Commonwealth Foundations
Preselected recipients only
Commonwealth Foundations is a private foundation in Richmond, Virginia. In tax year 2024 it gave $8.3 million in 83 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $3.3 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$8.3 million
- Number of grants83
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$3.3 million
- Assets$219,096
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2024 was up from $8.1 million the year before.
23% of its 2024 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 | $8.1 million | 87 | $2.0 million |
| 2024 | $8.3 million | 83 | $219,096 |
How to apply
Commonwealth Foundations 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 Commonwealth Foundations funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 66 | $7.9 million |
| North Carolina | 1 | $216,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $50,000 |
| Florida | 3 | $26,250 |
| New York | 1 | $20,000 |
| South Carolina | 4 | $14,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $10,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $10,000 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vcu School of Engineering Foundation | General support | $3.3 million |
| Virginia Tech Foundation | General support | $1.3 million |
| Mary Baldwin University | General support | $850,000 |
| Anna Julia Cooper Episcopal School | General support | $575,000 |
| Cav Futures Foundation | General support | $328,000 |
| Up Rva | General support | $312,300 |
| Washington & Lee University | General support | $278,572 |
| Kenan-Flagler Business School Foundation | General support | $216,000 |
| Sports Backers | General support | $130,000 |
| American Red Cross | General support | $100,000 |
| Virginia Athletics Foundation | General support | $96,000 |
| St Mary's Episcopal Church | General support | $67,500 |
| Massey Cancer Center | General support | $50,900 |
| Focused Ultrasound Foundation | General support | $50,000 |
| High Street United Methodist Church | General support | $50,000 |
| Lafayette College | General support | $50,000 |
| Southampton County Historical Society | General support | $50,000 |
| Uva Center for Politics | General support | $50,000 |
| The Virginia Home | General support | $49,000 |
| St Anne's - Belfield School | General support | $48,000 |
| Christ Episcopal Church | General support | $47,700 |
| Collegiate School | General support | $40,000 |
| First Tee of Greater Richmond | General support | $27,800 |
| United Way | General support | $25,000 |
| Robin Hood Foundation | General support | $20,000 |
| Tall Timbers Foundation | General support | $16,000 |
| Darden School Foundation | General support | $15,000 |
| Music Resource Center | General support | $11,000 |
| An Achievable Dream Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | General support | $10,000 |
| Grand Teton National Park Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Healthnet Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Musc Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Operation Healing Forces Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| US Ski and Snowboard Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| University of Virginia | General support | $10,000 |
| Uva Health Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Fndtn | General support | $8,000 |
| Junior Achievement of Cenral Virginia | General support | $7,500 |
| Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | General support | $7,200 |
Officers and trustees
- Alice T Goodwin
- William H Goodwin Jr
- James A Jones
Questions people ask
Does Commonwealth Foundations accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Commonwealth Foundations give?
$8.3 million in tax year 2024, across 83 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Commonwealth Foundations?
Its 2024 filing lists Alice T Goodwin (Director), William H Goodwin Jr (Director, President/Treasurer) and James A Jones (Assistant Treasurer).
What does Commonwealth Foundations fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and faith communities.