J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc

Private foundation · Grantmaker Tallahassee, FL EIN: 59-2449847

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Tallahassee, Florida. In 2024, it reported $280,200 in grants to 14 organizations, all in Florida.

Key facts about J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc

In short: J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc gave $280K across 14 grants in 2024 (avg $20K), mostly in Florida. 50% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

EIN
59-2449847
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$280,200
Grants made (2024)
14
Average grant
$20,014
Median grant
$10,000
New grantees (estimate)
50% first-time grantees (7 of 14, 2024)
Total assets
$6,431,807
Primary geography
Florida (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing

Total Assets

$6.4M

+2.0% YoY

Annual Giving

$280K

+381.0% YoY

Grant Count

14

+55.6% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$20K

+209.2% YoY

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $312K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.

Is J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc open to new grantees?

50%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 7 of 14 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $13K; repeat grants $27K. How we count

Medians: $5K first-time, $15K repeat.

  • 50% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 530% from 2021 to 2024. Method
  • In 2024 it paid out 90% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method

Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The foundation’s filing describes its program income as interest earned on mortgages deposited to Prime Meridian Bank. Its stated charitable activities include assistance for families and individuals in need, support for the mission of Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, and support for church outreach.

Among its grantees, Taunton Family Childrens Home says its purpose is caring for and supporting underprivileged children with no temporary or permanent home. Big Bend Hospice Foundation says it solicits contributions and community support for Big Bend Hospice, whose mission is to positively impact how the community experiences serious illness or grief.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation reported 14 grants totaling $280,200. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median grant of $10,000. Notable grants included $100,000 to Elder Care Council for Meals on Wheels, $50,000 to Charlie Ward’s Champions Ranch for mission support, $32,500 to Tall Timbers Research for mission support, and $27,000 to Taunton Family Childrens Home for mission support. Other listed grants included $20,000 to Franklin County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Fund and $15,000 to LLSE Newell Fund for its cultural events program.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

All reported grant dollars in 2024 went to recipients in Florida.

Grant Distribution by State

3states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.

Cities

TallahasseeApalachicolaEastpointCarrabelleWewahitchkaBrewtonGulfportKansas CityWest Palm Beach

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$100K$200K$300K4 grants2020 9 grants2021 9 grants2022 9 grants2023 14 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $12K (2020) to $280K (2024). In 2024 it made 14 grants totaling $280K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Elder Care Council: $100KElder Care Council$100KCharlie Ward's Champions Ranch: $50KCharlie Ward's Champions Ranch$50KTall Timbers Resarch: $33KTall Timbers Resarch$33KTaunton Family Childrens Home: $27KTaunton Family Childrens Home$27KFranklin County Sherriff's Office Charitable Fund: $20KFranklin County Sherriff'sOffice Charitable Fund$20KLLSE Newell Fund: $15KLLSE Newell Fund$15KGrace Mission Church: $10KGrace Mission Church$10KFirst Assembly of God - Carrabelle: $10KFirst Assembly of God -Carrabelle$10KTrinity Episcopal Church: $5KTrinity Episcopal Church$5KFirst Baptist Church in Apalachicola: $5KFirst Baptist Church inApalachicola$5K

The largest 2024 recipient was Elder Care Council ($100K). Together the top 10 received $275K.

Grant Size Distribution

45 grants across all recorded years

43<$50K1$50–100K1$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 43 grants of 45 (96%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Elder Care Council Eastpoint, FLMeals on Wheels$100,000
Charlie Ward's Champions Ranch Tallahassee, FLSupport Mission$50,000
Tall Timbers Resarch Tallahassee, FLSupport Mission$32,500
Taunton Family Childrens Home Wewahitchka, FLSupport Mission$27,000
Franklin County Sherriff's Office Charitable Fund Eastpoint, FLSupport Mission$20,000
LLSE Newell Fund Apalachicola, FLCultural Events Program$15,000
Grace Mission Church Tallahassee, FLSupport Mission$10,000
First Assembly of God - Carrabelle Carrabelle, FLSupport Mission$10,000
Trinity Episcopal Church Apalachicola, FLSupport Mission$5,000
First Baptist Church in Apalachicola Apalachicola, FLSupport Mission$5,000

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants
2024 $6,431,807 $356,634 $319,959 $280,200
2023 $6,305,402 $1,116,887 $71,539 $58,250
2022 $5,160,353 $4,383,387 $55,754 $51,000
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$2M$4M$6M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$6,431,807$6,305,402$5,160,353
Revenue$356,634$1,116,887$4,383,387
Expenses$319,959$71,539$55,754
Qualifying Distributions$280,200$58,250$55,506
Net Investment Income$351,975$592,978$17,390
Distributable Amount$311,875$302,033$52,014

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists J Ben Watkins III as chairman, and Joy R Watkins and John Yadon as directors.

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc is led by J. Ben Watkins III, Chairman on every filing since 2020; none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • J. Ben Watkins III

    Chairman

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • John Yadon

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Joy R. Watkins

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.

Contact

Mailing address: 1330 Preakness Point, Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: (850) 488-4782

Frequently asked questions about J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc

How much does J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc give each year?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc gave $280K across 14 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $58K across 9 grants.

