homes for Our Troops | Homes for veterans in texas | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Kade L Matthews
- Joseph E Canon
- John A Matthews Jr
- Jeff Blanks
- Aaron Miller
- Watt R Matthews
- Elyse Lewis
- Brenda Casselberry
- Margaret Matthews Frederick
- Sarah Comerford
Questions people ask
Does The Karakin Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Karakin Foundation give?
$16.4 million in tax year 2024, across 121 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs The Karakin Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Kade L Matthews (Chairman/President), Joseph E Canon (Executive Vice President / Executive D), John A Matthews Jr (Vice President) and Jeff Blanks (Senior Vice President/Operations Offic) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does The Karakin Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, community development and health.