Ray Foundation Inc
Ray Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Naples, Florida. It primarily supports education programs and organizations focused on aviation and aerospace, with an emphasis on helping young people develop life skills through aviation.
Ray Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Ray Foundation Inc gave $11.4M across 40 grants in 2025 (avg $284K), top state Maryland. 28% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $11,356,545
- -37.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 40
- +11.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $283,914
- -43.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $50,000
- Total assets
- $66,934,933
- -6.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (11 of 40, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (23% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ray Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states on its 2023 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website, however, says it receives requests throughout the year and provides a submission process. The filing says to contact Charles Ahern and submit a letter stating the reason for the charitable need. The website’s checklist asks for the applicant’s organizational background and website, a description of the proposed program and desired outcomes, financial information and a 501(c)(3) determination letter, a pro forma budget and business plan for a new program, and a copy of or link to the applicant’s Form 990. The filing says there are no specific award restrictions or monetary limits or minimums, while noting a preference for youth programs in aerospace.
- Review Cycle
- The website says requests are reviewed quarterly; the filing says applications are reviewed quarterly as received.
- Deadline
- The website says requests are reviewed quarterly; the filing says applications are reviewed quarterly as received.
- Contact
Application contact: Charles Ahern
Mailing address: 100 Aviation Drive South Suite 203, Naples, FL 34104
Phone: (239) 649-5733
Website: https://www.rayfoundation.us
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Ray Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Aopa Air Safety Foundation ($2.6M). Together the top 10 received $10.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
192 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 78 grants of 192 (41%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s 2025 grant dollars were distributed primarily among recipients in Maryland and Florida (23% each) and Wisconsin (21%), followed by Colorado and Texas (8% each). These figures describe the reported distribution by recipient state.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 40 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ray Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 11 of 40 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $35K; repeat grants $378K. How we count
Medians: $17K first-time, $59K repeat.
- 68% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 24% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 102% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $9.2M (2022) to $18.2M (2024). In 2025 it made 40 grants totaling $11.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Aopa Air Safety Foundation Frederick, MD | Support for 'you can fly' program and flight scholarships | $2,650,000 |
| EAA Aviation Foundation Inc Oshkosh, WI | Flight scholarships, kidventure support, purchase of pc flight simulators | $2,345,060 |
| Aerospace Center for Excellence Lakeland, FL | Support for skylab, lakeland aero club and youth programs | $894,857 |
| Commerative Air Force Dallas, TX | Naec Programs and Flight Scholarships | $892,000 |
| Civil Air Patrol Foundation Maxwell AFB, AL | Flight Scholarships | $825,000 |
| The Immokalee Foundation Naples, FL | Matching Grant Pathways Programs Support | $800,000 |
| Wings Over the Rockies Denver, CO | Youth Programming Support | $800,000 |
| Community Foundation of Collier County Naples, FL | James C Ray Scholarship Funding | $300,000 |
| UND Aerospace Foundation Grand Forks, ND | Veterans Scholarship Support | $300,000 |
| Southeastern Guide Dogs Palmetto, FL | Operating Budget Support | $250,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ray Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $66,934,933 | $9,577,031 | $13,852,059 | $11,356,545 | 40 | $12,680,029 | $8,226,185 | $12,482,882 |
| 2024 | $71,209,961 | $18,684,076 | $20,151,373 | $18,190,586 | 36 | $19,464,638 | $17,173,189 | $11,776,627 |
| 2023 | $72,677,238 | $7,315,310 | $11,818,859 | $10,272,244 | 54 | $11,256,940 | $5,849,346 | $10,688,838 |
| 2022 | $76,177,416 | $11,505,599 | $11,390,289 | $9,150,800 | 29 | $10,757,867 | $9,153,666 | $11,565,239 |
| 2021 | $75,953,004 | $10,261,571 | $12,438,084 | $10,948,833 | 33 | — | $9,978,412 | $9,704,659 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ray Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $12.5M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to encourage young people in the United States to develop life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-reliance. It says it primarily supports education programs and organizations focused on aviation and aerospace.
Its 2025 grants show support for organizations with a range of aviation-related activities. For example, the Aerospace Center for Excellence describes its mission as engaging, educating, and accelerating the next generation of aerospace professionals. Wings Over the Rockies says it educates and inspires people about aviation and space, while the Commemorative Air Force describes its work as maintaining and operating a collection of World War II aircraft for education and public enjoyment. The Immokalee Foundation says it builds pathways to success for children through education, vocation, and life-skills programs.
