Cross Charitable Foundation
Cross Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Bozeman, Montana. It supports organizations working in education, homelessness and assistance to oppressed people, wildlife conservation, environmental conservation, and the health and welfare of dogs.
Cross Charitable Foundation at a glance
In short: Cross Charitable Foundation gave $2.6M across 110 grants in 2024 (avg $23K), top state Montana. 9% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,572,000
- -8.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 110
- -2.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $23,382
- -6.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $58,247,035
- +7.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (10 of 110, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Montana (30% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Cross Charitable Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by Board invitation, and selected organizations receive an access code to apply online. It accepts one application per organization per calendar year, and individuals are not eligible. **Deadline:** September 30, 2026. The published cycle opens August 1; applicants are notified by November 30, and grants are paid in December. Grantees must submit an interim report by May 31 and a final report by October 31.
- Contact
Application contact: Cross Charitable Foundation
Mailing address: 3805 Valley Commons Drive Suite 7, Bozeman, MT 59718
Phone: (406) 585-3393
Website: https://crosscharitablefoundation.net
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Cross Charitable Foundation
Who Cross Charitable Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Ogden-Weber ATC Foundation ($100K). Together the top 10 received $585K.
Grant Size Distribution
589 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 542 grants of 589 (92%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s application information restricts grants to Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Its 2024 grant dollars went primarily to recipients in Montana (30%), Utah (26%), Idaho (16%), Washington (14%), and Wyoming (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 110 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Cross Charitable Foundation open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 110 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $25K; repeat grants $23K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 85% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+3%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 81% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2020) to $3.1M (2022). In 2024 it made 110 grants totaling $2.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ogden-Weber ATC Foundation Ogden, UT | Construction of School Building | $100,000 |
| Earthjustice San Francisco, CA | General Fund | $75,000 |
| Paws of Jackson Hole Jackson, WY | General Fund | $60,000 |
| Snake River Animal Shelter Idaho Falls, ID | General Fund | $50,000 |
| The Trust for Public Land Bozeman, MT | General Fund | $50,000 |
| American Prairie Reserve Bozeman, MT | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Jefferson Land Trust Port Townsend, WA | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Lantern House Ogden, UT | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Salt Lake Community College Foundat Salt Lake City, UT | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity of East Jeffer Port Townsend, WA | General Fund | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Cross Charitable Foundation?
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 | $58,247,035 | $3,992,619 | $3,562,762 | $2,572,000 | 110 | $2,709,321 | $3,209,024 | $3,358,342 |
| 2023 | $54,233,963 | $4,203,133 | $3,725,971 | $2,822,000 | 113 | $2,971,599 | $3,301,283 | $2,797,857 |
| 2022 | $49,624,722 | $2,662,275 | $4,106,751 | $3,096,500 | 118 | $3,234,839 | $1,865,363 | $2,894,374 |
| 2021 | $59,251,378 | $4,939,274 | $3,355,688 | $2,493,250 | 135 | $2,630,285 | $4,263,871 | $2,940,686 |
| 2020 | $52,916,885 | $3,056,380 | $2,467,390 | $1,720,500 | 113 | — | $2,461,802 | $2,659,547 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Cross Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $3.4M 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 it assists organizations promoting education so youth can become productive, contributing members of society; assisting homeless and oppressed people; conserving wildlife; protecting the environment, especially wildlife habitat and migratory routes; and promoting the health, care, and welfare of dogs.
Its 2024 grants illustrate this range. For example, Earthjustice describes its work as using law and partnerships to protect people’s health, preserve places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. Jefferson Land Trust says it helps its community preserve open space, working lands, and habitat. Salt Lake Community College Foundation says it raises funds for scholarships, academic programs, construction, furnishings, and equipment. Snake River Animal Shelter describes its work as improving animal lives through care, adoption, and education.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation awarded 110 grants totaling $2,572,000. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $20,000.
The largest reported grant was $100,000 to Ogden-Weber ATC Foundation for construction of a school building. Other notable grants included $75,000 to Earthjustice and $60,000 to Paws of Jackson Hole. The foundation also awarded $50,000 each to Snake River Animal Shelter, The Trust for Public Land, American Prairie Reserve, Jefferson Land Trust, Lantern House, Salt Lake Community College Foundation, and Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Carol Gonnella as Secretary, John R. Clark as Treasurer, and Mary Beth Thompson and Ryan Kirkham as Vice Presidents. The foundation’s website notes the passing of its President, Chuck Folland.
