Gardner Foundation Incorporated
Gardner Foundation Incorporated is a private foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky. Its 2025 grants supported organizations working in areas including charitable services, conservation, education, and civic life.
Gardner Foundation Incorporated at a glance
In short: Gardner Foundation Incorporated gave $108K across 82 grants in 2025 (avg $1K), mostly in Kentucky. 4% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $107,500
- +16.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 82
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $1,311
- +16.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $1,637,938
- -2.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 4% first-time grantees (3 of 82, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Gardner Foundation Incorporated
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s filing lists a grant application and proposed budget as the application materials, and states that there are no restrictions on awards. The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
- Review Cycle
- May 1.
- Deadline
- May 1.
- Contact
Application contact: The Gardner Foundation Inc
Mailing address: 2301 River Road Ste Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40206
Phone: (502) 894-4440
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Gardner Foundation Incorporated funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Father John Judie Ministries Inc ($7K). Together the top 10 received $41K.
Grant Size Distribution
395 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 395 grants of 395 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 79% of grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky, 7% to Hawaii, 5% to Indiana, 3% to Colorado, and 2% to the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 82 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Gardner Foundation Incorporated open to new grantees?
4%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 82 grantees (4%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $1K; repeat grants $1K. How we count
Medians: $500 first-time, $1K repeat.
- 93% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+7%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 102% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $93K (2024) to $108K (2025). In 2025 it made 82 grants totaling $108K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Father John Judie Ministries Inc Louisville, KY | Charitable | $7,000 |
| River Fields Inc Louisville, KY | Conservation | $4,500 |
| Olmsted Parks Conservancy Inc Louisville, KY | Conservation Educational | $4,500 |
| Kimokeo Foundation Wailuku, HI | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Kentucky Humane Society Louisville, KY | Charitable | $4,000 |
| Filson Historical Society Louisville, KY | EducationalCivic | $4,000 |
| Pa'ia Youth and Cultural Ctr Paia, HI | EducationalCharitable | $4,000 |
| Mission Wolf Westcliffe, CO | Conservation | $3,500 |
| Hosparus Louisville, KY | Charitable | $2,500 |
| The Nature Conservancy Lexington, KY | Conservation | $2,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Gardner Foundation Incorporated?
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 | $1,637,938 | $71,232 | $116,996 | $107,500 | 82 | $116,996 | $61,736 | $114,998 |
| 2024 | $1,683,702 | $120,812 | $102,387 | $92,500 | 82 | $102,387 | $110,925 | $107,807 |
| 2023 | $1,665,277 | $78,370 | $109,407 | $98,950 | 81 | $109,407 | $67,913 | $100,662 |
| 2022 | $1,696,314 | $87,786 | $111,214 | $100,250 | 75 | $111,214 | $76,822 | $103,336 |
| 2021 | $1,719,742 | $64,987 | $109,031 | $100,150 | 75 | — | $56,105 | $100,613 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gardner Foundation Incorporated reported a distributable amount of $115K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No foundation mission statement is provided. The 2025 grants list purposes including charitable, conservation, educational, and civic activities. The supported organizations’ own descriptions illustrate the range of work represented: Father John Judie Ministries says it meets basic healthcare and living-expense needs; River Fields says it protects natural and cultural resources along the Ohio River; and Kimokeo Foundation says it works to preserve Native Hawaiian culture and support Maui’s environment and community health through education.
Other 2025 grantees describe work in wildlife and habitat conservation, hospice care, protection of native species, and education. For example, Mission Wolf describes itself as a nature center providing sanctuary for wolves and horses and educating the public about conservation; Hosparus says it serves terminally ill people and their families; and Nativity Academy at Saint Boniface describes itself as an independent Catholic middle school.
Grantmaking
The foundation awarded 82 grants totaling $107,500 in 2025. Grants ranged from $200 to $7,000, with a median of $1,000. It awarded 82 grants totaling $92,500 in 2024 and 81 grants totaling $98,950 in 2023.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $7,000 to Father John Judie Ministries Inc; $4,500 each to River Fields Inc and Olmsted Parks Conservancy Inc; and $4,000 each to Kimokeo Foundation, Kentucky Humane Society, Filson Historical Society, and Pa'ia Youth and Cultural Ctr.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists William A. Gardner Jr. as Vice President, Marea G. Clark as Secretary Trustee, and Michael Y. Gardner as Trustee.
