Colten Cowell Foundation
The Colten Cowell Foundation is a private foundation based in Chandler, Arizona. It provides superhero experiences in Phoenix for children facing significant life challenges, and makes grants to charitable organizations.
Colten Cowell Foundation at a glance
In short: Colten Cowell Foundation gave $385K across 146 grants in 2024 (avg $3K), mostly in Arizona. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $384,870
- +143.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 146
- +175.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $2,636
- -11.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,099
- Total assets
- $19,789,147
- +14.1% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Arizona (85% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Colten Cowell Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 7450, Chandler, AZ 85246
Phone: (480) 686-2396
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Colten Cowell Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Hopekids Arizona ($34K). Together the top 10 received $175K.
Organizations only. It also paid 87 grants to individuals ($44,370), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
251 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 251 grants of 251 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, Arizona recipients received 85% of grant dollars. Texas received 4%, and Missouri, Minnesota, and Tennessee each received 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 146 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Colten Cowell Foundation gives
- In 2024 it paid out 98% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2022 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $158K (2022) to $385K (2024). In 2024 it made 146 grants totaling $385K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hopekids Arizona Scottsdale, AZ | Human Services | $34,000 |
| Childrens Cancer Network Chandler, AZ | Human Services | $30,500 |
| Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children Scottsdale, AZ | Human Services | $26,000 |
| Hopekids NTX Keller, TX | Human Services | $16,000 |
| Best Buddies Arizona Phoenix, AZ | Human Services | $14,500 |
| Neeley's Chronic Joy Queen Creek, AZ | Human Services | $12,500 |
| Raising Special Kids Phoenix, AZ | Human Services | $12,500 |
| Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels Phoenix, AZ | Human Services | $12,000 |
| Feeding Matters Phoenix, AZ | Human Services | $8,500 |
| Billy's Place Glendale, AZ | Human Services | $8,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $19,789,147 | $367,418 | $883,090 | $384,870 | 146 | $842,275 | $279,816 | $861,312 |
| 2023 | $17,338,518 | $524,690 | $629,196 | $158,000 | 53 | $581,651 | $187,819 | — |
| 2022 | $15,049,244 | $6,372,133 | $527,177 | $158,000 | 52 | $518,649 | $128,714 | — |
| 2021 | $10,069,165 | $911,706 | $375,746 | — | — | $372,638 | $14,611 | — |
| 2020 | $8,543,162 | $2,790,309 | $441,711 | — | — | — | $7,508 | — |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Colten Cowell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $861K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation says its superhero experiences create cherished memories, instill a spirit of giving, and bring hope for the future. Its 2024 grants, all reported under the purpose of human services among the largest listed awards, went to organizations serving children and families, including those affected by cancer, disabilities, feeding disorders, and grief.
For example, Children’s Cancer Network says it supports children and families throughout the cancer journey with financial assistance, education, healthy-lifestyle programs, and awareness efforts. Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children describes its work as providing social, emotional, and financial support to families managing pediatric cancer. Encircle Families says it strengthens families and systems of care for children with disabilities. These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 146 grants totaling $384,870. Grants ranged from $200 to $34,000, with a median of $1,099. Its largest reported awards included $34,000 to HopeKids Arizona, $30,500 to Children’s Cancer Network, $26,000 to Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, $16,000 to HopeKids NTX, and $14,500 to Best Buddies Arizona.
Other 2024 recipients included Neeley’s Chronic Joy and Raising Special Kids, each awarded $12,500; Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, $12,000; Feeding Matters, $8,500; and Billy’s Place and GiGi’s Playhouse, each $8,000. Feeding Matters describes its work as advancing identification, research, and collaborative care for children with pediatric feeding disorders. Billy’s Place says it provides a community for families experiencing grief, while GiGi’s Playhouse describes providing free programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ericka Cowell as executive director; Charles A. Keller as president/CEO; Tim Mathewson as vice president; Sue Savage as treasurer; and Paulina Serna as secretary. Directors listed were Michael Kurtenbach, Jason Monczka, Robyn Nebrich-Duda, Josh Nunez, and Bruce St James.
Colten Cowell Foundation is led by Charles A. Keller, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 2 of 13 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Charles A. Keller
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
20 hrs/week
$12K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Ericka Cowell
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$54K (2020) → $91K (2024)
Bruce St James
Director
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jason Monczka
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Josh Nunez
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Kurtenbach
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robyn Nebrich-Duda
Director
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christian Vera
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Pat McLaughlin
Director
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bonnie Reyes-Mineo
Director
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Paulina Serna
Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tim Mathewson
Vice President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sue Savage
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Ian Rakow (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Bonnie Reyes (2021) — Director
- Former: David Dang (2020) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $91K, to Ericka Cowell (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Colten Cowell Foundation
How much does Colten Cowell Foundation give each year?
Colten Cowell Foundation gave $385K across 146 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $158K across 53 grants.
What is Colten Cowell Foundation's typical grant size?
Colten Cowell Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,099, and its average grant was $2,636, across 146 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Colten Cowell Foundation give grants?
Colten Cowell Foundation gives mostly in Arizona: 85% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Phoenix, AZ (17 grants), Scottsdale, AZ (9 grants), Tempe, AZ (4 grants) and Glendale, AZ (4 grants).
Does Colten Cowell Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 146 grants with a stated purpose on Colten Cowell Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Human Services" (58 grants), "Child and Family Support" (57 grants) and "Superhero Outreach - Laptops for Education" (30 grants).
Who are Colten Cowell Foundation's largest grantees?
Colten Cowell Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Hopekids Arizona ($34,000), Childrens Cancer Network ($30,500) and Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children ($26,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 87 grants to individuals ($44,370), which are not listed by name. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Colten Cowell Foundation?
Colten Cowell Foundation reported $19.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $842K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $861K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Colten Cowell Foundation fund?
The foundation says its superhero experiences create cherished memories, instill a spirit of giving, and bring hope for the future. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Colten Cowell Foundation?
The foundation 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 Colten Cowell Foundation's EIN?
Colten Cowell Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-5305956. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Colten Cowell Foundation 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.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Colten Cowell Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/colten-cowell-foundation-morg_5ef2e4b4f877435584c403e5dc3250d6
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_465305956_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Colten Cowell Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/colten-cowell-foundation-morg_5ef2e4b4f877435584c403e5dc3250d6},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Colten Cowell Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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