James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
The James Graham Brown Foundation is a private foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky, established in 1954 by Louisville entrepreneur and philanthropist James Graham Brown. It makes philanthropic investments intended to strengthen the well-being of Louisville residents and people across the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Key facts about James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
In short: James Graham Brown Foundation Inc gave $14.9M across 50 grants in 2024 (avg $299K), mostly in Kentucky. 33% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 61-0724060
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $14,944,459
- Grants made (2024)
- 50
- Average grant
- $298,889
- Median grant
- $202,500
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (15 of 45, 2024)
- Total assets
- $390,953,333
- Primary geography
- Kentucky (99% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The Foundation’s filing directs applicants to the “For Grantseekers” section of its website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 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
$391.0M
+6.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$14.9M
+18.8% YoY
Grant Count
50
-13.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$299K
+37.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, James Graham Brown Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $18.6M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is James Graham Brown Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 45 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $386K; repeat grants $305K. How we count
Medians: $250K first-time, $228K repeat.
- 44% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 34% 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s mission is to build on and highlight Kentucky’s strengths in ways that improve the well-being of people in Louisville and the Commonwealth and shed a positive light on the state. Its stated aims include advancing educational attainment, supporting community and economic development, strengthening civic and cultural assets, and enhancing health and well-being. Desired outcomes include improved well-being for Kentucky residents, improved perceptions of Kentucky, civic engagement, and opportunities for all.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of its giving. The Kentucky Derby Museum describes its mission as engaging, educating, and exciting people about the Kentucky Derby. Parks Alliance of Louisville says it works to drive equitable investment in public parks to improve community health and well-being. Centre College describes itself as an independent liberal arts educational community focused on developing students’ intellectual, personal, and moral potential. The Housing Partnership says it creates affordable housing opportunities to support family stability and empower the community. Americana Community Center describes its work as providing services to Louisville’s diverse residents to help build strong families and supportive communities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Foundation reported 50 grants totaling $14,944,459. Grant amounts ranged from $450 to $1,500,000, with a median grant of $202,500.
Among its largest 2024 grants were $1,500,000 to Rita June Foundation for Bezos Academies Louisville; $1,025,000 to Kentucky Derby Museum for a film update and lighting enhancement; $1,000,000 to Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education for student-success work; and $880,625 to Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises for “Pathway to Opportunities for Resilient EKY.” Other grants included $755,000 to Louisville Free Public Library Foundation for library renovations and modernization, $750,000 to AMPED for its 10-for-10 campaign, and $750,000 to Parks Alliance of Louisville for Alberta O. Jones Park and Ballard Park projects.
The Foundation’s website describes Louisville Responsive Community Grants as generally ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 for nonprofit organizations located primarily in the Louisville metro area. These grants support projects at pivotal moments for organizations and are intended to contribute to Louisville’s progress and vitality. The Foundation says project requests should generally represent no more than 30% of total project costs; it encourages broad financial support and partnerships. Performing arts projects are not eligible for this program.
Other published opportunities include Community & Economic Prosperity grants in Louisville’s West End and an individual recipient, and Education & Workforce Readiness grants. For Community & Economic Prosperity requests, the stated first step is submitting a concept paper through the online portal. The Quality of Life program’s applications are by invitation; organizations interested in pursuing a grant are encouraged to submit a concept paper for consideration if their work aligns with the Foundation’s priorities.
Invitation Only
The Foundation’s filing directs applicants to the “For Grantseekers” section of its website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Program guidance describes concept papers as an initial step for Community & Economic Prosperity requests; the K-12 education program uses a letter of interest as the first step toward a possible invitation to submit a full application.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
Community & Economic Prosperity Grants
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Education & Workforce Readiness: K-12 Grantmaking
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Education & Workforce Readiness: Place-Based Education Grantmaking
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Ready to take the next step with James Graham Brown Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s grantmaking is centered on Louisville and Kentucky. In 2024, 99% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky. Its Community & Economic Prosperity program specifically identifies Louisville’s West End and an individual recipient as target locations.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $12.6M (2023) to $22.6M (2021). In 2024 it made 50 grants totaling $14.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Rita June Foundation ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $8.8M.
