Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation
The Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation is a private independent foundation based in Pasadena, California. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization, the foundation has been tax-exempt since October 2009. The foundation operates as a family foundation focused on philanthropic grantmaking.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$4.9M
+27.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$585K
-57.3% YoY
Grant Count
62
-20.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$9K
-46.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $178K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Grantmaking
The foundation's grantmaking focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services.
Grant Range
$250
Average Grant
$14,700
Ready to take the next step with Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking is primarily concentrated in California, the District of Columbia, and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $4,876,580
- Total Revenue: $1,585,223
- Total Expenses: $616,000
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation maintains a healthy financial position with assets significantly exceeding annual expenses, allowing for sustained grantmaking activity.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $4,876,580 | $3,837,521 | $2,629,542 |
| Revenue | $1,585,223 | $2,564,357 | $140,215 |
| Expenses | $616,685 | $1,398,127 | $1,461,342 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $586,254 | $1,372,569 | $1,439,424 |
| Net Investment Income | $179,923 | $42,441 | $36,092 |
| Distributable Amount | $177,674 | $92,837 | $163,898 |
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
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Museique ($150,000), Jewish Federation ($105,000), Pasadena Playhouse ($100,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADL NEW YORK, NY | CHARITY | $5,000 |
| AMERICA FRIENDS OF MAGEN DAVID ADOM NEW YORK, NY | CHARITY | $1,500 |
| AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST WASHINGTON, DC | CHARITY | $200 |
| AMERICAN FRIENDS OF BEIT ISSIE SHAPERO BEVERLY HILLS, CA | CHARITY | $10,000 |
| AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE INC NEW YORK, NY | CHARITY | $180 |
| AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE NEW YORK, NY | CHARITY | $1,000 |
| ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION LINCOLN, NE | CHARITY | $450 |
| ARMORY CENTER FOR THE ARTS PASADENA, CA | CHARITY | $10,000 |
| BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL FOUNDATION NEW YORK, NY | CHARITY | $6,000 |
| BOSTON COURT PASADENA PASADENA, CA | CHARITY | $2,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Harvey G Knell – Director
- Ellen R Knell – Director
Dr. Ellen and Harvey Knell have been recognized for their leadership and extraordinary contributions to philanthropy. In 2022, they received honorary Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the Weizmann Institute of Science, the highest level of recognition awarded by the Institute.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARVEY G KNELL | DIRECTOR | — | — |
| ELLEN R KNELL | DIRECTOR | — | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a grant from Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation?
The foundation's grantmaking focuses on Education, Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking, and Human Services. **Grant Activity:** • Total giving (2024): $584,620 • Typical award range: $50–$1,001,280 • Median grant size: $250 • Average grant size: $14,700 • Number of grants awarded: 98 (historical data) The foundation has awarded grants in areas including COVID-19 relief, disaster preparedness and relief, and beekeeping/organic farming and agriculture.
Where does Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking is primarily concentrated in California, the District of Columbia, and New York.
What size grants does Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation award?
In 2024, Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation awarded 62 grants totaling $585K — an average of about $9K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $178K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation's EIN?
Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-6163510. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2018–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Gochnauer Family Foundation
CORONA DEL MAR, CA
Assets
$15.2M
Grants
39
Total Given
$313K
Cottage Health
SANTA BARBARA, CA
Assets
$172.1M
Grants
6
Total Given
$179K
International Right of Way Association
GARDENA, CA
Assets
$5.7M
Grants
1
Total Given
$9K
Quince Interfaith Housing Corporation
LEMON GROVE, CA
Assets
—
Grants
0
Total Given
—
William & Lillian Schwartz Charitable Foundation
LA JOLLA, CA
Assets
$325K
Grants
1
Total Given
$3K
Covia Foundation
GLENDALE, CA
Assets
$15.2M
Grants
1
Total Given
$4.8M
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Harvey and Ellen Knell Foundation to a real strategy.