Pro Bono Publico Foundation
The Pro Bono Publico Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in New Orleans, Louisiana, established in 2006. The Foundation takes its name from the motto of the Rex Organization, founded in 1872. The Foundation was organized by Rex members returning to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina to support the city's recovery, with a particular focus on rebuilding the public school system.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.5M
-7.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.3M
+43.5% YoY
Grant Count
62
+8.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
+32.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission centers on supporting the reformation and improvement of New Orleans' public school system. The Foundation's work is grounded in the motto "Pro Bono Publico"—for the public good—reflecting a commitment to service in response to community needs.
Primary funding areas:
- Education and public school support
- High-quality public education initiatives
- School operational support
- Strategic innovation in education
Most of the Foundation's giving has been focused on operational grants that provide school leaders with additional funds to enrich students' experiences. The Foundation also maintains a Strategic Innovation Fund designed to make larger, strategic investments aimed at systemic educational improvement.
Grantmaking
For the 2025-26 grant cycle:
Review Cycle
as of 2026
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation's grantmaking is concentrated in the Greater New Orleans area, with a focus on New Orleans public schools and organizations supporting educational reform in the city.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024 (most recent tax filing):
- Total Assets: $1,484,846
- Total Revenue: $1.31 million
- Total Expenses: $1.42 million
- Total Liabilities: $275,000
- Total Giving: $1,303,167
Funding Sources: Generous donations from Rex members continue to be the major source of funds for the Foundation, with contributions increasing each year.
Rating: The Foundation holds a Three-Star rating with a 77% score based on Accountability & Finance metrics.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,484,846 | $1,603,714 | $1,527,473 |
| Revenue | $1,312,068 | $1,422,527 | $1,031,485 |
| Expenses | $1,415,624 | $1,297,638 | $1,581,868 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $69,746 | $33,424 | $-1,426 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Pro Bono Publico Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHARLES GOODYEAR | GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| EDWIN RODRIGUEZ JR | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| H MERRITT LANE III | GRANTS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN | 2 | — |
| J STOREY CHARBONNET | CHAIRMAN/SECRETARY | 2 | — |
| JOHN K SAER JR | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| KENNETH A ST CHARLES PHD | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| CHRISTIAN T BROWN | EX-OFFICIO | 0.5 | — |
| RICHARD F CORTIZAS | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| ST DENIS J VILLERE III | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| STEPHEN C SHERRILL | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| STEPHEN W HALES MD | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
| JAMES J REISS III | EX-OFFICIO | 0.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**January 2026:** The Pro Bono Publico Foundation announced grants totaling more than $1.3 million to support Greater New Orleans schools and education in its 19th grant cycle. This represents the eleventh consecutive year the Foundation has awarded grants and fulfilled multi-year strategic commitments in excess of $1 million.
Pro Bono Publico Foundation**January 2025:** The Foundation announced grants totaling more than $1.2 million in its 18th grant cycle, continuing its sustained commitment to Greater New Orleans students and educators.
The Pro Bono Publico Foundation Announces Grants Totaling More Than $1.3**January 2024:** The Foundation announced grants totaling nearly $1.3 million in its 17th grant cycle, bringing cumulative giving since inception to more than $14 million.
The Pro Bono Publico Foundation Announces Grants Totaling More Than $1.3**January 2023:** The Foundation announced grants and strategic commitments totaling $1.6 million in its 16th grant cycle, with cumulative giving exceeding $13 million since founding.
The Pro Bono Publico Foundation Announces Grants Totaling More Than $1.3Contact Information
Address: P.O. Box 531024, New Orleans, LA 70153 (mailing); 1240 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130-4204 (office)
Phone: 504-584-1228
Website: www.probonopublicofoundation.org
EIN: 61-1512587
Tax-Exempt Status: 501(c)(3) organization; tax-exempt since March 2007
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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