Baker Charitable Trust
Baker Charitable Trust is a private foundation based in Columbia, South Carolina. Its 2021 IRS filing is marked as a final return, indicating that the foundation appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking.
Key facts about Baker Charitable Trust
In short: Baker Charitable Trust gave $114K across 14 grants in 2021 (avg $8K), top state South Carolina. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 23-7248956
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2021
- Annual giving (2021)
- $113,943
- Grants made (2021)
- 14
- Average grant
- $8,139
- Median grant
- $4,984
- Primary geography
- South Carolina (40% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2021; updated October 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2021 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$114K
+3078.3% YoY
Grant Count
14
+600.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$8K
+354.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The available grant records show support for religious institutions, civil liberties and legal research, education, environmental research and education, and charitable services. The ACLU describes its mission as advancing civil liberties and rights; the Sierra Club Foundation says it works to educate and empower people to protect and improve the natural and human environment. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not a stated mission of the trust.
Grantmaking
In 2021, the trust reported 14 grants totaling $113,943. Grant amounts ranged from $340 to $19,526, with a median of $4,984. Notable grants included $19,526 to Beth Shalom Synagogue, $19,467 to the American Civil Liberties Union, $13,103 to Temple of Israel, $12,931 to Southern Poverty Law, and $12,773 to the University of South Carolina Educational Foundation.
How to Apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Baker Charitable Trust?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2021, recipients in South Carolina received 40% of grant dollars, followed by New York at 20%, North Carolina and Alabama at 11% each, and Maryland at 6%. Grants also went to organizations in California, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2021 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $4K (2020) to $114K (2021). In 2021 it made 14 grants totaling $114K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Beth Shalom Synagouge ($20K). Together the top 10 received $104K.
Grant Size Distribution
16 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 16 grants of 16 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Beth Shalom Synagouge Columbia, SC | Jewish House of Worship | $19,526 |
| American Civil Liberties Union New York, NY | Legal Research and Education | $19,467 |
| Temple of Israel Wilmington, NC | Religous Institution | $13,103 |
| Southern Poverty Law Montgomery, AL | Education, Research | $12,931 |
| University of SC Educational Foun Columbia, SC | Education | $12,773 |
| Columbia Jewish Federation Columbia, SC | Eleemosynary | $9,816 |
| Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society Silver Spring, MD | Eleemosynary | $6,523 |
| Sierra Club Foundation Oakland, CA | Research, Education | $3,445 |
| Oceana Inc 501(C)(3) Washington, DC | Research, Education | $3,218 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council New York, NY | Research, Education | $3,218 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $2,972 | $117,039 | $113,943 | 14 | — |
| 2020 | $5,345 | $5,206 | $3,585 | 2 | $114,067 |
| Metric | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $114,067 |
| Revenue | $2,972 | $5,345 |
| Expenses | $117,039 | $5,206 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $113,943 | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | $4,297 |
| Distributable Amount | — | $7,766 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Sam Baker was listed as trustee on the 2021 filing.
Baker Charitable Trust is led by Sam Baker, Trustee on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Sam Baker
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2021. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 25710, Columbia, SC 29224-7510
Phone: (803) 787-4332
Frequently asked questions about Baker Charitable Trust
How much does Baker Charitable Trust give each year?
Baker Charitable Trust gave $114K across 14 grants in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2020 it gave $4K across 2 grants.
What is Baker Charitable Trust's typical grant size?
Baker Charitable Trust's median grant in 2021 was $4,984, and its average grant was $8,139, across 14 grants on its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Baker Charitable Trust give grants?
Baker Charitable Trust's top state is South Carolina, with 40% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (20%) and North Carolina (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Columbia, SC (5 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does Baker Charitable Trust give general operating support?
Not in 2021: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on Baker Charitable Trust's 2021 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research, Education" (4 grants).
Who are Baker Charitable Trust's largest grantees?
Baker Charitable Trust's largest 2021 grantees include Beth Shalom Synagouge ($19,526), American Civil Liberties Union ($19,467) and Temple of Israel ($13,103), according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2021 grant dollars.
What does Baker Charitable Trust fund?
The available grant records show support for religious institutions, civil liberties and legal research, education, environmental research and education, and charitable services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Baker Charitable Trust?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Baker Charitable Trust's EIN?
Baker Charitable Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7248956. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2021.
