Fig Tree Fund
Fig Tree Fund is a private foundation based in Jacksonville, Florida. Founded in 2015 by the Newton family, it describes itself as a charitable organization that provides support and partnership to qualified nonprofits working to make a difference.
Fig Tree Fund at a glance
In short: Fig Tree Fund gave $275K across 15 grants in 2025 (avg $18K), mostly in Florida. 14% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $275,000
- +5.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 15
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $18,333
- +5.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $7,316,545
- +0.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 14% first-time grantees (2 of 14, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Florida (89% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Fig Tree Fund
- How to Apply
-
The 2024 filing lists Katherine Newton as the contact, with form and materials listed as N/A. It states that giving is not restricted to preselected organizations and that awards are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations for charitable education-related programs primarily benefiting the Southeastern United States. The fund’s grants page says to stay tuned for available grant opportunities and updated information.
- Review Cycle
- None listed on the 2024 filing.
- Deadline
- None listed on the 2024 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Katherine Newton
Mailing address: 200 W Forsyth St Suite 1600, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 910-0000
Email: knewton@thefigtreefund.org
Website: https://www.thefigtreefund.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Fig Tree Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was The Bolles School ($70K). Together the top 10 received $220K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($35,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
65 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 52 grants of 65 (80%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 filing describes awards as primarily benefiting the Southeastern United States. In 2025, 89% of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida and 11% to recipients in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Fig Tree Fund open to new grantees?
14%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 2 of 14 grantees (14%) were first-time recipients. With only 14 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $8K; repeat grants $18K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $13K repeat.
- 86% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−2%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 67% 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 (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $225K (2021) to $280K (2023). In 2025 it made 15 grants totaling $275K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Bolles School Jacksonville, FL | Funds for students that are considered in good academic standing & demonstrate financial need | $70,000 |
| Goodwill of North Florida Take Stock in Children Jacksonville, FL | Offers students college scholarships, volunteer mentors, and in-school support | $50,000 |
| 1 grant to individuals Recipients not named | — | $35,000 |
| YMCA of Florida's First Coast Jacksonville, FL | Targets youth in the community: Teen Forward and Safety Around Water | $25,000 |
| Ability Housing Jacksonville, FL | Build safe affordable homes and improve living environments | $15,000 |
| Groundwork Jacksonville Inc Jacksonville, FL | General support to restore urban creeks and trails | $15,000 |
| Timucuan Parks Foundation Jacksonville, FL | Planning and maintenance | $15,000 |
| North Florida School of Special Education Jacksonville, FL | Support programs | $10,000 |
| Trips for Kids Charlotte Charlotte, NC | Cycling experiences for under-resourced and under-represented youth | $10,000 |
| Catawba Land Conservancy Charlotte, NC | Trail renovation | $5,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Fig Tree Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $7,316,545 | $601,648 | $539,565 | $275,000 | 15 | $416,583 | $498,080 | $626,210 |
| 2024 | $7,266,298 | $3,124,849 | $508,720 | $260,000 | 15 | $401,261 | $1,044,351 | $498,520 |
| 2023 | $4,638,333 | $258,568 | $517,207 | $280,000 | 14 | $434,731 | $191,414 | $384,312 |
| 2022 | $4,896,972 | $269,155 | $508,297 | $280,000 | 14 | $434,180 | $198,374 | $380,097 |
| 2021 | $5,139,056 | $547,999 | $438,135 | $225,000 | 7 | $353,351 | $473,495 | $417,841 |
| 2020 | $5,028,161 | $266,493 | $373,936 | $228,000 | 7 | — | $259,243 | $305,663 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Fig Tree Fund reported a distributable amount of $626K for 2025 — 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 fund’s website describes its work as supporting and partnering with qualified nonprofit organizations. Its 2024 filing says awards are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations for charitable education-related programs primarily benefiting the Southeastern United States.
Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate some of the work supported. The Bolles School says it prepares students for college and life in an academic community. Groundwork Jacksonville describes its work as community-based partnerships to improve the physical environment and promote environmental, economic, and social well-being. The Timucuan Parks Foundation says it preserves, promotes, and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas. Other 2025 grants supported youth cycling experiences, student programs, and land conservation.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the fund reported 15 grants totaling $275,000. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $70,000, with a median of $10,000. Notable grants included $70,000 to The Bolles School, $50,000 to Goodwill of North Florida Take Stock in Children, $35,000 to an individual recipient, and $25,000 to YMCA of Florida’s First Coast. Other grants included $15,000 each to Ability Housing, Groundwork Jacksonville, and Timucuan Parks Foundation, and $10,000 to North Florida School of Special Education and Trips for Kids Charlotte.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Russell B Newton III, Katherine S Newton, Julie Newton Phillips, Russell B Newton IV, Dreama Vaughan, and Katherine E S Newton as trustees. Katherine E S Newton is also listed as manager.
