Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation
The Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation is a private foundation based in Savannah, Georgia. It makes charitable grants to organizations, with 2024 grant dollars concentrated in Georgia and North Carolina.
Key facts about Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation
In short: Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation gave $732K across 28 grants in 2024 (avg $26K), mostly in Georgia. 14% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 58-2398209
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $731,800
- Grants made (2024)
- 28
- Average grant
- $26,136
- Median grant
- $10,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 14% first-time grantees (4 of 28, 2024)
- Total assets
- $9,670,820
- Primary geography
- Georgia (80% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$9.7M
-0.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$732K
+38.8% YoY
Grant Count
28
-6.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$26K
+48.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation reported a distributable amount of $556K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation open to new grantees?
14%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 28 grantees (14%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $14K; repeat grants $28K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 70% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 138% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No foundation mission statement is provided. Its 2024 grants included organizations working in areas such as hospitality and spiritual renewal, crisis support, hospice care, homelessness, national-park conservation, and cancer research and support. These are grantee activities, not stated foundation priorities. For example, Lake Junaluska Assembly describes its mission as offering Christian hospitality and renewal; Haywood Christian Ministry says it provides care to people in crisis; and Hospice Savannah says it provides services and resources related to life-limiting illness, dying, death, grief, and loss. Union Mission describes its work as reducing and eliminating homelessness, while the National Parks Conservation Association says it protects national parks and the American Cancer Society describes work in cancer advocacy, research, and patient support.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 28 grants totaling $731,800. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $360,000, with a median grant of $10,000. The largest reported grants included $360,000 to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia; $50,000 to Lake Junaluska Assembly; $35,000 to Haywood Christian Ministry; and $30,000 each to Hospice Savannah and Wesley Monumental Church. These grants were listed as unrestricted charitable grants.
Ready to take the next step with Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 80% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia and 14% to recipients in North Carolina. The remaining reported shares were 3% for Washington, DC, and 1% each for California and Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 28 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $431K (2021) to $732K (2024). In 2024 it made 28 grants totaling $732K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Second Harvest of Coastal GA ($360K). Together the top 10 received $600K.
Grant Size Distribution
151 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 143 grants of 151 (95%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Second Harvest of Coastal GA Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $360,000 |
| Lake Junaluska Assembly Lake Junaluska, NC | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $50,000 |
| Haywood Christian Ministry Waynesville, NC | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $35,000 |
| Hospice Savannah Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $30,000 |
| Wesley Monumental Church Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $30,000 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Soceity Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $20,000 |
| National Parks Conservation Association Washington, DC | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $20,000 |
| Savannah Book Festival Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $20,000 |
| Union Mission Inc Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $20,000 |
| Congregation Mickve Israel Savannah, GA | Unrestricted Charitable Grant | $15,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $9,670,820 | $906,682 | $926,319 | $731,800 |
| 2023 | $9,684,840 | $555,328 | $614,860 | $527,050 |
| 2022 | $9,550,759 | $613,098 | $524,978 | $435,050 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $9,670,820 | $9,684,840 | $9,550,759 |
| Revenue | $906,682 | $555,328 | $613,098 |
| Expenses | $926,319 | $614,860 | $524,978 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $768,140 | $534,608 | $435,050 |
| Net Investment Income | $819,188 | $475,076 | $613,098 |
| Distributable Amount | $556,482 | $528,063 | $523,685 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ezekiel B. Gaines III as president and Christopher E. Klein as secretary. Trustees listed are Courtney G. Fetz, Grace G. Gattis, William B. Gaines, James Thomas Gattis, Ezekiel B. Gaines IV, and Marshall D. Gaines.
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation is led by Ezekiel B. Gaines III, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 8 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ezekiel B. Gaines III
President
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Courtney G. Fetz
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ezekiel B. Gaines IV
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Grace G. Gattis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Thomas Gattis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marshall D. Gaines
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William B. Gaines
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher E. Klein
Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 15 Lake Street 210, Savannah, GA 31411
Phone: (912) 598-1771
Frequently asked questions about Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation
How much does Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation give each year?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation gave $732K across 28 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $527K across 30 grants.