Grant Size Distribution
333 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 111 grants of 333 (33%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rita June Foundation Louisville, KY | Bezos Academies Louisville | $1,500,000 |
| Kentucky Derby Museum Louisville, KY | "the greatest race" 2025 film update and lighting enhancement | $1,025,000 |
| Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Frankfort, KY | Driving Transformational Change for Student Success | $1,000,000 |
| Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises Berea, KY | Pathway to Opportunities for Resilient EKY | $880,625 |
| Louisville Free Public Library Foundation Louisville, KY | Renovate and Modernize Libraries | $755,000 |
| Amped Louisville, KY | 10-for 10 Campaign | $750,000 |
| Parks Alliance of Louisville Louisville, KY | Alberta O. Jones Park and Ballard Park Projects | $750,000 |
| Centre College Danville, KY | 2024 Brown Fellows Program | $749,419 |
| The Housing Partnership Inc Louisville, KY | Gateway on Broadway Community Service Facility | $575,000 |
| Kentucky Community and Technological College System Foundation Inc Versailles, KY | A Home for Hope at Ectc | $550,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $390,953,333 | $14,322,563 | $22,389,850 | $14,944,459 |
| 2023 | $366,389,366 | $11,883,246 | $16,908,139 | $12,574,512 |
| 2022 | $332,997,825 | $7,619,738 | $20,611,195 | $16,117,272 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $390,953,333 | $366,389,366 | $332,997,825 |
| Revenue | $14,322,563 | $11,883,246 | $7,619,738 |
| Expenses | $22,389,850 | $16,908,139 | $20,611,195 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $16,770,976 | $14,166,049 | $17,676,097 |
| Net Investment Income | $17,230,570 | $11,974,945 | $8,681,561 |
| Distributable Amount | $18,615,233 | $16,849,699 | $17,655,044 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Stephen Campbell as chairman and Crit Luallen as vice chair. Trustees listed were Jerry Abramson, Ben Chandler, Condrad Daniels, Sandra Frazier, Doug Grissom, Lopa Mehrotra, Greg Rousos, and Steve Sautel.
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc is led by Mason Rummel, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 16 of 17 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Mason Rummel
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$315K (2020) → $381K (2024)
Stephen Campbell
Chairman
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
$50K (2020) → $50K (2024)
Lopa Mehrotra
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$19K (2020) → $16K (2024)
R. Alex Rankin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$19K (2020) → $11K (2024)
R. Ted Steinbock MD
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$19K (2020) → $12K (2024)
Ben Chandler
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$16K (2021) → $16K (2024)
Aaron Thompson
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$6K (2022) → $17K (2024)
Doug Grissom
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
$14K (2022) → $19K (2024)
Condrad Daniels
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$12K (2024)
Greg Rousos
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$6K (2024)
Jerry Abramson
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$7K (2024)
Sandra Frazier
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
$14K (2024)
Steve Sautel
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Crit Luallen
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$18K (2020) → $16K (2024)
Kathy Kotcamp
Treasurer & Secretary
Treasurer & CFO → Treasurer, Secretary & CFO, 2021
Treasurer, Secretary & CFO → Treasurer & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$176K (2020) → $56K (2024)
Bleik Pickett
Secretary
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$165K (2024)
William Clifton
Treasurer & CFO
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$151K (2024)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Angie Evans (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Audwin Helton (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Rudy Gernert (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Stephen Reily (2020–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Alice Houston (2020–2021) — Trustee & At-Large
- Former: Dan Fox (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: John Lewis (2020–2021) — Trustee & At-Large
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
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $381K, to Mason Rummel (President, CEO). 16 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Application contact: Mason Rummel President James Graham
Mailing address: 471 West Main Street Suite 401, Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 896-2440
Website: https://jgbf.org
Frequently asked questions about James Graham Brown Foundation Inc
How much does James Graham Brown Foundation Inc give each year?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc gave $14.9M across 50 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $12.6M across 58 grants.
What is James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $202,500, and its average grant was $298,889, across 50 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from James Graham Brown Foundation Inc that year got $386K on average.
Where does James Graham Brown Foundation Inc give grants?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc gives mostly in Kentucky: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Louisville, KY (31 grants), Danville, KY (3 grants), Washington, DC (3 grants) and Lexington, KY (2 grants).
Does James Graham Brown Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 50) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (15 grants) and "2024 Brown Fellows Program" (3 grants).