Fig Tree Fund's 2025 filing lists 5 officers; 1 of 5 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Katherine E S Newton
Trustee, Manager & Trustee
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$75K (2020) → $75K (2025)
Dreama Vaughan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
3.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Julie Newton Phillips
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Russell B Newton III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Russell B Newton IV
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $75K, to Katherine E S Newton (Manager / Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about Fig Tree Fund
How much does Fig Tree Fund give each year?
Fig Tree Fund gave $275K across 15 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $260K across 15 grants.
What is Fig Tree Fund's typical grant size?
Fig Tree Fund's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $18,333, across 15 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Fig Tree Fund that year got $8K on average.
Where does Fig Tree Fund give grants?
Fig Tree Fund gives mostly in Florida: 89% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was North Carolina (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Jacksonville, FL (9 grants) and Charlotte, NC (3 grants).
Does Fig Tree Fund give general operating support?
Occasionally: 7% of Fig Tree Fund's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 15) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Fig Tree Fund's largest grantees?
Fig Tree Fund's largest 2025 grantees include The Bolles School ($70,000), Goodwill of North Florida Take Stock in Children ($50,000) and YMCA of Florida's First Coast ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($35,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 53% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Fig Tree Fund?
Fig Tree Fund reported $7.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $417K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $626K (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 Fig Tree Fund fund?
The fund’s website describes its work as supporting and partnering with qualified nonprofit organizations. Its 2024 filing says awards are limited to 501(c)(3) organizations for charitable education-related programs primarily benefiting the Southeastern United States. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Fig Tree Fund?
The 2024 filing lists Katherine Newton as the contact, with form and materials listed as N/A. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Fig Tree Fund's EIN?
Fig Tree Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-0802820. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 11, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 30, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 6, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fig Tree Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Inc
Jacksonville, FL
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida supports neighborhood strengthening, nonprofit capacity, education, older adults, the arts, and other community needs, primarily in Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, and St. Johns counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, while its Program Support grants offer up to $25,000; eligible nonprofits may apply to competitive programs, but donor-advised funds do not accept applications.
Assets
$708.7M
Grants
2,470
Total Given
$78.0M
TD Charitable Foundation
Portland, ME
TD Charitable Foundation funds education, human services, housing and eviction prevention, nonprofit training, and community initiatives, with emphasis on inclusion and underserved and low-to-moderate-income communities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $300 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000; its filing lists a typical award range of $135–$475,000. It focuses primarily on Florida, New Jersey, and New York, and its 2023 filing says applications are available online; applicants must be eligible 501(c)(3) public charities in states with a TD Bank branch.
Assets
$9.1M
Grants
1,003
Total Given
$24.9M
REI Cooperative Action Fund
Sumner, WA
The REI Cooperative Action Fund supports U.S. nonprofits expanding equitable access to the outdoors, connecting historically excluded communities with outdoor experiences, and advancing research on nature and health. In 2024, grants ranged from $9,342 to $386,438, with a median of $15,000; it funds organizations serving communities across the U.S. and does not accept unsolicited grant requests, though recommendations are considered.
Assets
$11.2M
Grants
561
Total Given
$13.5M
The Maryellen S Willis Charitable Trust
Jacksonville, FL
The Maryellen S Willis Charitable Trust supports small nonprofits in Northeast Florida, especially those serving women, children, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness, and prefers specific projects focused on education, prevention, improvement, or reform. In 2025, grants ranged from $2,000 to $125,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests through its form or in other formats; no deadline is stated.
Assets
$9.6M
Grants
44
Total Given
$356K
The Schultz Foundation Inc
Jacksonville, FL
The Schultz Foundation funds educational and public-benefit organizations, with most 2024 grant dollars going to Florida recipients. Its 46 grants totaled $273,900, ranging from $100 to $100,000, with a median grant of $1,500. It gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$6.0M
Grants
46
Total Given
$274K
The Haskell Foundation
Jacksonville, FL
The Haskell Foundation’s website describes support for Native American students at Haskell Indian Nations University and the surrounding community, while its 2024 filing reports grants mainly for operational support to organizations in Florida. In 2024, it made 40 grants ranging from $200 to $625,000, with a median of $5,000; it says it funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.4M
Grants
40
Total Given
$2.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Florida
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Fig Tree Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/fig-tree-fund-morg_cd90bf483d154b37ac089420b9c0c70e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_810802820_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Fig Tree Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/fig-tree-fund-morg_cd90bf483d154b37ac089420b9c0c70e},
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 Fig Tree Fund'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.
Fig Tree Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?