Does Baker Charitable Trust accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Baker Charitable Trust by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Baker Charitable Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Dr Daniel C Hartnett Family Foundation
Long Lake, MN
Assets
$1.4M
Grants
69
Total Given
$22K
Suggs Family Foundation
Thousand Oaks, CA
The foundation supports a varied mix of causes, including conservation, civil liberties, food assistance, education, and parks, with 2025 grants concentrated in California and also reaching Virginia, New York, and other states. It awarded 42 grants totaling about $834,000; the median grant was $10,000, with awards ranging from $2,000 to $209,112. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$11.6M
Grants
42
Total Given
$834K
Frank & Roslyn Grobman Foundation
Hempstead, NY
The foundation supports preselected charitable organizations across varied fields, with the largest share of 2025 grant dollars going to New York recipients. Its 113 grants ranged from $150 to $40,000, with a median of $1,000; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$2.6M
Grants
113
Total Given
$292K
Columbus Foundation
Columbus, OH
The Columbus Foundation supports a broad range of nonprofit work, including arts, education, health, basic needs, neighborhoods, and capacity building, primarily in central Ohio. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,471, though amounts varied widely. Most grants are directed by donors and aren’t made through an application process, but some specific programs accept applications.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
1,747
Total Given
$242.7M
United Jewish Foundation
Bloomfield Hills, MI
United Jewish Foundation funds Jewish community continuity, including Jewish organizations, human services, education, and related community programs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $18,000, though awards ranged widely; 87% of grant dollars went to Michigan, with some support elsewhere. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$761.7M
Grants
274
Total Given
$43.6M
Freedom Together Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation funds work to strengthen multiracial democracy and build community and worker power, racial and gender justice, movement infrastructure, reproductive health, medical research, and community institutions. In 2024, its grants ranged from $5,000 to $14 million, with a median of $500,000; its largest shares went to organizations in Washington, DC, New York, California, Massachusetts, and Illinois. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
595
Total Given
$470.0M
The George W Bauer Family
Cranford, NJ
The George W Bauer Family supports organizations working in areas including health, education, food access, the environment, youth, and religious and humanitarian services. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $60,000, with a median of $15,000; the largest share went to New Jersey, though it also funded organizations in other states and Washington, DC. It accepts requests by letter with supporting materials, and the filing states no restrictions on awards.
Assets
$27.1M
Grants
77
Total Given
$1.4M
Rockefeller Brothers Fund Inc
New York, NY
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund supports work on democracy, sustainable development and climate, and peacebuilding, as well as place-based efforts in China, Central America, and the Western Balkans and arts and culture in New York City. Its 2024 grants had a median of $60,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests, but rarely funds them—fewer than 1 percent result in funding.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
646
Total Given
$60.4M
Boyarsky Maisel Family Foundation Inc
Potomac, MD
The foundation supports work in anti-hate activity, civil liberties, the arts, environmental conservation, and community programs, with 2024 grants concentrated in Washington, DC, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, and Maine. Grants ranged from $324 to $25,000, with a median of $1,250. It accepts letter requests to Harvey B. Maisel and has no stated deadline.
Assets
$1.5M
Grants
40
Total Given
$159K
Central Carolina Community Foundation
Columbia, SC
Central Carolina Community Foundation funds education, human services, health, arts and culture, community development, disaster relief, and related community initiatives through specific grant programs. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it primarily serves 11 Midlands counties while also funding statewide and nationally. It accepts applications through its online portal during published grant periods for specific opportunities; some programs are invitation-only.
Assets
$264.3M
Grants
488
Total Given
$26.5M
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina Inc
N Charleston, SC
Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina supports nonprofits and community initiatives in education, health, human services, the environment, arts, social justice, and community development across nine coastal South Carolina counties. Its 2024 itemized grants ranged from $5,057 to $2.3 million, with a median of $16,500; competitive programs accept applications through its online portal.
Assets
$435.6M
Grants
459
Total Given
$26.0M
Community Foundation of Greenville Inc
Greenville, SC
Community Foundation of Greenville funds nonprofits and projects in arts, education, environment, health, and human services, with a focus on Greenville County, South Carolina. Its 2026 Capacity Building Grants award $5,000–$12,500; 2024 grants had a median of $23,900. It accepts unsolicited requests through its Capacity Building Grants program.
Assets
$118.8M
Grants
346
Total Given
$26.4M
More Funders in South Carolina
Baker Charitable Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?