James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc

Private foundation · Grantmaker Lexington, KY EIN: 83-0744635

The James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Lexington, Kentucky. In its 2024 filing, it reported 12 grants totaling $1,809,122, supporting organizations in Kentucky and Ohio.

Key facts about James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc

In short: James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc gave $1.8M across 12 grants in 2024 (avg $151K), mostly in Kentucky. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

EIN
83-0744635
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$1,809,122
Grants made (2024)
12
Average grant
$150,760
Median grant
$71,730
Total assets
$38,571,284
Primary geography
Kentucky (95% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
How to apply
The filing states that no special form is required at this time and that there are no deadlines at this time. Full details ↓
Deadline
Not at this time, according to the filing.

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. 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

$38.6M

+5.7% YoY

Annual Giving

$1.8M

-59.3% YoY

Grant Count

12

-7.7% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$151K

-55.9% YoY

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.7M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.

How James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc gives

  • 42% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving grew 79% from 2021 to 2024. Method
  • In 2024 it paid out 67% 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 (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

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included capital improvements, equipment, economic development, adaptive athletics, and community programs.

The supported organizations describe a range of work. Georgetown College says it provides liberal arts and sciences education under Christian influences. Harrison Memorial Hospital says it provides health and medical care to people in Harrison and surrounding counties. The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation says it promotes adaptive sports and recreation for individuals. ENRICH Corp says it provides employment and job and life skills training for people who may face barriers to employment. Lexington Humane Society says it advocates for compassionate animal treatment, responsible pet ownership, and adoption.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the foundation made 12 grants totaling $1,809,122. Grant amounts ranged from $100 to $1,000,000, with a median grant of $71,730.

Review Cycle

at this time. It says the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations and gives preference to organizations operating in Nicholas County and/or Harrison County, Kentucky.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc?

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

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky and 5% to recipients in Ohio. The foundation’s filing states a preference for organizations operating in Nicholas County and/or Harrison County, Kentucky.

Grant Distribution by State

2states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.

States

Cities

LexingtonCynthianaDry RidgeGeorgetownFrankfortIndependenceAlbanyCincinnatiDaytonFlemingsburgMidwayRichmond

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$2M$4M$6M4 grants2020 2 grants2021 3 grants2022 13 grants2023 12 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $335K (2022) to $4.4M (2023). In 2024 it made 12 grants totaling $1.8M.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Georgetown College: $1.0MGeorgetown College$1.0MLexington Community Radio dba RadioLEX: $200KLexington Community Radio dbaRadioLEX$200KCynthianaHarrison County Economic Development Authority Inc: $150KCynthianaHarrison CountyEconomic Development…$150KHarrison Memorial Hospital: $100KHarrison Memorial Hospital$100KThe Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation: $98KThe Bridge Adaptive Sports &Recreation$98KBluegrass Community Foundation: $91KBluegrass Community Foundation$91KCentral Music Academy: $53KCentral Music Academy$53KThe Kentucky Trooper Outreach Inc: $41KThe Kentucky Trooper OutreachInc$41KENRICH Corp: $31KENRICH Corp$31KMilestones Inc: $26KMilestones Inc$26K

The largest 2024 recipient was Georgetown College ($1.0M). Together the top 10 received $1.8M.

Grant Size Distribution

34 grants across all recorded years

14<$50K7$50–100K4$100–250K1$250–500K4$500K–1M4$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 14 grants of 34 (41%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Georgetown College Georgetown, KYCapital Improvements$1,000,000
Lexington Community Radio dba RadioLEX Lexington, KYEquipmentUpgrade$200,000
CynthianaHarrison County Economic Development Authority Inc Cynthiana, KYEconomic Development$150,000
Harrison Memorial Hospital Cynthiana, KYEquipment$100,000
The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation Cincinnati, OHCincinnati AdaptiveAthletics Project$98,066
Bluegrass Community Foundation Lexington, KYGood Giving Challenge and Match Grant$90,784
Central Music Academy Lexington, KYFurniture$52,675
The Kentucky Trooper Outreach Inc Frankfort, KYTrooper Island$40,500
ENRICH Corp Richmond, KYStructured living renovation$30,958
Milestones Inc Independence, KYPurchase tractor$26,039

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Assets Revenue Expenses Grants
2024 $38,571,284 $4,239,029 $2,169,894 $1,809,122
2023 $36,502,149 $3,284,085 $4,723,971 $4,442,279
2022 $37,942,035 $9,553,927 $667,099 $335,000
Revenue
Expenses
Qualifying Distributions
Net Investment Income
$0$10M$20M$30M$40M2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets$38,571,284$36,502,149$37,942,035
Revenue$4,239,029$3,284,085$9,553,927
Expenses$2,169,894$4,723,971$667,099
Qualifying Distributions$1,809,122$4,442,279$335,000
Net Investment Income$3,325,582$685,764$849,537
Distributable Amount$2,714,114$2,298,734$1,792,037

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 Joni Douglas as director, Harry Richart as board chair and president, and Edwin Culbertson as director.

