Chrest Foundation Inc is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1999 and based in Irving, Texas. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation has been tax-exempt since November 2000. The foundation does not operate its own programs but rather makes grants to organizations aligned with its mission and funding priorities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$37.8M
+4.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.7M
+10.8% YoY
Grant Count
24
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$71K
+10.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Chrest Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Chrest Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that have a long-term vision for positive social change. The foundation's mission is to create a more compassionate and just society and to steward natural resources in a responsible way.
The foundation concentrates its resources on two primary areas:
- Criminal Justice Reform in the United States
- Environmental Conservation and Sustainability in the United States
The foundation also supports endeavors focused on community engagement and communication and dialogue through arts and culture.
Grantmaking
Based on recent financial data, the foundation distributed approximately $1.7 million in grants in 2024. Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $150,000.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
While the foundation has historically concentrated activities in Turkey (including Istanbul, Eastern and Southeastern Turkey, and Cyprus), current grantmaking focuses on the United States, with particular emphasis on Colorado, Texas, and Montana.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $37.8 million
- Annual Revenue: $1.61 million
- Annual Expenses: $1.85 million
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation's assets have remained substantial, with total giving in 2024 reaching approximately $1.7 million.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $37,771,876 | $36,191,505 | $33,939,403 |
| Revenue | $1,608,822 | $2,336,288 | $1,841,919 |
| Expenses | $1,853,665 | $2,183,636 | $2,019,700 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $1,909,992 | $1,671,005 | $1,878,426 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,328,905 | $2,038,795 | $1,584,885 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,851,965 | $1,797,907 | $1,744,142 |
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
133 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Recidiviz Inc ($150,000), Colorado Fourteeners Initiative ($100,000), Glacier National Park Conservancy ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Caf Momentum Dallas, TX | Support to equip justice-involved youth with life skills, education, and employment opportunities in an effort to prevent recidivism. | $50,000 |
| Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Lakewood, CO | General support to protect Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks through stewardship and public education. | $100,000 |
| Conservation Colorado Education Fund Denver, CO | Support to conserve and protect Colorado's public lands and open spaces. | $60,000 |
| Emergency Family Assistance Association Boulder, CO | Support for family resource center to meet immediate needs of the community and address issues of poverty. | $10,000 |
| Georgia Center for Opportunity Peachtree Corners, GA | Support to raise awareness about the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy programs for juvenile offenders in Georgia. | $50,000 |
| Glacier National Park Conservancy Columbia Falls, MT | Support to preserve Glacier National Park wilderness. | $100,000 |
| Lone Star Justice Alliance Austin, TX | General support to address systemic issues in the criminal legal system through advocacy and evidence-based programs for youth. | $100,000 |
| Montana Wilderness Association Inc Helena, MT | General support to help protect 50% of Montana's public lands by 2050. | $100,000 |
| North Texas Public Broadcasting Dallas, TX | Investigative reporting on police pursuit policies, outcomes, and consequences with the goal of increasing police transparency. | $40,000 |
| Protect Our Winters Boulder, CO | General support to combat climate change. | $100,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Ms. Lou Anne King Jensen serves as Principal Officer of the foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
No officer/director data available.
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In October 2020, the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at SMU Dedman School of Law received a $100,000 grant from Chrest Foundation for general operating funds to support research and prosecution reform projects.
Deason Center Receives Grant from Chrest FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chrest Foundation Inc fund?
The Chrest Foundation is dedicated to supporting organizations that have a long-term vision for positive social change. The foundation's mission is to create a more compassionate and just society and to steward natural resources in a responsible way. The foundation concentrates its resources on two primary areas: • **Criminal Justice Reform** in the United States • **Environmental Conservation and Sustainability** in the United States The foundation also supports endeavors focused on community …
How do I apply for a grant from Chrest Foundation Inc?
Based on recent financial data, the foundation distributed approximately $1.7 million in grants in 2024. Typical grant awards range from $5,000 to $150,000. Recent documented grants include a $100,000 award to SMU's Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center in 2020 for general operating funds to support research and prosecution reform initiatives.
Where does Chrest Foundation Inc make grants?
While the foundation has historically concentrated activities in Turkey (including Istanbul, Eastern and Southeastern Turkey, and Cyprus), current grantmaking focuses on the United States, with particular emphasis on Colorado, Texas, and Montana.
What size grants does Chrest Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Chrest Foundation Inc awarded 24 grants totaling $1.7M — an average of about $71K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Chrest Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Chrest Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.9M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Chrest Foundation Inc's EIN?
Chrest Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 75-2840026. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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