Clark Associates Charitable Foundation
The Clark Associates Charitable Foundation is a corporate foundation based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, established in 2001 by Fred and Elizabeth Clark as the charitable arm of Clark Associates Inc., a food service equipment and supply company founded in 1971. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission rooted in the Clark family's commitment to community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$51.3M
+3.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.8M
-0.8% YoY
Grant Count
296
+7.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$23K
-7.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission emphasizes responsibility, sharing success with others, and building strong communities. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations in three primary categories:
- People in Need: Including homelessness, food insecurity, individuals with disabilities, victims of abuse, people in recovery, veterans, and senior citizens
- Youth Education: Innovative youth educational programs, academic enrichment, mentorship, and leadership development
- Arts & Culture: Youth programs in music and the arts, including performing and visual arts
Additional funding interests include fire services, emergency services, health, human services, community development, environmental education, and Christianity.
Grantmaking
Applicants must complete an online application on the foundation website. There are no application deadlines. The foundation reviews applications on a monthly cycle with a typical decision time of one month. Contact information for application inquiries: Executive Director Mike Thornton, 717-392-7550.
Grant Range
$1,000–$1,500,500
Review Cycle
. The foundation reviews applications on a monthly cycle with a typical decision time of one month. Contact information for application inquiries: Executive Director Mike Thornton, 717-392-7550.
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation prioritizes funding in nine states, with particular emphasis on:
- Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (86% of grants stay in Pennsylvania)
- Areas where Clark Associates has business locations
- Recent grants distributed across 25 cities and 9 states
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $49,416,119
- Total Giving: $6,868,026
- Total Revenues: $12,632,815
- Total Expenses: $7,161,337
- Number of Employees: 0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $51,298,461 | $49,416,119 | $44,395,701 |
| Revenue | $9,199,357 | $12,632,815 | $22,376,947 |
| Expenses | $7,031,312 | $7,161,337 | $5,295,850 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,811,947 | $6,868,526 | $4,886,251 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,542,043 | $3,000,390 | $7,693,166 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,545,710 | $2,097,416 | $734,054 |
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
250 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
- Founder: Fred Clark
- Trustee: Fred E. Clark
- Trustee: Elizabeth A. Clark
- Executive Director: Mike Thornton
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRED E CLARK | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ELIZABETH A CLARK | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| MICHAEL THORNTON | DIRECTOR | 40 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation demonstrates strong community engagement through multiple initiatives:
In 2020, the foundation distributed over $1 million to 17 local nonprofit organizations through its Derby Day Fundraiser, with major recipients including the Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development ($175,000) and Lancaster County Conservancy ($100,000).
A. James and Alice B. Clark Foundation Donates $5 Million to Children ofThe foundation actively participates in the Lancaster County Community Foundation's Extraordinary Give campaign, matching employee donations. In 2020, 276 Clark Associates employees donated over $52,665 to 195 organizations, which was increased to $82,665 through $30,000 in foundation match dollars. Clark Associates was recognized as the top business fundraiser in both dollars and total donors.
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation - Grant Information ...In 2018, the foundation matched employee contributions to the Extraordinary Give campaign, raising a total of $33,815 for local charitable organizations.
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation - Grant Information ...The foundation prioritizes nonprofits where Clark Associates employees actively volunteer and contribute, creating a direct link between corporate culture and community impact. Since 2016, the company has committed over 2,000 hours of volunteer work and contributed to over 1,100 different charitable organizations.
Clark Associates Charitable Foundation - Grant Information ...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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