Grantmaking
The foundation reported 40 grants totaling $11,356,545 in filing year 2025. Grants ranged from $5,200 to $2,650,000, with a median of $50,000. Among its largest 2025 grants were $2,650,000 to AOPA Air Safety Foundation for its “You Can Fly” program and flight scholarships; $2,345,060 to EAA Aviation Foundation for flight scholarships, KidVenture support, and PC flight simulators; and $894,857 to Aerospace Center for Excellence for SkyLab, Lakeland Aero Club, and youth programs. Other large awards included $892,000 to the Commemorative Air Force for NAEC programs and flight scholarships and $825,000 to Civil Air Patrol Foundation for flight scholarships.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Charles J. Ahearn as president and director, Jeffery J. Tempas as treasurer and director, and Patricia J. Arthur as secretary and director. The foundation’s website identifies Ahearn as president and describes his responsibilities as including day-to-day management, investment-portfolio management, and continuing the foundation’s philanthropy.
Ray Foundation Inc is led by Charles J. Ahearn, President & Director on every filing since 2021; all 3 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Charles J. Ahearn
President & Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$500K (2021) → $600K (2025)
Jeffery J. Tempas
Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$250K (2021) → $397K (2025)
Patricia J. Arthur
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$10K (2021) → $296K (2025)
Former officers (2)
- Former: Jeffrey J. Tempas (2024) — Treasurer & Director
- Former: Theodore H. Brousseau (2021–2022) — Director Emeritus
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $600K, to Charles J Ahearn (President/Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ray Foundation Inc
How much does Ray Foundation Inc give each year?
Ray Foundation Inc gave $11.4M across 40 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $18.2M across 36 grants.
What is Ray Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Ray Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $50,000, and its average grant was $283,914, across 40 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ray Foundation Inc that year got $35K on average.
Where does Ray Foundation Inc give grants?
Ray Foundation Inc's top state is Maryland, with 23% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Florida (23%) and Wisconsin (21%). The most frequent recipient cities were Naples, FL (6 grants), Oshkosh, WI (2 grants), San Carlos, CA (2 grants) and Racine, WI (2 grants).
Does Ray Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 18% of Ray Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 40) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Flight Scholarship Funding Support" (6 grants).
Who are Ray Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Ray Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Aopa Air Safety Foundation ($2,650,000), EAA Aviation Foundation Inc ($2,345,060) and Aerospace Center for Excellence ($894,857), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 52% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ray Foundation Inc?
Ray Foundation Inc reported $66.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $12.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $12.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Ray Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to encourage young people in the United States to develop life skills such as self-discipline, self-confidence, and self-reliance. It says it primarily supports education programs and organizations focused on aviation and aerospace. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ray Foundation Inc?
The foundation states on its 2023 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Ray Foundation Inc's EIN?
Ray Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-0288819. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Does Ray 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.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 31, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 12, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ray Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Si Robin Foundation
Woodland Hills, CA
The Si Robin Foundation supports aviation museums, education, scholarships, flight training, and aircraft mechanic education, with some grants also for medical research and transportation. In 2025, it awarded 28 grants ranging from $10,000 to $688,488, with a median of $51,695; most funding went to Hawaii and California. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$1.8M
Grants
28
Total Given
$2.5M
El Pomar Foundation
Colorado Springs, CO
El Pomar Foundation funds Colorado nonprofits and government agencies working in arts and culture, civic and community initiatives, education, health, and human services, including operating, program, and capital needs. Typical awards are $2,500–$10,000 for operating or program support and $15,000–$25,000 for capital support. It accepts online applications on a rolling basis through its competitive process and designated funds.
Assets
$468.2M
Grants
1
Total Given
$20.4M
Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust
Saint Louis, MO
The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust funds qualified organizations advancing aviation science and technology, especially research and development of improved aircraft. Its 2024 grants ranged from $270,000 to $1 million, with a median of $400,000, and went to organizations in Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, and Texas. It accepts applications, available online or upon request.
Assets
$64.6M
Grants
5
Total Given
$2.5M
Helms Foundation Inc
Irvine, CA
The foundation supports varied charitable causes, including education, animal rescue, medical care, aviation, youth programs, conservation, and community needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $10,000, with a median of $2,000, and went mainly to organizations in California, Texas, Alaska, and Florida. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.9M
Grants
51
Total Given
$176K
The Anna and John J Sie Foundation
Denver, CO
The Anna and John J Sie Foundation supports a range of charitable work, including Down syndrome research and care, children’s health, education, film, and arts and culture. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1,437,696, with a median of $7,312, and 95% of grant dollars went to Colorado recipients. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$38.3M
Grants
52
Total Given
$5.1M
Posner-Wallace Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$3.6M
Grants
241
Total Given
$277K
More similar funders
More Funders in Florida
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ray Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ray-foundation-inc-morg_7e5e680db0324728ab0e4ff3e5a18607
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_810288819_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ray Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ray-foundation-inc-morg_7e5e680db0324728ab0e4ff3e5a18607},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 Ray Foundation Inc'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.
Ray Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?