Kershaw Foundation
Kershaw Foundation is a private foundation based in Dallas, Texas. It supports preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Kershaw Foundation at a glance
In short: Kershaw Foundation gave $2.0M across 53 grants in 2024 (avg $39K), mostly in Texas. 25% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,049,585
- +9.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 53
- +12.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $38,671
- -2.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $51,463,397
- +14.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 25% first-time grantees (13 of 51, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Texas (68% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Kershaw Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 5949 Sherry Lane, Dallas, TX 75225
Phone: (214) 507-8844
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Kershaw Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Kershaw's Challenge ($191K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
219 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 141 grants of 219 (64%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 68% of grant dollars went to recipients in Texas, 12% to California, 11% to Tennessee, 4% to Virginia, and 2% to Colorado.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 53 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Kershaw Foundation open to new grantees?
25%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 13 of 51 grantees (25%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $27K; repeat grants $45K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $28K repeat.
- 61% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 67% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 89% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2021) to $2.0M (2024). In 2024 it made 53 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arise Africa Fort Worth, TX | General Operating Fund | $150,100 |
| Heaven South Nashville, TN | General Operating Fund | $130,000 |
| Kershaw's Challenge Dallas, TX | General Operating Fund | $108,800 |
| Children's Medical Center Dalas, TX | General Operating Expenses | $100,000 |
| Concentration Dallas, TX | General Operating Fund | $100,000 |
| Hardball Heros Inc Dallas, TX | General Operating Fund | $100,000 |
| International Justice Mission Nashville, TN | General Operating Fund | $100,000 |
| The Human Impact Dallas, TX | General Operating Fund | $100,000 |
| Airbourne Lifeline Foundation Paconian Springs, VA | General Operating Fund | $75,000 |
| Distinctly His Ministries Dallas, TX | General Operating Fund | $75,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Kershaw Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $51,463,397 | $4,354,328 | $2,529,668 | $2,049,585 | 53 | $2,144,573 | $1,696,338 | $2,406,485 |
| 2023 | $45,151,092 | $1,379,288 | $2,377,626 | $1,870,469 | 47 | $1,962,442 | $442,287 | $2,059,958 |
| 2022 | $38,674,064 | $4,865,547 | $2,120,904 | $1,624,222 | 45 | $1,717,907 | $2,551,816 | $1,938,917 |
| 2021 | $45,369,297 | $11,321,889 | $1,594,250 | $1,224,000 | 36 | $1,308,845 | $3,347,561 | $1,753,059 |
| 2020 | $32,353,320 | $5,200,649 | $1,612,189 | $1,242,650 | 38 | — | $606,494 | $1,305,298 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Kershaw Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s own mission is not stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of charitable organizations. For example, Arise Africa says its mission is to assist impoverished orphans in Zambia, while Kershaw’s Challenge says it provides funds and other assistance to build schools and orphanages in Lusaka, Zambia, and supports other U.S. organizations.
Other 2024 recipients describe work with homeless people, youth and families, inner-city youth, and families in crisis. The Human Impact says it befriends people experiencing homelessness and builds long-term community. Distinctly His Ministries describes youth development, mentoring, sports, and community engagement; Mercy Street describes Christian mentorship through sports, mentoring, and leadership programs; and Interfaith Family Services says it helps families in crisis break the cycle of poverty.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 53 grants totaling $2,049,585. Grant amounts ranged from $325 to $150,100, with a median of $25,000.
Among the largest grants were $150,100 to Arise Africa in Fort Worth, Texas; $130,000 to Heaven South in Nashville, Tennessee; and $108,800 to Kershaw’s Challenge in Dallas, Texas. Other notable grants included $100,000 each to Children’s Medical Center, Concentration, Hardball Heros Inc, International Justice Mission, and The Human Impact; $75,000 each to Airbourne Lifeline Foundation, Distinctly His Ministries, and Mercy Street; and $60,000 to Interfaith Family Services.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Ellen Kershaw as president, Clayton Kershaw as vice-president, Ann Higginbottom as secretary-treasurer, and Jim Melson as director and CFO.
