Donate Life Foundation
Donate Life Foundation is a public charity based in an individual recipient, Missouri, formed in 2013. It supports work related to organ, tissue, and eye donation and transplantation through clinical research, community grants, and assistance for transplant patients and families. The foundation does business as Mid-America Transplant Foundation; Mid-America Transplant Services is its sole member.
Donate Life Foundation at a glance
In short: Donate Life Foundation gave $2.4M across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $141K), mostly in Missouri. 12% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,390,702
- +11.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- +13.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $140,630
- -1.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $90,665,278
- +6.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 12% first-time grantees (2 of 17, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Missouri (87% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Donate Life Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: 1110 Highlands Plaza Dr East 100, St Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 735-8200
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
4 open opportunities from Donate Life Foundation
Clinical Innovation Fund
Donate Life Foundation
Amount
Varies by award; 2024 awards ranged from individual grants totaling $1.2 million across 4 studies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Grief Support Grants
Donate Life Foundation
Amount
$470,000+ (2020 cycle); $500,000+ (2022 cycle)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Nursing and Funeral Services Scholarships
Donate Life Foundation
Amount
$25,280 (2022 award to colleges); ~$50,000 (2022 for nursing/respiratory therapy programs)
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Donate Life Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Washington University ($681K). Together the top 10 received $2.1M.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($25,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
94 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 43 grants of 94 (46%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s grant program information describes Mid-America Transplant’s service area as 84 counties in eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and northeast Arkansas, with a population of 4.7 million. Its 2024 grant dollars went primarily to Missouri recipients: 87% to Missouri, 6% to Arkansas, 4% to Illinois, and 3% to Kansas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Donate Life Foundation open to new grantees?
12%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 2 of 17 grantees (12%) were first-time recipients. With only 17 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $35K; repeat grants $155K. How we count
Medians: $35K first-time, $100K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 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 $1.5M (2020) to $5.7M (2022). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $2.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington University St. Louis, MO | Science-Clinical Innvovation | $681,130 |
| St Louis University St. Louis, MO | Science-Clin Innv & Investigator | $496,774 |
| University of Missouri Curators Rolla, MO | Science-Clinical Innvovation | $209,304 |
| Lost & Found Grief Center Springfield, MO | Community-Grief Centers | $100,000 |
| St Louis Breavement Center for Young People DBA Annie's Hope St. Louis, MO | Community-Grief Centers | $100,000 |
| Family Hospice of Belleville Area Belleville, IL | Community-Grief Centers | $100,000 |
| Baptist Memorial Healthcare Foundation Jonesboro, AR | Community-Grief Centers | $100,000 |
| University of Missouri St Louis St. Louis, MO | Community-Grief Centers | $100,000 |
| Eye Thrive Maryland Heights, MO | Community-Preventive Health | $100,000 |
| CASA De Salud St. Louis, MO | Community-Preventive Health | $99,664 |
Ready to take the next step with Donate Life Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $90,665,278 | $4,088,832 | $4,646,300 | $2,390,702 | 17 | $3,829,134 |
| 2023 | $85,512,459 | $12,376,183 | $4,018,879 | $2,141,645 | 15 | $9,871,853 |
| 2022 | $76,721,131 | $3,055,652 | $7,600,689 | $5,666,135 | 18 | $2,920,825 |
| 2021 | $91,166,594 | $6,901,700 | $3,288,967 | $1,814,934 | 19 | $6,627,299 |
| 2020 | $80,555,296 | $2,346,179 | $2,896,913 | $1,474,839 | 25 | $1,809,554 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and to transform its community by eliminating the waiting list for organ and tissue transplants.
Its programs include clinical research on donation and transplantation, community grants for mental and preventive health programs, and professional education. The foundation says community grants support organizations working to reduce the need for transplantation, increase the availability of organs and tissues, or improve the lives of recipients and donor families. Its filing also describes support for health care organizations in its designated service area, public and professional education, and efforts to promote organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Grantee missions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Lost & Found says it provides free grief support for children, young adults, and families. Casa de Salud says it delivers clinical and mental health services to uninsured and underinsured patients, with a focus on new immigrants and refugees. Gift of Life says it raises awareness of organ, eye, and tissue donation through classroom education, mentoring, and online resources. An individual recipient Community College Foundation says it administers private gifts for purposes benefiting college students and faculty.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 17 grants totaling $2,390,702. Grants ranged from $8,500 to $681,130, with a median of $100,000.
The foundation’s 2024 grants included $681,130 to Washington University for clinical innovation research, $496,774 to St. Louis University for clinical innovation and investigator support, and $209,304 to the University of Missouri Curators for clinical innovation research. Community awards included $100,000 each to Lost & Found and an individual recipient Bereavement Center for Young People, doing business as Annie’s Hope, for grief centers; $100,000 to Family Hospice of Belleville Area for grief centers; and $100,000 to Eye Thrive for preventive health.
The Clinical Innovation Fund supports research addressing clinical issues in organ and tissue transplantation, with goals that include reducing the need for transplantation, increasing organ and tissue availability, and improving recipient health and financial outcomes. Its published areas of interest include increasing organ utilization, deceased-donor management research, reducing kidney discard rates, and bioengineering and regenerative medicine. Awards may be up to $150,000 per year for three years, with a total maximum of $450,000. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporations. The fund overview says it is no longer accepting national multicenter studies, living donation applications, or applications from outside Mid-America Transplant’s donation service area.
