Child's Play is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Seattle, Washington, with offices in Redmond, WA. Founded in 2003 by Mike Krahulik and Jerry Holkins of Penny Arcade, the organization was created to change the negative perception of gaming and gamers in media. Child's Play delivers therapeutic games and technology directly to pediatric hospitals and child welfare facilities to improve the lives of children and teens through the power of play.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$15.1M
+2.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.8M
+13.1% YoY
Grant Count
89
+25.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
-9.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: Child's Play Charity delivers therapeutic games and technology directly to pediatric hospitals to improve patients' lives through the power of play.
Core Focus Areas:
- Therapeutic gaming and technology integration in pediatric hospitals
- Patient experience enhancement through gaming
- Support for child life departments in hospitals
- Gaming and technology specialist positions within children's hospitals
- Domestic violence shelter support programs
- Annual toy and equipment distribution to partner hospitals
The organization addresses the stress and anxiety children experience in hospital settings by providing games and technology as therapeutic tools to normalize their stay, reduce fear and pain, and create necessary distractions for healing.
Grantmaking
Child's Play functions primarily as a grant-making and gift-distribution organization rather than a traditional grantmaker. The organization provides both in-kind contributions (games and gaming systems) and cash grants to partner hospitals.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Child's Play partners with 190+ hospitals across the globe. Primary funding focus areas include Florida, Texas, and California, though the organization maintains an international presence with partner hospitals worldwide.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $15,114,514
- Total Revenue: $4,178,889
- Total Expenses: $3,771,758
- Total Giving: $2,343,143
Historical Context:
- Over $71 million raised since founding in 2003
- 23 years of operations (as of 2026)
Rating: Four-Star charity with 96% overall score (based on Accountability & Finance and Leadership & Adaptability metrics)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $15,114,514 | $14,800,858 | $14,022,478 |
| Revenue | $4,178,889 | $3,714,680 | $4,396,454 |
| Expenses | $3,771,758 | $3,761,769 | $3,737,000 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $560,669 | $405,492 | $397,030 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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
230 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
- Mike Krahulik & Jerry Holkins: Founders (Penny Arcade)
- Travis Eriksen: Executive Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELAINE CHASE | PRESIDENT | 2 | — |
| MIKE KRAHULIK | TREASURER | 2 | — |
| MIKE HAYES | TREASURER (OUTGOING) | 3 | — |
| ASHER MARKS | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| TALON BEESCH | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| CARLA BARRENTINE | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| DEB LEE | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| TIM DONNELLY | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | — |
| MATEO MESSINA | BOARD MEMBER (OUTGOING) | 2 | — |
| TRAVIS ERIKSEN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $136,050 |
| KIRSTEN CARLILE | SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY | 40 | $123,875 |
| ANGIE KELLEHER | DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY | 40 | $106,823 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**October 2025:** Child's Play Charity launched a new Gift & Grants System for hospitals
Children\u2019s Hospitals Awarded Toy Foundation Grants in Support of the\**October 2025:** "The Boys are Back!" event scheduled
**March 2026:** PAX East event scheduled
The organization continues to expand its therapeutic gaming initiatives and hospital partnerships globally
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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