George C Karlson Foundation
The George C Karlson Foundation is a private foundation based in New York, NY. In its 2025 filing, it reported giving $125,500 in grants to 15 organizations; its own filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Key facts about George C Karlson Foundation
In short: George C Karlson Foundation gave $126K across 15 grants in 2025 (avg $8K), mostly in California. 0% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 11-6043764
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $125,500
- Grants made (2025)
- 15
- Average grant
- $8,367
- Median grant
- $8,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 0% first-time grantees (0 of 15, 2025)
- Total assets
- $1,509,446
- Primary geography
- California (76% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.5M
+0.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$126K
+2.0% YoY
Grant Count
15
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$8K
+2.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, George C Karlson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $109K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is George C Karlson Foundation open to new grantees?
0%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 0 of 15 grantees (0%) were first-time recipients. How we count
- 87% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 50% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 122% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations whose work, as described by the grantees, includes education, homelessness and addiction services, support for families and children, and assistance to people in need. For example, the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission describes its work as providing physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual resources to people struggling with homelessness and addiction. Transition House says it provides residential services and life tools to families with children experiencing homelessness. The Hun School of Princeton says it supports students through mentorship and learning.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation awarded 15 grants totaling $125,500. Grants ranged from $500 to $25,000, with a median of $8,500. The largest awards included $25,000 to the Hoover Institution of Stanford University; $20,000 to YMCA Youth and Family Services; and $10,000 each to Friends of the IDF, Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, The Hun School of Princeton, and Wounded Warriors Project. All are listed with the purpose “general purposes.”
Ready to take the next step with George C Karlson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 76% of grant dollars went to recipients in California, 8% to New York, 8% to New Jersey, and 8% to Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 15 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $84K (2022) to $133K (2020). In 2025 it made 15 grants totaling $126K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Hoover Institution of Stanford University ($25K). Together the top 10 received $116K.
Grant Size Distribution
68 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 68 grants of 68 (100%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hoover Institution of Stanford University Stanford, CA | General Purposes | $25,000 |
| YMCA Youth and Family Services Santa Barbara, CA | General Purposes | $20,000 |
| Friends of the IDF Los Angeles, CA | General Purposes | $10,000 |
| Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation Tuckahoe, NY | General Purposes | $10,000 |
| Semper Fi Fund Oceanside, CA | General Purposes | $10,000 |
| The Hun School of Princeton Princeton, NJ | General Purposes | $10,000 |
| Wounded Warriors Project Jacksonville, FL | General Purposes | $10,000 |
| Santa Barbara Rescue Mission Santa Barbara, CA | General Purposes | $8,500 |
| Transition House Santa Barbara, CA | General Purposes | $7,500 |
| Lompoc Family YMCA Lompoc, CA | General Purposes | $5,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,509,446 | $193,393 | $149,650 | $125,500 |
| 2024 | $1,495,746 | $200,653 | $143,579 | $123,000 |
| 2023 | $1,408,922 | $76,947 | $127,191 | $108,500 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,509,446 | $1,495,746 | $1,408,922 |
| Revenue | $193,393 | $200,653 | $76,947 |
| Expenses | $149,650 | $143,579 | $127,191 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $132,036 | $131,276 | $115,653 |
| Net Investment Income | $180,001 | $188,635 | $65,260 |
| Distributable Amount | $108,521 | $101,453 | $97,429 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 15, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 12, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 28, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 15, 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 12, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Roger A. Karlson was listed as a trustee on the 2025 filing.
George C Karlson Foundation is led by Roger A. Karlson, Trustee on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Roger A. Karlson
Trustee
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/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.
Contact
Mailing address: Co Ftci - One Madison Ave Ste 200, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (212) 632-3000
Frequently asked questions about George C Karlson Foundation
How much does George C Karlson Foundation give each year?
George C Karlson Foundation gave $126K across 15 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $123K across 15 grants.
What is George C Karlson Foundation's typical grant size?
George C Karlson Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $8,500, and its average grant was $8,367, across 15 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does George C Karlson Foundation give grants?
George C Karlson Foundation gives mostly in California: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (8%) and New Jersey (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Santa Barbara, CA (7 grants).