Kershaw Foundation is led by Ellen Kershaw, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ellen Kershaw
President
On filings since 2020
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Melson
Director - CFO
On filings since 2020
12 hrs/week
$990K (2022) → $0 (2024)
Ann Higginbottom
Secretary - Treasurer
On filings since 2020
12 hrs/week
$34K (2022) → $0 (2024)
Clayton Kershaw
Vice President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/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.
Compensation Overview
From 2022 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2022 filing was $990K, to Jim Melson (Director - CFO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Kershaw Foundation
How much does Kershaw Foundation give each year?
Kershaw Foundation gave $2.0M across 53 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.9M across 47 grants.
What is Kershaw Foundation's typical grant size?
Kershaw Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $38,671, across 53 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Kershaw Foundation that year got $27K on average.
Where does Kershaw Foundation give grants?
Kershaw Foundation gives mostly in Texas: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (12%) and Tennessee (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Dallas, TX (27 grants), Los Angeles, CA (5 grants), Nashville, TN (2 grants) and Dalas, TX (2 grants).
Does Kershaw Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Kershaw Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (53 of 53) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Kershaw Foundation's largest grantees?
Kershaw Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Kershaw's Challenge ($190,800 across 3 grants), Arise Africa ($150,100) and Heaven South ($130,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Kershaw Foundation?
Kershaw Foundation reported $51.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.4M (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 Kershaw Foundation fund?
The foundation’s own mission is not stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of charitable organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Kershaw Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Kershaw Foundation's EIN?
Kershaw Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-3322246. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Kershaw Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 23, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 19, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 1, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 12, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Kershaw Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Texas
Communities Foundation of Texas Inc
Dallas, TX
Communities Foundation of Texas funds a broad range of community needs, including health, education, housing, and community development, primarily in North Texas and across Texas. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $18,800, though amounts varied widely; nearly all opportunities are by invitation, with some specific programs open for applications.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
2,209
Total Given
$209.2M
The Dallas Foundation
Dallas, TX
The Dallas Foundation funds nonprofit work in Greater Dallas, with a current emphasis on early childhood and family well-being and other areas including economic mobility, homelessness, and youth mental health. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,020 to $7.85 million, with a median of $25,000; applicants generally must serve Dallas County residents. It accepts applications through its online portal when a grant cycle is open, but reports no open opportunities at this time.
Assets
$491.5M
Grants
788
Total Given
$87.3M
The Rees-Jones Foundation
Dallas, TX
The Rees-Jones Foundation supports nonprofits serving disadvantaged people, with North Texas priorities including children and families, disability care, animal welfare, community development, and faith-based work; it also funds select international Christian organizations. Its 2024 median grant was $75,000, though awards ranged widely. Organizations without prior funding or seeking support for a new program may submit a Letter of Inquiry; international requests are invitation-only.
Assets
$666.1M
Grants
177
Total Given
$103.9M
Greater Houston Community Foundation
Houston, TX
The Foundation makes grants through donor-advised and other donor-established funds for public benefit, human services, education, and health, including initiatives addressing economic mobility and poverty in Harris County. In 2024, its median grant was $25,000; it serves Greater Houston, while grants also go to recipients elsewhere in Texas and beyond. It does not accept proposals for the upcoming High-Impact Grantmaking cycle and plans to invite selected organizations or collaboratives to apply.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
1,724
Total Given
$232.3M
BNSF Railway Foundation
Fort Worth, TX
The BNSF Railway Foundation funds civic, cultural, education, health and human services, environmental, and youth programs, including operating costs and specific projects. Its 2025 median grant was $2,500, though awards ranged from $100 to $500,000; it supports eligible organizations serving communities near BNSF rail lines across its 28 operating states. The foundation provides an online application process, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$23.0M
Grants
993
Total Given
$7.0M
Baker Hughes Foundation
Houston, TX
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
990
Total Given
$3.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Texas
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Kershaw Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/kershaw-foundation-morg_8d57d7afaddf4d0f9c49227f820b1892
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_463322246_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Kershaw Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/kershaw-foundation-morg_8d57d7afaddf4d0f9c49227f820b1892},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Kershaw Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Kershaw Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?