Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc
The Public Life Foundation of Owensboro is a private foundation based in Owensboro, Kentucky. It supports citizen participation in community decisions and public policy, and has also made grants for youth and education initiatives.
Key facts about Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc
In short: Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc gave $4.4M across 22 grants in 2025 (avg $202K), mostly in Nebraska. 18% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 61-6232654
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,434,690
- Grants made (2025)
- 22
- Average grant
- $201,577
- Median grant
- $3,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 18% first-time grantees (4 of 22, 2025; small sample)
- Total assets
- $2,394,430
- Primary geography
- Nebraska (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds; it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; 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 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.4M
-57.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.4M
+487.4% YoY
Grant Count
22
-26.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$202K
+701.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc reported a distributable amount of $250K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc open to new grantees?
18%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 22 grantees (18%) were first-time recipients. With only 22 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $899K; repeat grants $47K. How we count
Medians: $38K first-time, $3K repeat.
- 77% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 880% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 seeks to build a stronger foundation for public life by facilitating broad and meaningful citizen participation in community decision-making and public policy. It identifies democratic process as its central value, alongside openness, justice, stewardship, and voluntary associations.
Its website describes a special interest in youth and education, including early childhood education, reading proficiency, quality teaching, children and families in poverty, and postsecondary educational attainment. Its 2024 grants show support for varied organizations. For example, the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute says it equips people and organizations to bridge divides and tackle shared challenges; the Daniel Pitino Shelter says it provides shelter and other services to homeless and indigent individuals; and RiverPark Center says it presents arts and civic events, with a focus on arts in education.
Grantmaking
The 2024 filing reports 30 grants totaling $754,961. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $320,000, with a median grant of $3,000. Larger awards included $320,000 to The Center for a capital campaign, $149,444 to Owensboro Family YMCA as a gap grant, and $100,000 to the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence for an early childhood education specialist position. Other awards included $56,000 to Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute and $40,300 to Goodfellows Club of Owensboro for tennis tournament sponsorship and a year-end grant. Its 2025 filing, the latest on this page, reports 22 grants totaling $4.4 million.
The foundation’s website identifies its grant program as on hold and describes a 2013 grant program focused on youth and education challenges in Owensboro-Daviess County. It also says that, after awarding grants and multi-year grants in 2013, the foundation would not administer a formal application process in 2014. Its 2025 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
How to Apply
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds; it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
Ready to take the next step with Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s website describes its youth and education grant program as addressing challenges in Owensboro-Daviess County, Kentucky. In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Kentucky and 4% to recipients in Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $267K (2020) to $4.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 22 grants totaling $4.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was DAF Giving 360 - the John and Marjorie Hager Fund ($3.5M). Together the top 10 received $4.4M.
Grant Size Distribution
132 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 114 grants of 132 (86%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DAF Giving 360 - the John and Marjorie Hager Fund Omaha, NE | GRANT | $3,518,819 |
| Goodfellows Club of Owensboro Owensboro, KY | Tennis Tournament Sponsorship; Endowment | $500,300 |
| Owensboro Family YMCA Owensboro, KY | GRANT | $149,194 |
| Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence Lexington, KY | Early Childhood Education Specialist Position | $100,000 |
| The Center of Owensboro Owensboro, KY | GRANT | $70,000 |
| Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute Owensboro, KY | GRANT | $50,000 |
| Daviess County Public Library Owensboro, KY | GRANT | $6,650 |
| Daviess County Public Schools Owensboro, KY | Grant; Gap Grant | $6,268 |
| Miracle of KY and TN FBO H L Neblett Center Leitchfield, KY | Playground Equipment | $5,000 |
| Scholastic Inc FBO Owensboro Health Pediatrics Cincinnati, OH | Reach Out and Read Book Orders | $4,649 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $5,604,886 | $918,265 | $1,199,204 | $754,961 |
| 2023 | $5,885,642 | $404,359 | $759,202 | $441,789 |
| 2022 | $6,240,619 | -$129,494 | $768,128 | $452,289 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,394,430 | $5,604,886 | $5,885,642 |
| Revenue | $608,750 | $918,265 | $404,359 |
| Expenses | $4,825,533 | $1,199,204 | $759,202 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $4,761,133 | $1,140,068 | $698,682 |
| Net Investment Income | $561,441 | $862,725 | $349,270 |
| Distributable Amount | $250,498 | $359,634 | $355,865 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Susan Hager Alford as director-treasurer, Sarah Hager Wood as director-chair, Bruce William Hager as director-vice chair, and Joe Berry as president. It also lists John S. Jr. Hager, William G. Speciale, Janet Land, and David Boeyink as directors, and Kathy Strobel as secretary.
