Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc
The Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Key West, Florida. Its stated mission is to support charitable, religious, educational, and medical facilities that help develop strong, moral, educated youth in Florida, with emphasis on the Florida Keys, and to support organizations promoting strong family values.
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc gave $2.9M across 42 grants in 2026 (avg $69K), mostly in Florida. 31% of 2026 grantees were new. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $2,904,648
- +37.8% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 42
- +23.5% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $69,158
- +11.6% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $37,500
- Total assets
- $50,313,835
- -0.9% vs 2025
- New grantees (estimate)
- 31% first-time grantees (13 of 42, 2026)
- Primary geography
- Florida (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s website directs organizations whose missions align with its community, family-values, leadership, and children-focused mission to complete a grant application. The 2025 filing says the application and required attachments are available through the foundation’s website or by requesting a paper application in writing. Requests must accord with the foundation’s mission and are subject to trustee review; requests may be adjusted based on various factors.
- Review Cycle
- None stated on the 2025 filing.
- Deadline
- None stated on the 2025 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Lowell J Chick
Mailing address: 1218 Se 52 Street, Ocala, FL 34480
Phone: (305) 741-7745
Email: info@knightfoundationflorida.org
Website: https://knightfoundationflorida.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was CFK Foundation ($500K). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
159 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 102 grants of 159 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website gives priority to organizations providing services in Monroe County, Florida, and describes a broader focus on Florida, especially the Florida Keys, as well as South Florida and Haiti. All reported 2026 grant dollars went to recipients in Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 42 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
31%
first-time grantees, 2026
In 2026, 13 of 42 grantees (31%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $44K; repeat grants $80K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 57% of 2026 grantees were also funded in 2025. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2023 to 2026 (+19%). Method
- In 2026 it paid out 121% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2026). 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 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2020) to $2.9M (2026). In 2026 it made 42 grants totaling $2.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CFK Foundation Key West, FL | Education | $500,000 |
| School Board of Monroe County Key West, FL | Education | $500,000 |
| Basilica of St Mary Star of the Se Key West, FL | Builing Fund | $250,000 |
| Southernmost Hockey Club Key West, FL | Building Improvements | $250,000 |
| Westley House Family Service Key West, FL | Family Services | $150,000 |
| South Florida Council-Boy Scouts Miami Lakes, FL | Boy Scounts Support | $100,000 |
| Monroe County Educational Foundatio Key West, FL | Education | $75,000 |
| Womankind Key West, FL | Family Services | $60,000 |
| Samuel's House Key West, FL | Family Services | $55,000 |
| Star of the Sea Foundation Key West, FL | Family Services | $50,000 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $50,313,835 | $3,095,564 | $3,574,415 | $2,904,648 | 42 | $2,904,648 | $1,706,076 | $2,404,525 |
| 2025 | $50,789,971 | $2,301,077 | $2,656,266 | $2,107,638 | 34 | $2,107,638 | $1,928,773 | $2,355,266 |
| 2024 | $51,146,216 | $2,485,229 | $2,644,113 | $2,099,315 | 33 | $2,099,315 | $1,894,719 | $2,175,747 |
| 2023 | $51,308,861 | $-7,702,475 | $2,958,111 | $2,442,500 | 26 | $2,442,500 | $1,786,825 | $2,117,313 |
| 2022 | $61,964,160 | $2,280,338 | $1,887,091 | $1,403,250 | 24 | $1,403,250 | $1,431,632 | $1,721,565 |
| 2021 | $61,570,913 | $2,210,414 | $1,637,701 | $1,237,650 | 16 | — | $1,821,275 | $1,572,184 |
| 2020 | $61,048,347 | $1,411,303 | $1,597,386 | $1,214,734 | 23 | — | $1,361,574 | $1,641,867 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.4M for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to support charitable, religious, educational, and medical facilities that encourage the development of strong, moral, educated youth in Florida, with an emphasis on the Florida Keys. Its stated focus also includes programs that promote education, leadership skills, moral character, and the health and welfare of children and families, along with organizations that promote strong family values.
Its 2026 grants included education, family services, youth recreation, and building-related support. The grantees describe a range of community work: Southernmost Hockey Club provides recreational opportunities promoting fair competition, sportsmanship, teamwork, and social interaction; Samuel’s House provides housing and care coordination for homeless women, families, and others; and Womankind provides family planning and primary health care. Other 2026 recipients describe work in education, arts and culture, and services for indigent and underprivileged Key West residents.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2026, the foundation reported 42 grants totaling $2,904,648. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $500,000, with a median of $37,500. Among the largest awards were $500,000 each to CFK Foundation and the School Board of Monroe County for education; $250,000 to Basilica of St Mary Star of the Sea for a building fund; and $250,000 to Southernmost Hockey Club for building improvements. Other awards included $150,000 to Wesley House Family Services and $60,000 to Womankind for family services.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2026 filing lists Claude Gardner Jr as president, Velma Christain as secretary, and Lowell J Chick as treasurer.
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc is led by Claude Gardner Jr., President on every filing since 2020; all 3 officers listed in 2026 are compensated.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Claude Gardner Jr.
President
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$75K (2020) → $106K (2026)
Lowell J. Chick
Treasuer
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$75K (2020) → $100K (2026)
Velma Christain
Secretary
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$75K (2020) → $106K (2026)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2026 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $106K, to Claude Gardner Jr (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc
How much does Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc give each year?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc gave $2.9M across 42 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $2.1M across 34 grants.
What is Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's median grant in 2026 was $37,500, and its average grant was $69,158, across 42 grants on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc that year got $44K on average.
Where does Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc give grants?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc gives mostly in Florida: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Key West, FL (34 grants), Key Largo, FL (3 grants) and Big Pine Key, FL (2 grants).
Does Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2026: none of the 42 grants with a stated purpose on Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's 2026 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Education" (14 grants), "Family Services" (11 grants) and "Healthcare" (4 grants).
Who are Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's largest 2026 grantees include CFK Foundation ($500,000), School Board of Monroe County ($500,000) and Basilica of St Mary Star of the Se ($250,000), according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2026 grant dollars.
How large is Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc reported $50.3M in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to support charitable, religious, educational, and medical facilities that encourage the development of strong, moral, educated youth in Florida, with an emphasis on the Florida Keys. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc?
The foundation’s website directs organizations whose missions align with its community, family-values, leadership, and children-focused mission to complete a grant application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's EIN?
Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 38-4039936. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2026.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 3, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 17, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 25, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 9, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 11, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 23, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/edward-b-and-joan-t-knight-foundation-inc-morg_b52d1ee60d39465290bc6763372330ff
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_384039936_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/edward-b-and-joan-t-knight-foundation-inc-morg_b52d1ee60d39465290bc6763372330ff},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-23. 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 Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc'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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