The foundation also describes community grants for organizations working on health programs related to donation and transplantation. Its grief support grants support grief centers and counseling programs serving donor families in its service area. The foundation’s website lists grief support grants and nursing and funeral services scholarships as currently open. Its education reimbursement grants are for individual medical professionals in the designated service area; applicants must submit an application and course or seminar information, and training must relate to organ or tissue donation and transplantation. Those applications are considered on a rolling basis until the year’s funds are committed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kevin Lee as President/CEO and Ellen Barnidge as Chair. Directors listed are Jennifer Davis, Emily Givens, Dwayne Ingram, Gabrielle Kennedy, Patty Morrow, Robert Ream, John Reed, and Ron Young.
Donate Life Foundation is led by Kevin Lee, President & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 8 of 13 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Kevin Lee
President & CEO
Executive Director → President & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$226K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Lauren Brenner
Executive Director
Interim Executive Director → Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ellen Barnidge
Chair
Vice Chair → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Dwayne Ingram
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $800 (2024)
Jennifer Davis
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $800 (2024)
Robert Ream
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Gabrielle Kennedy
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$3K (2021) → $800 (2024)
John Reed
Director
Board Member → Director, 2023
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$800 (2021) → $500 (2024)
Emily Givens
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$1K (2023) → $500 (2024)
Ron Young
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$2K (2023) → $800 (2024)
Patty Morrow
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jorge Riopedre
Secretary & Treasurer
Board Member → Secretary & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $500 (2024)
Gene Ridolfi
Vice Chair
Board Member → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$3K (2021) → $500 (2024)
Former officers (10)
- Former: Diane Brockmeier (2020–2023) — Emerita President & CEO
- Former: Jacquelynn Richmond (2020–2022) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: Nesakumar Joseph (2020–2022) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Tamara Sheffield (2020–2022) — Board Member
- Former: Tim Woods (2022) — Board Member
- Former: Jay Guffey (2020–2021) — Immediate Past Chair
- Former: Judi Phillips (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Scott Bazoian (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Linda Heitman (2020) — Former Board Member
- Former: William Ross MD (2020) — Board Member
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 $800, to Jennifer Davis (Director). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Donate Life Foundation
How much does Donate Life Foundation give each year?
Donate Life Foundation gave $2.4M across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $2.1M across 15 grants.
What is Donate Life Foundation's typical grant size?
Donate Life Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $140,630, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Donate Life Foundation that year got $35K on average.
Where does Donate Life Foundation give grants?
Donate Life Foundation gives mostly in Missouri: 87% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Arkansas (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were St. Louis, MO (8 grants).
Does Donate Life Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on Donate Life Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Community-Grief Centers" (8 grants) and "Community-Preventive Health" (3 grants).
Who are Donate Life Foundation's largest grantees?
Donate Life Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Washington University ($681,130), St Louis University ($496,774) and University of Missouri Curators ($209,304), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($25,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Donate Life Foundation?
Donate Life Foundation reported $90.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $4.1M.
What does Donate Life Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to improve the quality of life for people affected by organ and tissue donation and transplantation, and to transform its community by eliminating the waiting list for organ and tissue transplants. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Donate Life Foundation?
Donate Life Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Donate Life Foundation's EIN?
Donate Life Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-3570900. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS October 13, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 7, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 3, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Donate Life Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, and advocacy, including grants to researchers, institutions, and related organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000; research funding supports institutions across the United States. It accepts applications for specific research programs through ProposalCentral, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
The Ballmann Family Private Foundation
Milwaukee, WI
The Ballmann Family Private Foundation supports a range of charitable work, including animal welfare, elder services, youth, technical education, and health care; most 2025 funding went to Missouri, particularly the St. Louis area. Its 35 grants ranged from $5,000 to $140,625, with a median of $37,500. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$23.1M
Grants
35
Total Given
$1.8M
St Louis Community Foundation Inc
St. Louis, MO
The foundation supports nonprofits through its own community priorities and funds it administers for private and family foundations, including economic mobility, youth connections, and a range of other donor-directed causes. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,050 to $4 million, with a median of $20,000; community-impact funding focuses mainly on high-need ZIP codes in Missouri and Illinois, though grants also go elsewhere. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; applicants should check each funder’s criteria and deadlines.
Assets
$494.4M
Grants
839
Total Given
$63.9M
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds cystic fibrosis research, drug development, specialized care, and related training and clinical programs. In 2024, its grants had a median of about $150,000, with awards ranging from $2,800 to nearly $12.9 million; it supports work nationwide. Applications are submitted through specific funding opportunities, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$5.0B
Grants
624
Total Given
$189.6M
BJC Health System DBA BJC Healthcare
St. Louis, MO
BJC funds health care and community health, education, research, and other charitable projects, primarily in the St. Louis region and surrounding areas of Missouri, eastern Kansas, and southern Illinois. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000, though awards ranged from $5,015 to $2.5 million. BJC says it accepts requests for charitable contributions and sponsorships, but receives more requests than it can fund.
Assets
$7.8B
Grants
52
Total Given
$7.6M
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations and community projects, with 2024 grants typically small (median $1,500) but ranging from $200 to $60,500. Most funding went to Missouri, followed by Kansas and Illinois, with smaller amounts elsewhere; it says applicants should contact the program director and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status, and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$35.0M
Grants
645
Total Given
$2.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Missouri
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Donate Life Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/donate-life-foundation-morg_ef5bf61c3e3d4f87811159540e14b9e8
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_463570900_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Donate Life Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/donate-life-foundation-morg_ef5bf61c3e3d4f87811159540e14b9e8},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 Donate Life 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.
Donate Life Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?