Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Its primary mission is to support charitable organizations that promote or preserve the arts and humanities, with priority given primarily to organizations in Central Indiana.
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc gave $16.5M across 160 grants in 2024 (avg $103K), mostly in Indiana. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $16,518,369
- -3.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 160
- +15900.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $103,240
- -99.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $172,619,172
- +12.9% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Indiana (98% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
Applicants use the online grant portal. New Operations Cycle applicants that have not previously received operating funding must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI); returning recipients do not need to submit one. All Capital Cycle applicants must submit an LOI and be approved to proceed. The foundation makes grants only to qualifying 501(c)(3) public charities under IRC Sections 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3); it does not fund individuals or endowments. Schools and universities may apply only in the Capital Cycle.
- Review Cycle
- For the Operations Cycle, new applicants’ LOIs are due November 30, 2026, and full applications from returning and approved organizations are due January 31. Capital Cycle LOIs are due April 30, 2027, and full applications are due June 30. Deadlines are 11:45 p.m.; applicants should consult the foundation’s grant guidelines for current instructions.
- Deadline
- For the Operations Cycle, new applicants’ LOIs are due November 30, 2026, and full applications from returning and…
- Next open deadline
- November 30, 2026 (Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation: Operations Grants)
- Contact
Mailing address: 320 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 955-0138
Website: https://awclowescf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Capital & Special Project Grants
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
Amount
US $1,000 - US $1,000,000
Deadline
Expected ~April
Based on past cycles
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Operations Grant
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
Amount
$1,000–$75,000
Deadline
Expected ~January
Based on past cycles
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation: Operations Grants
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
Amount
US $1,000 - US $75,000
Deadline
Expected ~November
Based on past cycles
Who Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Butler University ($4.5M). Together the top 10 received $8.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
164 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 106 grants of 164 (65%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation gives priority primarily to organizations in Central Indiana. In 2024, 98% of grant dollars went to recipients in Indiana, 1% to recipients in Washington, D.C., and reported shares to recipients in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts were each 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 160 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc gives
- Giving grew 81% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 62% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $7.4M (2020) to $17.2M (2023). In 2024 it made 160 grants totaling $16.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Butler University Indianapolis, IN | Capital & Special Project | $4,500,000 |
| Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fdn Inc Indianapolis, IN | Capital & Special Project | $750,000 |
| Aspire Higher Foundation Inc Indianapolis, IN | Capital & Special Project | $600,000 |
| Crown Hill Heritage Foundation Inc Indianapolis, IN | Capital & Special Project | $550,000 |
| Indianapolis Ballet Inc Indianapolis, IN | Operations, Capital, & Special Project | $462,500 |
| Shelby County Players Inc Shelbyville, IN | Capital & Special Project | $425,000 |
| Harrison Center for the Arts Inc Indianapolis, IN | Operations, Capital, & Special Project | $413,500 |
| Indianapolis Symphonic Choir Inc Indianapolis, IN | Operations, Capital, & Special Project | $364,000 |
| Indianapolis-Marion Co Public Library Fdn Indianapolis, IN | Operations, Capital, & Special Project | $308,000 |
| Indiana State Museum Foundation Inc Indianapolis, IN | Operations, Capital, & Special Project | $303,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $172,619,172 | $38,902,880 | $18,673,582 | $16,518,369 | 160 | $17,308,591 | $38,651,678 | $27,793,663 |
| 2023 | $152,882,236 | $36,222,544 | $18,331,711 | $17,176,978 | 1 | $17,920,390 | $35,980,618 | $18,395,832 |
| 2022 | $134,995,277 | $16,905,954 | $13,012,818 | $12,114,019 | 1 | $12,793,435 | $16,544,060 | $15,115,099 |
| 2021 | $131,096,206 | $14,826,548 | $10,146,430 | $9,125,491 | 1 | $9,779,064 | $14,721,183 | $12,817,943 |
| 2020 | $126,416,088 | $10,983,880 | $8,164,228 | $7,439,410 | 1 | — | $10,887,133 | $9,504,524 |
| 2019 | $123,597,840 | $8,050,300 | $8,806,210 | $8,001,530 | 1 | — | $7,963,324 | $8,495,265 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $27.8M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to support charitable organizations that promote or preserve the arts and humanities, as well as organizations supported by Mr. Clowes during his life or similar organizations.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate a range of supported work. Butler University describes its mission as creating a collaborative intellectual learning environment and preparing learners to lead meaningful lives. The Crown Hill Heritage Foundation says it works to preserve and celebrate the architectural, cultural, and natural heritage of Crown Hill Cemetery. Indianapolis Ballet describes its work as including performances, training, new works, and community outreach. The Harrison Center for the Arts says it fosters awareness, appreciation, and community for arts and culture in Indianapolis.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 160 grants totaling $16,518,369. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $4,500,000, with a median of $25,000. Its website describes two cycles: Operations Grants for ongoing general operating support, typically $1,000–$75,000, and Capital & Special Projects Grants for one-time undertakings, typically $1,000–$1,000,000.