Gardner Foundation Incorporated's 2025 filing lists 3 officers; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Marea G. Clark
Secretary Trustee
On filings since 2021
7 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Y. Gardner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
7 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William A. Gardner Jr.
Vice President
President Vice President → Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2021
14 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Gardner Foundation Incorporated
How much does Gardner Foundation Incorporated give each year?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated gave $108K across 82 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $93K across 82 grants.
What is Gardner Foundation Incorporated's typical grant size?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $1,311, across 82 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gardner Foundation Incorporated that year got $1K on average.
Where does Gardner Foundation Incorporated give grants?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated gives mostly in Kentucky: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Hawaii (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were Louisville, KY (56 grants), Lexington, KY (5 grants), Crestwood, KY (2 grants) and Clarksville, IN (2 grants).
Does Gardner Foundation Incorporated give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 82 grants with a stated purpose on Gardner Foundation Incorporated's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (25 grants), "Educational" (24 grants) and "Conservation" (8 grants).
Who are Gardner Foundation Incorporated's largest grantees?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated's largest 2025 grantees include Father John Judie Ministries Inc ($7,000), River Fields Inc ($4,500) and Olmsted Parks Conservancy Inc ($4,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 15% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Gardner Foundation Incorporated?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated reported $1.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $117K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $115K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Gardner Foundation Incorporated fund?
No foundation mission statement is provided. The 2025 grants list purposes including charitable, conservation, educational, and civic activities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Gardner Foundation Incorporated?
The foundation’s filing lists a grant application and proposed budget as the application materials, and states that there are no restrictions on awards. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Gardner Foundation Incorporated's EIN?
Gardner Foundation Incorporated's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-0966287. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 15, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 19, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gardner Foundation Incorporated's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Kentucky
The Community Foundation of Louisville Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville funds nonprofits across areas including education, arts and culture, health, and community development, with a focus on Louisville and surrounding communities while also supporting work beyond the region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,012 to $3,853,691, with a median of $22,987; it states that grant programs for local nonprofits use an open application and review process.
Assets
$766.9M
Grants
678
Total Given
$55.0M
The Community Foundation of Louisville Depository Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville supports a broad range of causes, including arts, parks, education, social services, and libraries, with most 2025 grant dollars going to Kentucky organizations. Its 2025 grants had a median of $15,200 and ranged from $5,100 to over $2.3 million; the available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.0M
Grants
421
Total Given
$20.5M
The Community Foundation of Louisville Corporate Depository Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville supports 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects, with grants spanning human services, youth, education, health, housing, and philanthropy. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,157 to $720,515, with a median of $12,000; most funding went to Kentucky, particularly Louisville and some surrounding areas. It offers open application processes for specific programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.3M
Grants
128
Total Given
$4.3M
W L Lyons Brown Foundation
Louisville, KY
The W L Lyons Brown Foundation’s 2025 grants supported varied charitable work, with 66% of grant dollars going to Kentucky and 33% to Tennessee; its reported grants ranged from $2,000 to $11.38 million, with a median of $12,000, though totals included large distributions during dissolution. It gave only to preselected organizations, did not accept unsolicited requests, and its final filing indicates it has wound down and stopped grantmaking.
Assets
—
Grants
21
Total Given
$34.1M
Snowy Owl Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation supports land conservation, the arts, education, and human needs, primarily in Louisville and Kentucky, while also considering qualified regional projects. Grants are typically around $3,000 and rarely exceed $5,000, though larger awards are possible. Its 2024 filing says it funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
93
Total Given
$404K
Blue Grass Community Foundation Inc
Lexington, KY
Blue Grass Community Foundation funds charitable causes and community needs, including education, housing, basic assistance, and youth wellbeing, primarily in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $520,000, with a median of about $16,700; the foundation’s website describes competitive grant opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$296.2M
Grants
514
Total Given
$20.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Kentucky
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Gardner Foundation Incorporated funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/gardner-foundation-incorporated-morg_5ccf2fef02fa454eb99b74669996a04e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_310966287_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Gardner Foundation Incorporated funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/gardner-foundation-incorporated-morg_5ccf2fef02fa454eb99b74669996a04e},
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 Gardner Foundation Incorporated'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.
Gardner Foundation Incorporated down — hundreds of funders to go?