Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker
The Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker Foundation is a private foundation based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Established in 1988, it operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with tax-exempt status since July 1988. The foundation provides funds for charitable grants across multiple sectors including education, human services, and the arts.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$16.0M
+5.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$662K
-27.5% YoY
Grant Count
37
-27.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
-0.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker reported a distributable amount of $1.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's purpose is to provide funds for charitable grants supporting a range of causes. Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- Early literacy programs (summer and school year)
- Arts and cultural institutions
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Pennsylvania, with particular activity in the Allentown area and surrounding regions.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $16,024,917
- Total Revenue: $1,784,191
- Total Expenses: $1,001,788
- Total Liabilities: $20,900
- Net Income: Positive
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $16,024,917 | $15,225,307 | $14,781,935 |
| Revenue | $1,784,191 | $1,300,613 | $227,099 |
| Expenses | $1,001,788 | $1,441,475 | $1,426,971 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $903,195 | $1,388,377 | $1,310,697 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,685,598 | $1,248,199 | $351,860 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,227,307 | $1,199,834 | $1,157,926 |
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
237 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Lehigh University ($250,000), Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania ($25,000), Allentown Art Museum ($20,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALLENTOWN ART MUSEUM ALLENTOWN, PA | 2025 EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING SUPPORT | $20,000 |
| ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY ASSOCIATION ALLENTOWN, PA | 2025-2026 ALLENTOWN SYMPHONY NEW MUSIC PERFORMANCES | $10,000 |
| ARTSQUEST BETHLEHEM, PA | 2025 EXPRESSIVE ARTS OR MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM | $10,000 |
| BACH CHOIR OF BETHLEHEM BETHLEHEM, PA | 2024-2025 YOUTH, EDUCATION, AND FAMILY PROGRAMS | $20,000 |
| BAUM SCHOOL OF ART THE ALLENTOWN, PA | 2024-2025 OPERATING SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF ALLENTOWN ALLENTOWN, PA | 2025 YOUTH ARTS PROGRAMMING AND FIELD TRIPS | $10,000 |
| BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF ALLENTOWN ALLENTOWN, PA | 2025 MAKE YOUR M.A.R.K. AND MONEY MATTERS PROGRAMS | $20,000 |
| COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA ALLENTOWN, PA | 2025 OPERATING SUPPORT | $25,000 |
| COMMUNITY BIKE WORKS ALLENTOWN, PA | 2024 YOUTH BIKE MENTORING & LEADERSHIP SUMMIT | $5,000 |
| COMMUNITY BIKE WORKS ALLENTOWN, PA | 2024-2025 OPERATING SUPPORT | $15,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAROLYN J BAKER | TRUSTEE - CHAIRPERSON | 15 | $10,000 |
| LESLIE B BORIS | TRUSTEE | 15 | $10,000 |
| ELLEN B GHELARDI | TRUSTEE - SECRETARY | 15 | $10,000 |
| SUSAN ROYAL | TRUSTEE - TREASURER | 15 | $10,000 |
| TIMOTHY L HOLT | TRUSTEE | 15 | $10,000 |
| JACK PAYNE | TRUSTEE | 15 | $10,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has supported major institutional partnerships, including a significant long-term commitment to Lehigh University's Baker Institute. The foundation also provided support for Hurricane Ian relief efforts and has sponsored cultural programming and celebrations.
The Baker Institute Awarded $5 Million Gift | News Article | Lehigh UniversitySubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker fund?
The foundation's purpose is to provide funds for charitable grants supporting a range of causes. Primary funding focus areas include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services • Early literacy programs (summer and school year) • Arts and cultural institutions
How do I apply for a grant from Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $2,000–$250,000 • Recent grant activity: 58 grants made in 2024 **Recent Grants:** • Lehigh University: $250,000 (2024) for Baker Institute operating support (2015-2035) • Communities in Schools of Eastern Pennsylvania: $25,000 (2024) for operating support • Support for Hurricane Ian relief efforts • Sponsorship of cultural events and celebrations **Total Giving:** $661,500 (2024)
Where does Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in Pennsylvania, with particular activity in the Allentown area and surrounding regions.
What size grants does Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker award?
In 2024, Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker awarded 37 grants totaling $662K — an average of about $18K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker reported a distributable amount of $1.2M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker's EIN?
Dexter F and Dorothy H Baker's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-2453230. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
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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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