What is J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's typical grant size?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $20,014, across 14 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc that year got $13K on average.

Where does J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc give grants?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc gives mostly in Florida: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Tallahassee, FL (5 grants), Apalachicola, FL (5 grants) and Eastpoint, FL (2 grants).

Does J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 14 grants with a stated purpose on J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support Mission" (12 grants).

Who are J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's largest grantees?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Elder Care Council ($100,000), Charlie Ward's Champions Ranch ($50,000) and Tall Timbers Resarch ($32,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 65% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc reported $6.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $280K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $312K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.

What does J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc fund?

The foundation’s filing describes its program income as interest earned on mortgages deposited to Prime Meridian Bank. Its stated charitable activities include assistance for families and individuals in need, support for the mission of Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, and support for church outreach. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc?

The foundation states that it 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 J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's EIN?

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 59-2449847. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Does J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc 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.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Florida

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Saint Louis, MO

Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports nonprofits in health, education, arts, disaster relief, reforestation, hunger relief, and community equity, with an emphasis on organizations actively supported by Enterprise employees and their families. Its reported grants range widely: 2024 giving averaged about $7,700 across 9,499 grants, while the foundation also offers awards of up to $40,000; it supports communities where Enterprise operates worldwide. Unsolicited requests are accepted at any time, but eligible applications must be submitted by an Enterprise team member or their spouse or domestic partner on behalf of a nonprofit they actively support.

Assets

$594.3M

Grants

1

Total Given

$101.4M

Duke Energy Foundation

Charlotte, NC

The Duke Energy Foundation funds workforce development, local economic development and recovery, disaster resilience, conservation, and economic opportunity in communities across North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. It reports more than $30 million in annual charitable grants; awards vary widely, with a 2024 median of $25,000, and applications of $20,000 or less are accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants should contact their local Foundation representative before applying.

Assets

$1.9M

Grants

41

Total Given

$25.6M

Publix Super Markets Charities Inc

Lakeland, FL

Publix Super Markets Charities supports nonprofits addressing hunger, homelessness and housing, youth, education, and community needs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. Its 2024 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged widely; it accepts online requests from eligible organizations, with application periods varying by program.

Assets

$233.8M

Grants

3,269

Total Given

$52.5M

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida Inc

Jacksonville, FL

The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida supports nonprofits and civic work in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, Clay, and Putnam counties, with interests including neighborhoods, education, aging adults, arts, women and girls, young children, and early literacy. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000, though amounts varied widely; most donor-advised grants are not open to applications, but eligible nonprofits can apply through competitive programs when application windows are open.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$708.7M

Grants

2,470

Total Given

$78.0M

Community Foundation of Tampa Bay Inc

Tampa, FL

The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay funds nonprofits addressing economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, health, education, and community vitality in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. Its annual competitive grants are typically $10,000–$50,000; it also accepts year-round requests for urgent, unforeseen needs of up to $250,000. Apply through the relevant grant opportunity; the profile does not state whether general unsolicited requests are accepted.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$1.0B

Grants

698

Total Given

$54.3M

Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc

Venice, FL

Gulf Coast Community Foundation funds arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, the environment, health and human services, and disaster response, with a focus on its Florida service area. Community grants provide up to $25,000 per organization per fiscal year; larger catalytic grants are available, and 2025 grants had a median of $16,251. It accepts unsolicited requests through scheduled Community Grant cycles; catalytic grants start with a letter of inquiry, and initiative grants are by invitation only.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$533.7M

Grants

651

Total Given

$45.0M

Early Learning Coalition of Broward County Inc

Fort Lauderdale, FL

The Early Learning Coalition of Broward funds child care reimbursement and early-learning providers, including programs supporting child care and preschool, primarily in Broward County, Florida. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,127 to $3,994,863, with a median of $158,921. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Human Services

Assets

$15.9M

Grants

636

Total Given

$152.2M

Leslie L Alexander Foundation Inc

Delray Beach, FL

The Leslie L Alexander Foundation supports animal rescue, education, children’s services, and other charitable work. In 2024, grants ranged from $600 to $1 million, with a median of $35,000; giving was concentrated in Florida and Texas, with awards also made elsewhere. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$291.4M

Grants

622

Total Given

$28.4M

CSX Foundation Inc

Jacksonville, FL

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$9.7M

Grants

607

Total Given

$13.7M

United Way Miami Inc

Miami, FL

United Way Miami funds education, economic mobility, health and wellbeing, and resilient-community programs, with its community focus in Miami-Dade County. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,082 to $1,693,432, with a median of $18,410; published opportunities include selected awards of up to $153,000. It publishes specific grant opportunities and application details; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$157.2M

Grants

562

Total Given

$32.6M

The Community Foundation of Sarasota CO Inc

Sarasota, FL

The Community Foundation of Sarasota County funds nonprofits working in areas including human services, education, arts, health, economic stability, animal welfare, and community resilience. Its typical grants are around $10,000–$25,000, with a 2025 median of $18,798, for programs serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, or DeSoto County. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$518.5M

Grants

540

Total Given

$41.2M

More Funders in Florida

J Ben Watkins Private Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?