Project K9 Hero
Project k-9 hero (the organization) is a non-profit corporation located in whitwell, tn. The organizations purpose is to educate the public on the costs and responsibilities of adopting a retired police k-9s and military working dogs. The organization provides financial assistance with covering/offsetting medical and prescription food costs, as well as the rehabilitation and rehoming for retired k-9 heroes. The organization provides end of duty services for all program members. This can include burial, cremation, urn, and a custom portrait for each owner or handler after their hero passes. The organization is primarily supported by donations, corporate sponsors, in-kind contributions, plus the sale of branded apparel and other items.
Project K9 Hero at a glance
In short: Project K9 Hero gave $12K across 1 grant in 2025 (avg $12K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $12,000
- -4.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 1
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $12,000
- -4.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $12,000
- Total assets
- $4,101,727
- +33.5% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated November 2026.
Who Project K9 Hero funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Lapeer Community Schools Education ($12K).
Grant Size Distribution
3 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 3 grants of 3 (100%).
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $8K (2021) to $13K (2024). In 2025 it made 1 grant totaling $12K.
Hatched bars: grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lapeer Community Schools Education Lapeer, MI | Canine Donation | $12,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Project K9 Hero?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,101,727 | $6,308,156 | $5,253,381 | $12,000 | 1 | $7,211 |
| 2024 | $3,072,823 | $5,866,966 | $4,912,890 | $12,550 | 1 | $7,512 |
| 2023 | $2,298,650 | $4,035,169 | $3,972,163 | $12,194 | Total only | $5,456 |
| 2022 | $2,357,482 | $4,241,488 | $3,371,997 | $10,100 | Total only | $13,550 |
| 2021 | $1,551,722 | $3,709,319 | $3,524,704 | $7,800 | 1 | — |
| 2020 | $1,266,766 | $2,369,357 | $2,108,211 | — | — | — |
"Total only": grants paid as reported on the IRS filing, which lists no individual grants for that year.
About Project K9 Hero
Based on IRS filings
Project K9 Hero is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Whitwell, TN. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $4.1M in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 1 grant totaling $12K. Net investment income was $7K.
Focus Areas
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Project K9 Hero is led by Jason K. Johnson, President & D on every filing since 2020; 1 of 8 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Jason K. Johnson
President & D
On filings since 2020
60 hrs/week
$81K (2020) → $154K (2025)
Kenneth Lust Dvm
Medical Director
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Parsons-Doherty
Medical Director
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Dycus
Medical Director
On filings since 2024
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Erica O'Donnell
Medical Director
New on the 2025 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Altman
Secretary & D
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Patrick Leser
Treasurer & D
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Surangi Widyaratne
Capital Camp
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Gary Gray (2020–2022) — Treasurer & D
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $154K, to Jason K Johnson (President, D).
Frequently asked questions about Project K9 Hero
How much does Project K9 Hero give each year?
Project K9 Hero gave $12K across 1 grant in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $13K across 1 grant.
How large is Project K9 Hero?
Project K9 Hero reported $4.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $6.3M.
What is Project K9 Hero?
Project K9 Hero is a public charity focused on Environment & Animals, based in Whitwell, TN. It holds $4.1M in total assets as of 2025.
Where does Project K9 Hero operate?
Project K9 Hero has awarded grants in Michigan, Tennessee.
What is Project K9 Hero's EIN?
Project K9 Hero's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-1770909. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated November 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings.
Data update history
(5)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 20, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS July 31, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS July 29, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS September 14, 2026)
Live grants for the work Project K9 Hero funds
Environment & Animals Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Project K9 Hero's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Inc
Nashville, TN
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee supports nonprofits across a range of needs, including housing, disaster relief, education, health, public safety, and the arts. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $8,500, with amounts ranging widely; it primarily serves Middle Tennessee, with 76% of 2024 grant dollars going to Tennessee recipients. Special Interest Grant applications are submitted through its grants portal; no new competitive Community Impact cycle is planned for fiscal year 2026–2027.
Assets
$832.0M
Grants
2,450
Total Given
$107.1M
HCA Healthcare Foundation
Nashville, TN
HCA Healthcare Foundation funds community health and health equity, including primary care, basic needs, education, and the arts; its Middle Tennessee Fund serves nine counties, while other initiatives support communities served by HCA Healthcare. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $9.65 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts requests through an Applicant Inquiry Form for new applicants and organizations that have not received funding in 18 months; staff provide next steps after review.
Assets
$192.7M
Grants
999
Total Given
$25.4M
Dollar General Employee Assistance
Goodletsville, TN
The foundation provides emergency financial assistance to active Dollar General employees and their families facing qualifying hardships, such as a home loss, a death, or a serious illness or injury. In 2026, grants ranged from $37 to $6,000, with a median of $2,000; all reported recipients were in Tennessee. It accepts applications from eligible employees, who must submit supporting documentation.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
957
Total Given
$1.7M
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga Inc
Chattanooga, TN
The foundation supports scholarships and community needs including affordable housing, health and wellness, workforce development, education, culture, and hunger relief, with a focus on Chattanooga and surrounding areas; Fund for Chattanooga grants prioritize organizations serving Hamilton County residents. Its 2024 grants had a median of $10,000, and a separate program offers unrestricted grants of up to $30,000. It does not describe an open unsolicited application process: prospective applicants are asked to discuss a proposal with staff, who may invite them to apply.
Assets
$245.3M
Grants
810
Total Given
$25.8M
Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Inc
Memphis, TN
The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis supports community needs, nonprofit capacity building, and donor-directed and theme-based grants, with awards across West Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and northern Mississippi. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,200, though amounts varied widely; unsolicited requests are accepted only through specific application-based opportunities, not stated as a general process.
Assets
$953.1M
Grants
761
Total Given
$134.3M
Christian Community Foundation of Memphis
Memphis, TN
The foundation supports a broad range of U.S. charities through donor-advised funds, with a particular focus on Christian ministries and community transformation in Memphis; its Hope for Memphis Fund serves eligible Gospel-centered nonprofits in the Memphis metro area. Its 2025 grants had a median of $22,050, and it accepts applications for the Hope for Memphis Fund during its stated application cycle.
Assets
$229.0M
Grants
636
Total Given
$109.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Tennessee
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Project K9 Hero'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.
Project K9 Hero down — hundreds of funders to go?