Frank R Howard Foundation
The Frank R. Howard Foundation is a private foundation based in Willits, California. Its stated mission is to maintain and improve health care for Willits and the wider Northern Mendocino County area, including through support for an acute care general hospital.
Frank R Howard Foundation at a glance
In short: Frank R Howard Foundation gave $571K across 11 grants in 2024 (avg $52K), mostly in California. 27% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $571,353
- -65.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 11
- +10.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $51,941
- -68.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Total assets
- $18,048,501
- +0.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 27% first-time grantees (3 of 11, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Frank R Howard Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Three Marcela Drive Suite A, Willits, CA 95490
Phone: (707) 459-2777
Website: https://www.howardfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Frank R Howard Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Adventist Health Howard Memorial (HMH) ($515K). Together the top 10 received $571K.
Grant Size Distribution
57 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 50 grants of 57 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s stated service area is Willits and the entire Northern Mendocino County area. All 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Frank R Howard Foundation open to new grantees?
27%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 11 grantees (27%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $69K. How we count
Medians: $3K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 64% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+0%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 154% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF 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 $96K (2022) to $1.6M (2023). In 2024 it made 11 grants totaling $571K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Adventist Health Howard Memorial (HMH) Willits, CA | Healthcare Equipment and Software | $514,640 |
| Howard Community Healthcare Foundation Willits, CA | HCHF Support | $31,099 |
| City of Willits Willits, CA | Haehl Creek Trail | $14,002 |
| Willits Senior Center Willits, CA | Ojc medical equipment loan program, shower chairs, and miscellaneous equipment | $3,807 |
| Willits Center for the Arts Willits, CA | Commercial Stairlift | $2,500 |
| Willits Youth Football Association Willits, CA | Funding for Safety Helmets and Equipment | $2,500 |
| Howard Hospital Inc Willits, CA | HHI Support | $905 |
| Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Center Redwood Valley, CA | Claws for a Cause | $600 |
| Redwood Lions Memorial Foundation Santa Rosa, CA | Little Lake Blues and Brew Sponsorship | $500 |
| Willits Sober Grad Caspar, CA | Willits Sober Grad 2024 | $500 |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $18,048,501 | $1,541,226 | $1,498,342 | $571,353 | 11 | $1,040,614 | $1,085,110 | $675,297 |
| 2023 | $17,916,228 | $2,925,069 | $2,588,231 | $1,633,805 | 10 | $2,053,823 | $1,802,374 | $668,364 |
| 2022 | $17,380,616 | $1,789,651 | $1,163,286 | $96,183 | 13 | $483,914 | $1,159,983 | $734,498 |
| 2021 | $17,712,457 | $3,011,837 | $1,547,779 | $573,515 | 11 | $923,242 | $2,338,701 | $724,809 |
| 2020 | $16,377,877 | $1,927,672 | $1,290,881 | $213,457 | 12 | — | $1,131,457 | $670,229 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Frank R Howard Foundation reported a distributable amount of $675K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to establish, promote, and support programs that maintain and improve regional health care. Its stated objectives include supporting a modern, well-equipped acute care hospital; individualized and cost-effective care; coordination among health providers; and innovative services and equipment.
The Foundation also reports two direct charitable programs. Commonwealth Garden provides fresh, organic produce primarily for Howard Memorial Hospital patients and employees. Avenues to Wellness provides health and wellness education to the public free of charge.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation gave 11 grants totaling $571,353. Grant amounts ranged from $300 to $514,640, with a median of $2,500. The largest grants were $514,640 to Adventist Health Howard Memorial for healthcare equipment and software, $31,099 to Howard Community Healthcare Foundation for support, and $14,002 to the City of Willits for the Haehl Creek Trail.
Other 2024 recipients included Willits Senior Center ($3,807), Willits Center for the Arts ($2,500), Willits Youth Football Association ($2,500), Howard Hospital Inc. ($905), Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Center ($600), Redwood Lions Memorial Foundation ($500), Willits Sober Grad ($500), and Willits Kids Club ($300). The grantees’ stated missions illustrate the range of organizations among the recipients: Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Center operates equestrian services for people facing physical, mental, social, or emotional challenges; Redwood Lions Memorial Foundation provides free eye exams, equipment, and training for people who are blind or visually impaired; and Willits Kids Club offers youth recreation, sports, arts and crafts, homework assistance, and guidance activities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Arnie Mello as executive director, treasurer, and secretary. It lists William Bowen as vice president until September 2024 and president thereafter; Margie Handley as president until September 2024; and Tom Herman as vice president starting in September 2024. Other directors listed are Richard Willoughby, Tedd Dawson MD, Tony Madrigal, Terry Hansen, Colonel Mike Howard, and Christi Lovell.
Frank R Howard Foundation is led by Arnie Mello, Executive Director, Treasurer & Secretary since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 1 of 10 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Arnie Mello
Executive Director, Treasurer & Secretary
Executive Director → Executive Director, Treasurer & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$101K (2020) → $118K (2024)
Margie Handley
President
On filings since 2020
16 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Bowen MD
Vice President & President
Vice President → Vice President & President, 2024
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Colonel Mike Howard
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Willoughby
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tedd Dawson MD
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Terry Hansen
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tony Madrigal
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christi Lovell
Director
New on the 2024 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Tom Herman
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Jann Lamprich (2020–2023) — Secretary
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 $118K, to Arnie Mello (Executive Director/Treasurer/Secretary).
Frequently asked questions about Frank R Howard Foundation
How much does Frank R Howard Foundation give each year?
Frank R Howard Foundation gave $571K across 11 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.6M across 10 grants.
What is Frank R Howard Foundation's typical grant size?
Frank R Howard Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $51,941, across 11 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Frank R Howard Foundation that year got $6K on average.
Where does Frank R Howard Foundation give grants?
Frank R Howard Foundation gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Willits, CA (8 grants).
Does Frank R Howard Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 9% of Frank R Howard Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 11) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Frank R Howard Foundation's largest grantees?
Frank R Howard Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Adventist Health Howard Memorial (HMH) ($514,640), Howard Community Healthcare Foundation ($31,099) and City of Willits ($14,002), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 98% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Frank R Howard Foundation?
Frank R Howard Foundation reported $18.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $675K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Frank R Howard Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to establish, promote, and support programs that maintain and improve regional health care. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Frank R Howard Foundation?
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Frank R Howard Foundation's EIN?
Frank R Howard Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-1196197. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Frank R Howard Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Frank R Howard Foundation funds
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Frank R Howard Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/frank-r-howard-foundation-morg_5f59734d0c484b058344549d80bd9a3d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_941196197_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Frank R Howard Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/frank-r-howard-foundation-morg_5f59734d0c484b058344549d80bd9a3d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-21. 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 Frank R Howard 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.
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