Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc logo

Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc

Private foundation · Grantmaker Key West, FL EIN: 38-4039936 Website

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.

Key facts about Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc

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.

EIN
38-4039936
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2026
Annual giving (2026)
$2,904,648
Grants made (2026)
42
Average grant
$69,158
Median grant
$37,500
New grantees (estimate)
31% first-time grantees (13 of 42, 2026)
Total assets
$50,313,835
Primary geography
Florida (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
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. Full details ↓
Deadline
None stated on the 2025 filing.

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated October 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 2026 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

$50.3M

-0.9% YoY

Annual Giving

$2.9M

+37.8% YoY

Grant Count

42

+23.5% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$69K

+11.6% YoY

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.

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.

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.

Review Cycle

None stated on the 2025 filing.

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.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

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

1state

Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 42 itemized grants.

States

Cities

Key WestKey LargoMiami LakesCoral GablesBig Pine KeyMarathonTavenierBoca RatonSouth MiamiTampaTavanierTavernier

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$1M$2M$3M23 grants2020 16 grants2021 24 grants2022 26 grants2023 33 grants2024 34 grants2025 42 grants2026

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.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2026

CFK Foundation: $500KCFK Foundation$500KSchool Board of Monroe County: $500KSchool Board of Monroe County$500KBasilica of St Mary Star of the Se: $250KBasilica of St Mary Star ofthe Se$250KSouthernmost Hockey Club: $250KSouthernmost Hockey Club$250KWestley House Family Service: $150KWestley House Family Service$150KSouth Florida Council-Boy Scouts: $100KSouth Florida Council-BoyScouts$100KMonroe County Educational Foundatio: $75KMonroe County EducationalFoundatio$75KWomankind: $60KWomankind$60KSamuel's House: $55KSamuel's House$55KStar of the Sea Foundation: $50KStar of the Sea Foundation$50K

The largest 2026 recipient was CFK Foundation ($500K). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.

Grant Size Distribution

159 grants across all recorded years

102<$50K28$50–100K19$100–250K3$250–500K6$500K–1M1$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 102 grants of 159 (64%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
CFK Foundation Key West, FLEducation$500,000
School Board of Monroe County Key West, FLEducation$500,000
Basilica of St Mary Star of the Se Key West, FLBuiling Fund$250,000
Southernmost Hockey Club Key West, FLBuilding Improvements$250,000
Westley House Family Service Key West, FLFamily Services$150,000
South Florida Council-Boy Scouts Miami Lakes, FLBoy Scounts Support$100,000
Monroe County Educational Foundatio Key West, FLEducation$75,000
Womankind Key West, FLFamily Services$60,000
Samuel's House Key West, FLFamily Services$55,000
Star of the Sea Foundation Key West, FLFamily Services$50,000

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants
2026 $50,313,835 $3,095,564 $3,574,415 $2,904,648
2025 $50,789,971 $2,301,077 $2,656,266 $2,107,638
2024 $51,146,216 $2,485,229 $2,644,113 $2,099,315
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$1M$2M$3M$4M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026
Metric202620252024
Total Assets$50,313,835$50,789,971$51,146,216
Revenue$3,095,564$2,301,077$2,485,229
Expenses$3,574,415$2,656,266$2,644,113
Qualifying Distributions$2,904,648$2,107,638$2,099,315
Net Investment Income$1,706,076$1,928,773$1,894,719
Distributable Amount$2,404,525$2,355,266$2,175,747

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 3, 2020)
  2. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 17, 2022)
  3. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 25, 2022)
  4. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 15, 2023)
  5. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 24, 2024)
  6. Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 9, 2025)
  7. Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 11, 2026)
  8. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025

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

Claude Gardner Jr — President: $106KClaude Gardner JrPresident$106KVelma Christain — Secretary: $106KVelma ChristainSecretary$106KLowell J Chick — Treasuer: $100KLowell J ChickTreasuer$100K

The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $106K, to Claude Gardner Jr (President). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that 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

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.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

Keys Open Doors Foundation Inc

Carolina Beach, NC

The foundation supports community services, education, health care, arts, and gardening organizations, with most funding going to North Carolina and Florida and smaller amounts to organizations in other states. Its 2025 grants ranged from $250 to $7,500, with a median of $1,000; it accepts written applications and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.