What is Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's typical grant size?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $26,136, across 28 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation that year got $14K on average.
Where does Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation give grants?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation gives mostly in Georgia: 80% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was North Carolina (14%). The most frequent recipient cities were Savannah, GA (17 grants) and Atlanta, GA (2 grants).
Does Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (28 of 28) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's largest grantees?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Second Harvest of Coastal GA ($360,000), Lake Junaluska Assembly ($50,000) and Haywood Christian Ministry ($35,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation reported $9.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $768K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $556K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation fund?
No foundation mission statement is provided. Its 2024 grants included organizations working in areas such as hospitality and spiritual renewal, crisis support, hospice care, homelessness, national-park conservation, and cancer research and support. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Courtney Knight Gaines 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 Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's EIN?
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-2398209. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
The Savannah Community Foundation Inc
Savannah, GA
The Savannah Community Foundation supports exempt religious, charitable, and educational organizations across civic, education, health, human services, and other charitable needs; it can fund public charities anywhere in the U.S., with most recent grant dollars going to Georgia. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,050 to $534,363, with a median of $19,450; its Immediate Needs Fund accepts requests for eligible unexpected expenses, typically up to $5,000 per grant. The foundation also invites applications through seasonal Emerging Leaders Committee RFPs sent to local charities.
Assets
$103.6M
Grants
109
Total Given
$5.8M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports nonprofits in health, education, arts, disaster relief, reforestation, hunger relief, and community equity, with an emphasis on organizations actively supported by Enterprise employees and their families. Its reported grants range widely: 2024 giving averaged about $7,700 across 9,499 grants, while the foundation also offers awards of up to $40,000; it supports communities where Enterprise operates worldwide. Unsolicited requests are accepted at any time, but eligible applications must be submitted by an Enterprise team member or their spouse or domestic partner on behalf of a nonprofit they actively support.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds equity and shared-prosperity work across areas including education, housing, income and wealth, arts and culture, health, and neighborhood development, primarily in the Atlanta region. Its 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, though amounts varied widely; specific arts programs offer $5,000–$7,500. The profile describes application opportunities through its Grants Portal but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds nonprofits and other eligible organizations working in areas such as education, health and human services, the environment, youth development, and animal welfare, primarily across 13 counties in North and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grants are donor-recommended and have no application process, while some competitive programs accept applications under program-specific rules.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
Boys & Girls Clubs of America funds local Clubs and youth-development work, including general support, staff training, mentoring, and programs focused on academics, health, leadership, and readiness for life and work. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2.7 million, with a median of about $81,000, supporting Clubs across the United States, Native lands, and military communities. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affordable housing through grants to Habitat for Humanity organizations, including local affiliates, across the United States and internationally. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6,365,641, with a median of $48,658. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$466.3M
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
The foundation supports health, education and workforce development, the environment, arts and culture, and community initiatives, prioritizing Georgia, where 86% of its 2024 grant dollars went. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000. The Georgia Power Grant is invitation-only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, advocacy, and related programs, with research support available to institutions across the United States. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000. It accepts applications for research grants through specific programs and ProposalCentral; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests for other funding.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Federation funds Jewish education and engagement, community-building, care for people in need, safety, and work connected to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, with a focus on Greater Atlanta. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $4.68 million, with a median of $18,489; some programs accept applications, while core, domestic, and global partner allocations are by invitation only.
Assets
$431.3M
Grants
435
Total Given
$50.7M
BVM Capacity Building Institute Inc
Atlanta, GA
BVM Capacity Building Institute funds grassroots and community-based organizations advancing social justice, especially through civic engagement, voter access, and organizational capacity building, across more than 20 states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,153 to $412,500, with a median of $14,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$8.6M
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Emory University funds research, health care, and medical research, including university research awards and subcontract grants to organizations. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $87,500, though awards ranged from about $5,300 to $35.5 million; recipients were concentrated in Georgia, which received 46% of grant dollars. The profile does not state whether Emory accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.9B
Grants
362
Total Given
$183.7M
More Funders in Georgia
Courtney Knight Gaines Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?