Apgar Foundation Inc
Apgar Foundation, Inc. is a private grantmaking foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The organization was established by Jack Apgar's widow to support charitable causes rooted in American cultural, religious, political, and economic heritage. The foundation's creation was made possible through the success of Somerset Tire Service (STS), an employee-owned automotive service and tire company founded in 1958 in New Jersey.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.6M
-54.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
+2.5% YoY
Grant Count
48
-4.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$36K
+6.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to make grants to undergraduate programs that increase knowledge of and exposure to aspects of Western and American culture that have been instrumental in creating and sustaining the United States and other liberal democracies. The foundation aims to help college faculty and students deepen their understanding and appreciation of Western and American traditions, institutions, and values.
The foundation's three primary charitable missions are:
- University and college programs, especially new, expanding, or changing ones, that promote an understanding of the Western and American intellectual heritage
- Church-related projects and missions
- Research on the prevention of birth defects
Within higher education, the foundation targets programs in history, political science, philosophy, and literature and related fields which enhance undergraduate education, particularly in the areas of Western Civilization and the principles of American society.
Grantmaking
The foundation concentrates its grant making on programs with an undergraduate focus. Recent grant activity includes support for Chapman University's Smith Institute Summer Scholars Program and grants to various universities including American University, Arizona State University, and Bucknell University.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds programs throughout the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,552,902 | $3,374,427 | $3,870,717 |
| Revenue | $78,812 | $1,361,415 | $3,600,006 |
| Expenses | $1,900,337 | $1,857,705 | $1,541,332 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,855,885 | $1,814,255 | $1,502,361 |
| Net Investment Income | $46,546 | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | $108,803 | $152,660 | $76,397 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
194 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Dr. Frederic J Fransen is listed as an advisor to the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDWARD A CAPANO | CHAIRMAN | 0.2 | $7,000 |
| JAY S NORDLINGER | SECRETARY | 0.2 | $3,000 |
| JOHN N APGAR IV | TREASURER & VICE CHAIRMAN | 0.2 | $4,000 |
| JOHN J MILLER | TRUSTEE | 0.2 | $3,000 |
Recent Activity & Future Plans
Recent developments and announcements
During 2023, the foundation continued to invest in long-lasting change by promoting student learning in its supported programs.
The foundation has announced that it will be sunsetting in 2026, following the wishes of Martha Apgar. The foundation expressed hope that other funders will become supporters of the study of institutions and traditions of Western Civilization and continue the work the foundation has begun.
Baby Safety Foundation Awards More Than $113,000 in Microgrants, Opens 2026Contact Information
Address:
Apgar Foundation, Inc.
c/o DA•R•ES, LLC
8520 Allison Pointe Blvd, Suite 220
Indianapolis, IN 46250
Phone: 317-570-2345
Email: info@apgarfoundation.org
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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