The Gainey Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 2006 and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The foundation was created by the Gainey family to honor Laura Gainey and her late mother, Cathy, by funding environmental and arts programs for youth. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting organizations that enrich the lives of youth in their communities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$38.0M
-0.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.9M
-0.5% YoY
Grant Count
29
+3.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$66K
-3.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gainey Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to uplift community art and environment programs for up-and-coming generations. The foundation was established after the sudden loss of Laura Gainey in December 2006, with the family deciding to honor both Laura and her mother Cathy (who passed away in 1995) through dedicated funding.
Laura's interests shape the foundation's focus areas. She had a passion for artistic expression, teaching children's art classes, and environmental conservation. The foundation's primary areas of focus include:
- Art: Inspiring curious individuals to creatively express themselves and explore life's big questions
- Education: Supporting the instilling of lifelong passion for learning in early years
- Environment: Committing to initiatives that build and provide access to healthier environments
Grantmaking
The foundation supports charitable organizations that focus on enhancing the lives of youth. The foundation allocates grants to qualified organizations that champion arts and environmental education for children.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a mailing address at PO Box 634, Milwaukee, WI 53201.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $38,000,000
- Total Revenue: $2,218,539
- Total Expenses: $2,480,177
- Net Income: -$261,638
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation has maintained substantial assets and consistent grant-making activity over time.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $37,952,097 | $38,225,223 | $39,268,609 |
| Revenue | $2,218,539 | $1,421,386 | $1,841,702 |
| Expenses | $2,480,177 | $2,451,616 | $2,520,616 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,203,212 | $2,203,429 | $2,272,565 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,951,987 | $1,175,814 | $1,604,931 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,434,671 | $2,190,424 | $2,231,953 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
123 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Santa Ynez Valley - Cottage Hospital Fdn ($170,000), Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics ($150,000), Santa Barbara Bowl Foundation ($150,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| GIRLS INC PORTLAND, OR | SCHOLARSHIPS | $50,000 |
| NOTES FOR NOTES INC NASHVILLE, TN | GENERAL OPERATING | $20,000 |
| ISD 761 FOUNDATION OWATONNA, MN | SCHOLARSHIPS | $80,000 |
| SANTA BARBARA COTTAGE HOSPITAL SANTA BARBARA, CA | GROTENHUIS CONSTRUCTION | $100,000 |
| SANTA YNEZ VALLEY - COTTAGE HOSPITAL FDN SOLVANG, CA | SCHOLARSHIPS & CAPITAL | $170,000 |
| SANTA YNEZ PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE SOLVANG, CA | HQ CAPITAL CAMPAIGN | $50,000 |
| CHANNEL ISLANDS YMCA CARPINTERIA, CA | TRANSITIONAL HOUSING | $50,000 |
| UNITED BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF SB SANTA BARBARA, CA | POWER HOUR | $50,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF SANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION LAMY, NM | COMMUNITY FELLOWS FUND | $100,000 |
| SANTA BARBARA EDUCATION FOUNDATION SANTA BARBARA, CA | TEACHER GRANTS, DP & | $100,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation was founded by the Gainey family, with Bob Gainey among the founders. The foundation's initial goal of raising $2 million in its first two years was met, establishing a lasting legacy for Laura and Cathy.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANIEL H GAINEY | PRESIDENT & TRESURER | 16 | $166,000 |
| DIANE P GAINEY | VP & SECRETARY | 2 | $10,000 |
| WILIAM K RODGERS | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | $10,000 |
| MORGAN GAINEY | BOARD MEMBER | 2 | $5,000 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Gainey Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission is to uplift community art and environment programs for up-and-coming generations. The foundation was established after the sudden loss of Laura Gainey in December 2006, with the family deciding to honor both Laura and her mother Cathy (who passed away in 1995) through dedicated funding. Laura's interests shape the foundation's focus areas. She had a passion for artistic expression, teaching children's art classes, and environmental conservation. The foundation's primar…
How do I apply for a grant from Gainey Foundation?
The foundation supports charitable organizations that focus on enhancing the lives of youth. The foundation allocates grants to qualified organizations that champion arts and environmental education for children.
Where does Gainey Foundation make grants?
The foundation is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a mailing address at PO Box 634, Milwaukee, WI 53201.
What size grants does Gainey Foundation award?
In 2024, Gainey Foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $1.9M — an average of about $66K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Gainey Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Gainey Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.4M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Gainey Foundation's EIN?
Gainey Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-5632706. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gainey Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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