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc is led by Harry Richart, Board Chair & President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); all 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Harry Richart

    Board Chair & President

    Director & Secretary → Board Chair & President, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    $2K (2020) → $11K (2024)

  • Edwin Culbertson

    Director

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    $2K (2020) → $11K (2024)

  • Joni Douglas

    Director

    Board Chair & President → Director, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    1.5 hrs/week

    $3K (2020) → $11K (2024)

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.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Joni Douglas — Director: $11KJoni DouglasDirector$11KHarry Richart — BD. Chair/Pres.: $11KHarry RichartBD. Chair/Pres.$11KEdwin Culbertson — Director: $11KEdwin CulbertsonDirector$11K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $11K, to Joni Douglas (Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Contact

Application contact: Conner Wehrle
Mailing address: 250 W Main St Suite 2300, Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 235-0622

Frequently asked questions about James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc

How much does James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc give each year?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc gave $1.8M across 12 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $4.4M across 13 grants.

What is James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's typical grant size?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $71,730, and its average grant was $150,760, across 12 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

Where does James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc give grants?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc gives mostly in Kentucky: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Ohio (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were Lexington, KY (4 grants) and Cynthiana, KY (2 grants).

Does James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc give general operating support?

Not in 2024: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.

Who are James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's largest grantees?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Georgetown College ($1,000,000), Lexington Community Radio dba RadioLEX ($200,000) and CynthianaHarrison County Economic Development Authority Inc ($150,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 75% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc reported $38.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.7M (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 James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc fund?

No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included capital improvements, equipment, economic development, adaptive athletics, and community programs. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc?

The filing states that no special form is required at this time and that there are no deadlines at this time. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's EIN?

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-0744635. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

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 James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

Blue Grass Community Foundation Inc

Lexington, KY

It funds nonprofits and community needs through competitive grants and donor-established funds, supporting areas such as housing, youth well-being, and services for vulnerable people. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,025 to $520,164, with a median of $16,661; its focus is Central and Appalachia Kentucky. Applicants must use the online portal for specific opportunities; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$296.2M

Grants

514

Total Given

$20.7M

The Community Foundation of Louisville Inc

Louisville, KY

The Community Foundation of Louisville funds nonprofits, community projects, scholarships, and early-stage businesses through programs focused on expanding opportunity and addressing local needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,012 to $3.85 million, with a median of $22,987; support is centered in Louisville and Kentucky, though grants also go beyond the state. It says its grant programs use an open application and review process; requirements vary by opportunity.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$766.9M

Grants

678

Total Given

$55.0M

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

Bryant Foundation Inc

Owensboro, KY

The foundation supports charitable organizations, including schools, arts and cultural groups, and community-serving organizations. In 2024, it awarded 30 grants of $50–$12,364, with a median grant of $1,000; most funding went to North Carolina and Kentucky. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$614K

Grants

30

Total Given

$46K

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

Brereton & Elizabeth Jones

Midway, KY

The foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including conservation, education, libraries, farming, and community services, with most 2024 giving going to Kentucky and smaller amounts to Louisiana and Washington, DC. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,000 to $20,000, with a median of $10,000. It accepts written or verbal requests; applicants should describe the charitable purpose and financial need.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$126K

Grants

13

Total Given

$128K

John T & Ada M Diederich Educational Trust

Lexington, KY

The trust supports scholarship and educational purposes, with reported giving focused in Kentucky. Its typical giving is around $125,000–$204,000 a year, though it made just one grant of $200,607 in 2025. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.

Assets

$2.9M

Grants

1

Total Given

$201K

M V Haggin in Memory of J B a Haggin

Pittsburgh, PA

The foundation supports educational institutions, health care, and community organizations, primarily in Kentucky. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $760,755, with a median of $20,000. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets

$26.3M

Grants

29

Total Given

$1.5M

The Mt Brilliant Family Foundation

Lexington, KY

The MT Brilliant Family Foundation supports schools, charitable and community organizations, land conservation, and organizations connected to horses and tennis, primarily in Kentucky. In 2025, grants ranged from $4,000 to $130,541, with a median of $12,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.

Assets

$2.3M

Grants

11

Total Given

$292K

LG&E and Ku Foundation Inc

Louisville, KY

The foundation funds community organizations in economic development, education, the environment, and diversity, as well as event sponsorships and tree-planting grants, primarily in communities served by LG&E and KU. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $749,000, with a median of $2,500; 96% of grant dollars went to Kentucky. It accepts community grant applications through its online portal in March and October.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$22.0M

Grants

497

Total Given

$4.3M

John B & Brownie Young Memorial Fund

Owensboro, KY

Assets

$13.5M

Grants

392

Total Given

$894K

Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc

Louisville, KY

The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels funds Kentucky nonprofits serving Kentuckians in areas including education, health, arts, community support, and youth services, generally for tangible items or projects. Its 2024 grants ranged from $370 to $500,000, with a median award of $5,999; it offers an annual grant cycle and year-round emergency grants. Applicants start with a letter of intent, so requests are accepted through its stated application process.

Community Improvement & Capacity Building

Assets

$23.5M

Grants

358

Total Given

$4.5M

More Funders in Kentucky

James A and Martha R Brown Charitable Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?