Does George C Karlson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of George C Karlson Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (15 of 15) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are George C Karlson Foundation's largest grantees?
George C Karlson Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Hoover Institution of Stanford University ($25,000), YMCA Youth and Family Services ($20,000) and Friends of the IDF ($10,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 44% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is George C Karlson Foundation?
George C Karlson Foundation reported $1.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $132K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $109K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does George C Karlson Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants went to organizations whose work, as described by the grantees, includes education, homelessness and addiction services, support for families and children, and assistance to people in need. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from George C Karlson Foundation?
The foundation 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 George C Karlson Foundation's EIN?
George C Karlson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 11-6043764. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does George C Karlson Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching George C Karlson Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in George C Karlson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Santa Barbara Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Santa Barbara Foundation funds nonprofits serving Santa Barbara County in areas including education and youth, health and human services, arts, conservation, and organizational capacity building. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; applicants are directed to apply through specific grant opportunities, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$503.6M
Grants
447
Total Given
$107.7M
The McCune Foundation
Ventura, CA
The McCune Foundation funds community-led organizing and social and economic justice work that builds community capacity in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties, California; it does not fund direct services or purely educational programs. Grants range from $500 to $60,000, with a median of $2,500 and awards up to $50,000 per year. It accepts unsolicited requests through its grants process.
Assets
$37.5M
Grants
131
Total Given
$1.3M
Tony and Kyra Rogers Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The Tony and Kyra Rogers Foundation supports educational institutions, youth and family services, and environmental organizations, with most 2025 grant dollars going to California. Its 36 grants ranged from $1,000 to $250,000, with a median of $10,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
36
Total Given
$1.0M
Williams-Corbett Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Williams-Corbett Foundation supports California nonprofits working in areas such as mental health, education, housing, food access, and cancer care, with a strong Santa Barbara-area presence. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,674 to $40,000, with a median of $15,000. It has no grant application form; organizations may submit a request letter by March 15 or September 15.
Assets
$23.4M
Grants
79
Total Given
$1.2M
Hutton Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
Hutton Foundation supports Santa Barbara County nonprofits in arts and culture, civic and community work, education, and health and human services, with priority for programs serving economically disadvantaged and underserved people. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $10,000; core operating requests may be up to $15,000 or 10% of an organization’s budget. It accepts unsolicited requests during its grant cycles from eligible nonprofits with offices in Santa Barbara County that serve county residents.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
190
Total Given
$1.9M
June G Outhwaite Charitable Trust
Santa Barbara, CA
The June G Outhwaite Charitable Trust funds organizations serving Santa Barbara County, prioritizing Southern Santa Barbara County, in areas including health, support for vulnerable people, animal welfare, conservation, historic preservation, museums and education. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $80,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts written applications through its application portal; applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations.
Assets
$15.1M
Grants
55
Total Given
$718K
La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The La Centra-Sumerlin Foundation funds education and well-being for low-income children and youth, disability and health services, arts, open-space preservation, and science and innovation, primarily in Santa Barbara County, with priority for Carpinteria. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $366,839, with a median of $30,000; it funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$36.2M
Grants
46
Total Given
$2.5M
Brittingham Family Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Brittingham Family Foundation funds education, arts, social services, youth, health, and environmental work, with 2025 grants going mainly to California, Colorado, New York, Wisconsin, and Washington. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $250,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts online applications and evaluates requests quarterly from certain U.S. counties, which it does not name.
Assets
$57.9M
Grants
99
Total Given
$2.0M
Kaufman Foundation Inc
Santa Barbara, CA
Assets
$941K
Grants
72
Total Given
$53K
The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation
Santa Barbara, CA
The Wood-Claeyssens Foundation supports California nonprofits, primarily in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, across areas including health care, education, museums, animal welfare, and community programs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $30,000. It accepts requests from qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and asks applicants to submit a letter and supporting documents.
Assets
$131.3M
Grants
112
Total Given
$8.4M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations, individuals, and ideas working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work in areas such as immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and arts and culture, through grants around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, with amounts ranging from $45 to $15 million; it does not accept unsolicited requests by mail, email, or phone.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
More Funders in New York
George C Karlson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?