Among the largest 2024 grants were $4,500,000 to Butler University for a capital and special project; $750,000 to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation Inc for a capital and special project; $600,000 to Aspire Higher Foundation Inc for a capital and special project; and $550,000 to Crown Hill Heritage Foundation Inc for a capital and special project. Indianapolis Ballet Inc received $462,500 for operations, capital, and special projects.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2024 filing include Danny R. Dean, Chair; Beth Slaninka, Vice Chair; James B. Lemler, President; Joanna Taft, Secretary/Treasurer; and Elizabeth Kaznak-Hall, VP/Director of Programs. Other listed directors are Ben W. Blanton, Jennett M. Hill, Paul Lowell Haines, and Wallace R. Yakey Jr. William H. Marshall is listed as Director Emeritus/Past President.
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc is led by James B Lemler, President on every filing since 2019; 9 of 10 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
James B Lemler
President
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$110K (2019) → $175K (2024)
Danny R Dean
Chair
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$40K (2019) → $45K (2024)
Elizabeth Kaznak-Hall
Vice President & Director of Programs
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$79K (2019) → $117K (2024)
Jennett M Hill
Director
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$12K (2019) → $25K (2024)
Paul Lowell Haines
Director
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$12K (2019) → $25K (2024)
Wallace R Yakey Jr.
Director
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$5K (2019) → $25K (2024)
Ben W Blanton
Director
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Beth Slaninka
Vice Chair
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$25K (2019) → $35K (2024)
Joanna Taft
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2019
2.3 hrs/week
$20K (2019) → $30K (2024)
William H Marshall
Director Emeritus & Past President
On filings since 2019
$79K (2019) → $10K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $175K, to James B Lemler (President). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc
How much does Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc give each year?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc gave $16.5M across 160 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $17.2M across 1 grant.
What is Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $103,240, across 160 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc give grants?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 98% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Indianapolis, IN (107 grants), Carmel, IN (8 grants), Bloomington, IN (6 grants) and Kokomo, IN (3 grants).
Does Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 160 grants with a stated purpose on Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Operations" (107 grants), "Capital & Special Project" (24 grants) and "Operations, Capital, & Special Project" (23 grants).
Who are Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Butler University ($4,500,000), Indianapolis Motor Speedway Fdn Inc ($750,000) and Aspire Higher Foundation Inc ($600,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc reported $172.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $17.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $27.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to support charitable organizations that promote or preserve the arts and humanities, as well as organizations supported by Mr. Clowes during his life or similar organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc?
Applicants use the online grant portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's EIN?
Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-1812631. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 9, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/allen-whitehill-clowes-charitable-foundation-inc-morg_af6448ca0e054d7489f1bd0e8c360710
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_351812631_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/allen-whitehill-clowes-charitable-foundation-inc-morg_af6448ca0e054d7489f1bd0e8c360710},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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