Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc is a private foundation with a filing location in Canton, Georgia. The foundation says it supports autism awareness and care, cancer research and treatment, community connection, immediate needs, effective nonprofits, and youth athletics.
Key facts about Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc
In short: Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc gave $60K across 26 grants in 2025 (avg $2K), top state Georgia. 38% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 87-3383440
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $59,920
- Grants made (2025)
- 26
- Average grant
- $2,305
- Median grant
- $1,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 38% first-time grantees (10 of 26, 2025)
- Total assets
- $356,088
- Primary geography
- Georgia (46% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$356K
-11.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$60K
-38.8% YoY
Grant Count
26
-13.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$2K
-29.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $18K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
38%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 10 of 26 grantees (38%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $1K; repeat grants $3K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 62% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 25% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 331% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2025). 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 stated mission is to empower lives and communities through initiatives that support people affected by autism and cancer, strengthen community connections, respond to immediate needs, partner with effective nonprofits, and nurture youth through athletics.
Its 2025 grants illustrate a range of charitable causes. For example, St. Christine Christian Services says its fundamental purpose is providing meals and food to needy families in the community. The Channing’s Joy Foundation says it makes grants to charities and families with children with special needs to help provide access to services. Mighty Millie Foundation says it works to fight childhood cancer through awareness, funding, resources, research, and other projects. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 26 grants totaling $59,920. Grant amounts ranged from $500 to $10,000, with a median of $1,250. The foundation describes its grants as unrestricted.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $10,000 to St Vincent DePaul Georgia, $6,000 to Reclif Community, $5,000 each to Caron Treatment Center and St Christine Christian Services, and $3,600 to Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. Other grants included $3,525 to Kennesaw State Athletic Association, $3,000 to The Channing’s Joy Foundation, and $2,500 each to Open Door Food Pantry, Knights of Equity, and Mighty Millie Foundation.
How to Apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 46% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia, 14% to Michigan, 11% to Florida, 8% to Pennsylvania, and 5% to North Carolina. The remaining share went to recipients in other states.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $8K (2021) to $98K (2024). In 2025 it made 26 grants totaling $60K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was St Vincent DePaul Georgia ($10K). Together the top 10 received $44K.
Grant Size Distribution
101 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 100 grants of 101 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Vincent DePaul Georgia Atlanta, GA | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Reclif Community Peachtree Corners, GA | Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Caron Treatment Center Wernersville, PA | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| St Christine Christian Services Detroit, MI | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Blessed Trinity Catholic Church Roswell, GA | Unrestricted | $3,600 |
| Kennesaw State Athletic Association Kennesaw, GA | Unrestricted | $3,525 |
| The Channing's Joy Foundation Concord, NC | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Open Door Food Pantry Santa Rosa Beach, FL | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Knights of Equity Redford, MI | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Mighty Millie Foundation Marietta, GA | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $356,088 | $13,778 | $61,890 | $59,920 |
| 2024 | $401,700 | $20,315 | $100,278 | $97,936 |
| 2023 | $481,663 | $22,004 | $61,774 | $58,680 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $356,088 | $401,700 | $481,663 |
| Revenue | $13,778 | $20,315 | $22,004 |
| Expenses | $61,890 | $100,278 | $61,774 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $59,920 | $97,936 | $58,680 |
| Net Investment Income | $12,061 | $18,236 | $18,910 |
| Distributable Amount | $18,102 | $21,153 | $24,409 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 16, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 13, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 14, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Karen Gergel as President, Mark Gergel as Treasurer, Kristin Swift as Vice President, and Michelle Burruss as Director.
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc is led by Karen Gergel, President on every filing since 2021; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Karen Gergel
President
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Michelle Burruss
Director
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Kristin Swift
Vice President
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Mark Gergel
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 126 Owens Mill Place, Canton, GA 30115
Phone: (404) 217-4782
Website: https://mkgfoundation.org/
Frequently asked questions about Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc
How much does Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc give each year?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc gave $60K across 26 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $98K across 30 grants.
What is Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $1,250, and its average grant was $2,305, across 26 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc that year got $1K on average.
Where does Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc give grants?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's top state is Georgia, with 46% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Michigan (14%) and Florida (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Atlanta, GA (2 grants), Santa Rosa Beach, FL (2 grants) and Freeport, FL (2 grants).
Does Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (26 of 26) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include St Vincent DePaul Georgia ($10,000), Reclif Community ($6,000) and Caron Treatment Center ($5,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 35% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc reported $356K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $60K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $18K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to empower lives and communities through initiatives that support people affected by autism and cancer, strengthen community connections, respond to immediate needs, partner with effective nonprofits, and nurture youth through athletics. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc?
The foundation 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 Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's EIN?
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 87-3383440. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does Mark and Karen Gergel 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.
Here's the math on researching Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta supports equity and shared prosperity through grants across areas including health care, education, human services, arts and culture, and environmental work. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of $21,000, with over 64% of grant support staying in the 23-county metro Atlanta region; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
BGCA funds youth development through local Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting academic success, health, leadership, mentoring, and related programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2,704,861, with a median of $81,098, and went to communities across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affiliates and other organizations working on affordable housing, including homebuilding, housing preservation, coalition building and advocacy. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6.37 million, with a median of about $48,700, supporting work across the U.S. and internationally; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$466.3M
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Power Foundation supports programs and capital campaigns that improve quality of life, including work in health care, education, workforce development, arts, and community development, with a strong preference for Georgia organizations and communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; requests of $25,000 or less are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It accepts online grant requests, as described in its filing.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
American Cancer Society Inc
Atlanta, GA
The American Cancer Society funds cancer research, patient support, and advocacy, including grants to researchers, institutions, and related organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,648 to $9.6 million, with a median of $15,000; research funding supports institutions across the United States. It accepts applications for specific research programs through ProposalCentral, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$1.7B
Grants
509
Total Given
$23.1M
Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Federation funds Jewish education and engagement, community-building, care for people in need, safety, and work connected to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, with a focus on Greater Atlanta. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,000 to $4.68 million, with a median of $18,489; some programs accept applications, while core, domestic, and global partner allocations are by invitation only.
Assets
$431.3M
Grants
435
Total Given
$50.7M
BVM Capacity Building Institute Inc
Atlanta, GA
BVM Capacity Building Institute funds grassroots and community-based organizations advancing social justice, especially through civic engagement, voter access, and organizational capacity building, across more than 20 states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,153 to $412,500, with a median of $14,000; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.6M
Grants
426
Total Given
$8.6M
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Emory University primarily funds research and subcontract work for universities, hospitals, research organizations, and other organizations, across a range of academic and health-related fields. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,500 to $19.1 million, with a median of about $97,000; 41% of grant dollars went to Georgia recipients. The profile does not state whether Emory accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.9B
Grants
362
Total Given
$183.7M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (Group Return)
Atlanta, GA
Boys & Girls Clubs of America funds local Club programs that support youth academics, health and wellness, leadership, mentoring, and workforce readiness, including after-school and summer activities. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $46,000, with awards ranging from roughly $5,000 to $3.9 million, supporting Clubs across the United States, Native lands, and military installations; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$47.8M
Grants
357
Total Given
$45.7M
More Funders in Georgia
Mark and Karen Gergel Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?