Assets

$1.0M

Grants

34

Total Given

$73K

Community Foundation of the Florida Keys

Key West, FL

To connect people, resources and needs through philanthropy.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$33.8M

Grants

1

Total Given

$2.9M

The Clements Family Charitable Trust

Key West, FL

The Clements Family Charitable Trust supports charitable organizations, with recent grants going to schools, libraries, community and charitable foundations, and arts organizations, mainly in Maine, New York, and Florida, as well as other states. In 2024, grants ranged from $250 to $49,000, with a median award of $1,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$2.2M

Grants

93

Total Given

$259K

Dion Banks Foundation

Key West, FL

In 2025, the Dion Banks Foundation funded housing, healthcare, children and families, scholarships, veterans’ services, and other charitable activities, with most grant dollars going to Florida and smaller shares to Massachusetts and Georgia. It awarded 12 grants ranging from $2,000 to $100,000, with a median of $22,500. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.

Assets

$4.0M

Grants

12

Total Given

$365K

Klaus Murphy Fdn

Saint Louis, MO

Klaus Murphy Foundation funds charities serving poor, distressed, or underprivileged people in Key West or Stock Island, Florida, including work in children’s well-being, housing, health care, and disability services. Recent grants ranged from $10,000 to $40,000, with a median of $25,000. It requires written applications with financial reports, a tax determination letter, and a current board list; the stated annual deadline is April 30.

Assets

$10.0M

Grants

13

Total Given

$300K

The Carmelo 3 Foundation

Mountain View, CA

Assets

$549K

Grants

51

Total Given

$56K

Ocean Reef Community Foundation Inc

Key Largo, FL

Ocean Reef Community Foundation funds eligible nonprofits working in education, youth, health and family services, and community projects, especially those connected to Ocean Reef and its employee base. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to nearly $2 million, with a median award of $25,000; its Community Grants Program serves the Upper Keys, Homestead, and Florida City.

Assets

$121.7M

Grants

169

Total Given

$13.5M

Grace Jones Richardson Testamentary

Greensboro, NC

The foundation supports preselected charitable organizations across varied fields, with grants in 2024 ranging from $1,000 to $52,000 and a median of $3,500. Its giving is spread across multiple states, with the largest shares going to Connecticut, North Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$81.3M

Grants

329

Total Given

$2.2M

Lookout Foundation Inc

Summerland Key, FL

Lookout Foundation supports sustainable landscapes, including agriculture, land conservation, and forestry, as well as films addressing social and cultural issues, climate, and conservation. Its 2025 grants ranged from $75 to $100,000, with a median of $9,500; its stated geographic focus is Massachusetts, Vermont, and New England, though it also considers innovative, replicable work elsewhere. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations by invitation.

Assets

$15.4M

Grants

68

Total Given

$1.2M

The Dogwood Foundation

Poolville, TX

The Dogwood Foundation supports preselected charitable organizations in areas including animal welfare, arts and culture, history, health, and environmental education, with 2024 grants concentrated in Michigan, Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma. Its 31 grants ranged from $1,600 to $110,000, with a median of $25,000. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Assets

$18.9M

Grants

31

Total Given

$987K

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Saint Louis, MO

The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.

Assets

$594.3M

Grants

1

Total Given

$101.4M

Publix Super Markets Charities Inc

Lakeland, FL

Publix Super Markets Charities supports nonprofits addressing hunger, homelessness and housing, youth, education, and community needs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Its 2024 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged widely; it accepts online requests from eligible organizations, with application periods varying by program.

Assets

$233.8M

Grants

3,269

Total Given

$52.5M

More Funders in Florida

Edward B and Joan T Knight Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?