Hughes Charitable Foundation
The Hughes Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Jackson, Wyoming, dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that serve vulnerable and at-risk populations throughout Wyoming. Incorporated in 2020, the foundation's philanthropic work in the state began in 2017. Since its inception, the foundation has supported more than 300 Wyoming-based organizations and distributed over $25.8 million in grants.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6.3M
+153.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.8M
-72.8% YoY
Grant Count
29
-48.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$97K
-47.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Hughes Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $135K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: "It's simple: We are called to help meet people's basic needs and bless them where they are."
The foundation operates around the concept of the "impact zone"—a metaphor describing people trapped in cycles of crisis who struggle to gain steady footing. The foundation seeks to support organizations serving families and individuals living on the precipice of disaster, one accident, illness, natural disaster, or job loss away from homelessness or worse.
Primary Funding Areas:
- Faith
- Food Insecurity & Hunger
- Housing Insecurity & Homelessness
- People with Disabilities
- Community Health & Wellness
- Women & Children
- Survivors of Domestic Violence
- At-Risk Youth
- Arts & Education
- Community Vibrance
- Animals & Environment
- Indigenous Communities
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** Grants vary widely, from $10,000 to $10 million, with an average around $102,000 based on 2023 data.
Invitation Only
** The Hughes Charitable Foundation offers grant applications by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Wyoming statewide, with particular emphasis on Teton County and Jackson Hole area organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Revenue: $10,159,714
- Total Expenses: $15,438,036
- Total Assets: $6,285,282
- Annual Giving (2023): $6,011,482
- Employees: 1
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $6,285,282 | $2,479,632 | $5,676,764 |
| Revenue | $10,159,714 | $9,765,040 | $10,003,792 |
| Expenses | $15,438,036 | $7,489,609 | $16,799,459 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $2,579,983 | $6,262,630 | $7,950,077 |
| Net Investment Income | $94,231 | $69,381 | — |
| Distributable Amount | $135,344 | $159,887 | $117,233 |
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
170 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Community Center for the Arts ($333,333), Children's Museum of Cheyenne ($250,000), St John's Health Foundation ($250,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Blessings in a Backpack Gillette, WY | Provide weekend meals for low-income children over the course of three years. | $30,745 |
| Blue Mountain Associates Riverton, WY | Restricted: Healing horseback rides | $50,000 |
| Cathedral Home for Children Laramie, WY | Community-Based Prevention and Social Health Initiatives | $50,000 |
| Cheyenne Frontier Days Foundation Cheyenne, WY | Funds to improve and relocate the Native American Indian Village at Cheyenne Frontier Days | $190,000 |
| Children's Museum of Cheyenne Cheyenne, WY | Matching challenge grant for the completion of the capital campaign | $250,000 |
| Climb Cheyenne, WY | Workforce development & economic empowerment for low-income single moms | $150,000 |
| Community Center for the Arts Jackson, WY | Restricted to Endowment Fund | $333,333 |
| Doug Coombs Foundation Jackson, WY | Empower local youth to grow and thrive by reducing barriers to outdoor recreation during the summer months | $100,000 |
| GAP Jackson, WY | Funds to promote the success of girls through education, self-discovery, community-building & belonging | $56,200 |
| Goshen County Task Force Torrington, WY | Update & Maintain Safe House and GCTF Office | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- B. Wayne Hughes, Jr. – Founder and Board Chairman
- Molly Hughes – President (compensation: $130,000 as of 2025)
- Hunter Christensen – Senior Vice President
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molly Hughes | President | 40 | $130,000 |
| Bradley Wayne Hughes Jr | Director | 1 | — |
| Liz Brimmer | Treasurer | 1 | — |
| James Gersack | Secretary | 1 | — |
| Marilyn Kite | Director | 1 | — |
| Kristen Vieh Crago | Director | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been increasingly active in major philanthropic initiatives:
**Housing for Service Workers:** Made a record-breaking $10 million donation to Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust to provide safe, stable, and affordable housing for human service workers across multiple organizations in Teton County, including Senior Center of Jackson Hole, Community Entry Services, Community Safety Network, One22, Teton Literacy Center, Children's Learning Center, Climb Wyoming, Jackson Hole Community Counseling, Teton Youth and Family Services, and local emergency services.
Teton Habitat awarded a $500,000 grant from the Hughes Charitable Foundation**Housing Development:** Announced a $15 million challenge grant to Teton Habitat for Humanity for home construction in Northern South Park, along with a separate $500,000 grant to the organization.
Wyoming PBS announces $500k grant from Hughes Charitable ...**Public Media:** Awarded $500,000 to Wyoming PBS Foundation as a challenge grant.
Wyoming PBS Foundation Receives $500K Challenge Grant from Hughes Charitable**Community Engagement:** Continues annual $1 million matching support for WyoGives, Wyoming's Day of Giving for nonprofits.
The foundation maintains a blog featuring spotlights on grantee organizations and updates on philanthropic initiatives across Wyoming.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hughes Charitable Foundation fund?
**Mission Statement:** "It's simple: We are called to help meet people's basic needs and bless them where they are." The foundation operates around the concept of the "impact zone"—a metaphor describing people trapped in cycles of crisis who struggle to gain steady footing. The foundation seeks to support organizations serving families and individuals living on the precipice of disaster, one accident, illness, natural disaster, or job loss away from homelessness or worse. **Primary Funding Area…
How do I apply for a grant from Hughes Charitable Foundation?
**Application Process:** The Hughes Charitable Foundation offers grant applications by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited applications. **Grant Range:** Grants vary widely, from $10,000 to $10 million, with an average around $102,000 based on 2023 data. **Recent Grant Activity:** • 2024: $10 million gift to Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust for affordable housing for human services workers in Teton County • 2024: $333,333 to Community Center for the Arts (restricted to endowment…
Where does Hughes Charitable Foundation make grants?
Wyoming statewide, with particular emphasis on Teton County and Jackson Hole area organizations.
What size grants does Hughes Charitable Foundation award?
In 2024, Hughes Charitable Foundation awarded 29 grants totaling $2.8M — an average of about $97K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Hughes Charitable Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Hughes Charitable Foundation reported a distributable amount of $135K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Hughes Charitable Foundation's EIN?
Hughes Charitable Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 85-3683086. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Hughes Charitable 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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