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc is led by Joe Berry, President on every filing since 2021; 4 of 9 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Joe Berry
President
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$50K (2021) → $108K (2025)
Sarah Hager Wood
Director-Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
David Boeyink
Director
President → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$77K (2020) → $12K (2025)
Janet Land
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$3K (2021) → $3K (2025)
John S. Jr Hager
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Susan Hager Alford
Director
Director-Treasurer → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William G. Speciale
Director-Treasurer
Director → Director-Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathy Strobel
Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$52K (2020) → $42K (2025)
Bruce William Hager
Director-Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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 $108K, to Joe Berry (President). 4 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 401 Frederica Street Bldg B No 2, Owensboro, KY 42301-6298
Phone: (270) 685-2652
Website: https://www.plfo.org
Frequently asked questions about Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc
How much does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc give each year?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc gave $4.4M across 22 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $755K across 30 grants.
What is Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's typical grant size?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's median grant in 2025 was $3,000, and its average grant was $201,577, across 22 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc that year got $899K on average.
Where does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc give grants?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc gives mostly in Nebraska: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Kentucky (21%). The most frequent recipient cities were Owensboro, KY (17 grants).
Does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Grant" (12 grants).
Who are Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's largest grantees?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's largest 2025 grantees include DAF Giving 360 - the John and Marjorie Hager Fund ($3,518,819), Goodfellows Club of Owensboro ($500,300) and Owensboro Family YMCA ($149,194), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 94% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc reported $2.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $250K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc fund?
The foundation seeks to build a stronger foundation for public life by facilitating broad and meaningful citizen participation in community decision-making and public policy. It identifies democratic process as its central value, alongside openness, justice, stewardship, and voluntary associations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds; 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 Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's EIN?
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 61-6232654. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc 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 September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Marilyn & William Young Charitable
Owensboro, KY
The Marilyn & William Young Charitable Foundation funds leadership development, accessible arts, family support systems, and limited one-time community needs benefiting Owensboro/Daviess County residents. In 2025, grants ranged from $300 to $65,927, with a median of $3,000; it accepts Letters of Intent year-round, reviewed within 30 days.
Assets
$11.3M
Grants
52
Total Given
$455K
B J Killian Foundation
Louisville, KY
The B J Killian Foundation supports education, human services, youth programs, and the arts, primarily in Kentucky, with some funding in Missouri. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,500 to $55,000, with a median of $20,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and funds only preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$7.7M
Grants
25
Total Given
$510K
Lawrence & Augusta Hager Educational
Owensboro, KY
The foundation supports educational purposes and children at risk in Daviess County, Kentucky, with grants also covering areas such as arts, child advocacy, community services, and disability support. In 2025, grants ranged from $100 to $275,000, with a median of $6,000. It accepts requests by letter outlining the program and needs; no deadline is established.
Assets
$6.2M
Grants
16
Total Given
$543K
Lester E Yeager Charitable Trust B
Owensboro, KY
The trust supports community organizations providing youth programs, emergency aid, food, shelter, health care, education, and arts and civic activities in Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Its 2025 grants averaged about $7,200, typically ranging from $2,000 to $21,000. It accepts applications from 501(c)(3) organizations; applications are due October 15.
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
38
Total Given
$275K
Owensboro Health Inc
Owensboro, KY
Owensboro Health funds nonprofits and public entities working on identified health needs and social determinants of health, including health equity, in communities it serves in western Kentucky and southern Indiana. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000; its community grant program offers large grants up to $50,000 and mini-grants up to $2,500. The profile describes application processes but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
21
Total Given
$1.7M
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 Inc
Richmond, VA
The Community Foundation funds health and wellness, education, economic prosperity, and community vibrancy, along with other causes through donor-advised and field-of-interest funds. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,795,000, with a median of $25,000; 78% of grant dollars went to Virginia recipients. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$852.4M
Grants
917
Total Given
$61.8M
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
United Way of the Ohio Valley Inc
Owensboro, KY
United Way of the Ohio Valley funds community programs and services, including youth opportunity, health, financial security, and support for people experiencing homelessness or seeking recovery. Its typical grant is about $20,000 (2025 grants ranged from $6,250 to $66,989), supporting organizations in Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster counties in Kentucky. Its Letter of Intent timeline is currently closed; it invites prospective applicants to consider applying next year.
Assets
$2.0M
Grants
33
Total Given
$822K
Impact 100 - Owensboro Inc
Owensboro, KY
To raise a minimum of $100,000 from members and distribute to 501(c)(3) charities annually.
Assets
$998K
Grants
4
Total Given
$245K
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
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
More Funders in Kentucky
Public Life Foundation of Owensboro Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?