Who are James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Rita June Foundation ($1,500,000), Kentucky Derby Museum ($1,025,000) and Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education ($1,000,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 24% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is James Graham Brown Foundation Inc?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc reported $391.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $16.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $18.6M (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 Graham Brown Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to build on and highlight Kentucky’s strengths in ways that improve the well-being of people in Louisville and the Commonwealth and shed a positive light on the state. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from James Graham Brown Foundation Inc?
The Foundation’s filing directs applicants to the “For Grantseekers” section of its website for forms, materials, deadlines, and award restrictions. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's EIN?
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-0724060. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching James Graham Brown Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in James Graham Brown Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation of Louisville Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville funds nonprofits across areas including education, arts and culture, health, and community development, with a focus on Louisville and surrounding communities while also supporting work beyond the region. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,012 to $3,853,691, with a median of $22,987; it states that grant programs for local nonprofits use an open application and review process.
Assets
$766.9M
Grants
678
Total Given
$55.0M
The Community Foundation of Louisville Corporate Depository Inc
Louisville, KY
The Community Foundation of Louisville supports 501(c)(3) organizations and charitable projects, with grants spanning human services, youth, education, health, housing, and philanthropy. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,157 to $720,515, with a median of $12,000; most funding went to Kentucky, particularly Louisville and some surrounding areas. It offers open application processes for specific programs, but the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.3M
Grants
128
Total Given
$4.3M
The Gheens Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The Gheens Foundation funds primarily public urban education, human and social services, quality of place, and the arts in metropolitan Louisville and Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in Louisiana. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $400,000, with a median of $25,000, and it accepts unsolicited requests through an online application process.
Assets
$161.4M
Grants
157
Total Given
$6.3M
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
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.
Assets
$22.0M
Grants
497
Total Given
$4.3M
Snowy Owl Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation supports land conservation, the arts, education, and human needs, primarily in Louisville and Kentucky, while also considering qualified regional projects. Grants are typically around $3,000 and rarely exceed $5,000, though larger awards are possible. Its 2024 filing says it funds preselected organizations only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
93
Total Given
$404K
Metro United Way Inc
Louisville, KY
Metro United Way funds programs focused on children’s development and education, household stability, and equitable opportunity, including basic services. Its grants serve seven counties in Kentucky and Indiana; in 2025, awards ranged from $5,337 to $1 million, with a median of $15,000. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$46.4M
Grants
124
Total Given
$5.1M
Sociable Weaver Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation supports community, cultural, environmental, and educational organizations, primarily in Kentucky, which received 90% of its 2024 grant dollars. Its 70 grants totaled about $2.59 million, with a median grant of $7,000 and awards ranging from $983 to $998,908. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$8.7M
Grants
70
Total Given
$2.6M
C E and S Foundation Inc
Louisville, KY
The foundation funds caregiver engagement, children’s social-emotional and academic support, family stability, and postsecondary education, with an emphasis on Louisville and some other communities connected to it. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $1 million, with a median of $45,000. It encourages prospective partners to inquire through its website rather than submit unsolicited proposals.
Assets
$77.3M
Grants
59
Total Given
$4.5M
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
Louisville, KY
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels funds Kentucky 501(c)(3) organizations serving Kentuckians, supporting projects in areas such as education, health, community services, arts, and disaster relief. Its 2024 grants ranged from $370 to $500,000, with a median of about $6,000; Good Works applications require a letter of intent, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$23.5M
Grants
358
Total Given
$4.5M
Blue Grass Community Foundation Inc
Lexington, KY
Blue Grass Community Foundation funds charitable causes and community needs, including education, housing, basic assistance, and youth wellbeing, primarily in Central and Appalachia Kentucky. Its 2025 grants ranged from about $5,000 to $520,000, with a median of about $16,700; the foundation’s website describes competitive grant opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$296.2M
Grants
514
Total Given
$20.7M
John B & Brownie Young Memorial Fund
Owensboro, KY
The fund provides scholarships to eligible high school seniors from four Owensboro-area Kentucky school districts for full-time college or vocational/technical study, primarily supporting the first year. Awards are at least $500, with a $500 median grant in 2025; larger awards depend on students’ financial need. Students are notified and receive application information through their school counselor and Independence Bank; the fund does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.5M
Grants
392
Total Given
$894K
More Funders in Kentucky
James Graham Brown Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?