Cross Charitable Foundation's 2024 filing lists 4 officers; all 4 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Carol Gonnella
Secretary
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$40K (2020) → $42K (2024)
John R. Clark
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$40K (2020) → $42K (2024)
Ryan Kirkham
Vice President
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$40K (2020) → $42K (2024)
Mary Beth Thompson
Vice President
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
$30K (2022) → $42K (2024)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Charles Folland (2020–2022) — President
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 $42K, to Carol Gonnella (Secretary). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Cross Charitable Foundation
How much does Cross Charitable Foundation give each year?
Cross Charitable Foundation gave $2.6M across 110 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.8M across 113 grants.
What is Cross Charitable Foundation's typical grant size?
Cross Charitable Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $23,382, across 110 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Cross Charitable Foundation that year got $25K on average.
Where does Cross Charitable Foundation give grants?
Cross Charitable Foundation's top state is Montana, with 30% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Utah (26%) and Idaho (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were Bozeman, MT (17 grants), Salt Lake City, UT (10 grants), Missoula, MT (10 grants) and Port Townsend, WA (6 grants).
Does Cross Charitable Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 98% of Cross Charitable Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (108 of 110) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Cross Charitable Foundation's largest grantees?
Cross Charitable Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Ogden-Weber ATC Foundation ($100,000), Earthjustice ($75,000) and Paws of Jackson Hole ($60,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 9% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Cross Charitable Foundation?
Cross Charitable Foundation reported $58.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.4M (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 Cross Charitable Foundation fund?
The foundation says it assists organizations promoting education so youth can become productive, contributing members of society; assisting homeless and oppressed people; conserving wildlife; protecting the environment, especially wildlife habitat and migratory routes; and promoting the health, care, and welfare of dogs. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Cross Charitable Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by Board invitation, and selected organizations receive an access code to apply online. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Cross Charitable Foundation's EIN?
Cross Charitable Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-0331707. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Cross Charitable 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Cross Charitable Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
Billings, MT
The First Interstate BancSystem Foundation funds poverty reduction, youth development, financial education, and community development, as well as civic, arts, education, health, human services, and sustainability efforts in communities served by First Interstate Bank across 10 states. Its 2025 grants had a median award of $2,500, though amounts varied widely; the stated minimum grant is $2,500. Organizations can submit grant requests online, which are traditionally reviewed monthly, but grants must be recommended by a local First Interstate branch.
Assets
$19.2M
Grants
767
Total Given
$5.0M
Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation
Missoula, MT
The Foundation supports education, health and human services, arts and culture, and community service, with an emphasis on direct services for underserved people in Montana and areas where The Washington Companies operate. Its 2024 grants ranged from $242 to $5 million, with a median award of $10,000; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
547
Total Given
$50.0M
M J Murdock Charitable Trust
Vancouver, WA
The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust funds nonprofit capacity-building and projects in arts and culture, civic and community services, education, health and environmental stewardship, and scientific research across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Its 2024 median grant was $87,000, with awards ranging from $4,000 to about $1.55 million. Eligible organizations can submit a Letter of Inquiry; full applications are by invitation.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
797
Total Given
$116.6M
Otto Bremer Trust
St. Paul, MN
The Otto Bremer Trust funds organizations and projects addressing community needs and opportunities, including health care and social services, in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 2025, grants ranged from $3,500 to $4.2 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests or direct grant applications; Community Responsive Fund grants are offered through selected intermediaries.
Assets
$1.4B
Grants
180
Total Given
$57.2M
George S and Dolores Dore
Salt Lake City, UT
The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation funds arts and culture, community, education, health and wellness, and preservation and conservation, primarily for organizations serving Utah. Its 2024 grants had a median of $17,750, though awards ranged from $500 to $5.575 million. It accepts unsolicited requests through an online Letter of Inquiry.
Assets
$966.8M
Grants
400
Total Given
$27.0M
The High Stakes Foundation
Missoula, MT
The High Stakes Foundation supports systems-change work that advances a sustainable, equitable, and resilient Montana, including civic engagement, climate, conservation, economic development, leadership, local food, and social justice. Its typical grants are $10,000–$30,000, and it primarily funds organizations in Montana. It accepts unsolicited requests through an LOI followed by a full proposal if invited.
Assets
$2.5M
Grants
62
Total Given
$1.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in Montana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Cross Charitable Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/cross-charitable-foundation-morg_005070151ed8411baa7c6e6c3c767a70
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_830331707_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Cross Charitable Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/cross-charitable-foundation-morg_005070151ed8411baa7c6e6c3c767a70},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Cross Charitable 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.
Cross Charitable Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?