The Straz Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Tampa, Florida, established in 1983 in Wisconsin. It operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and functions as a grantmaking foundation supporting educational institutions and charitable causes.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$5.9M
+22.5% YoY
Grant Count
37
+2.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$159K
+19.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports educational institutions with a particular focus on Northwestern University. Primary funding interests include:
- Education
- Philanthropy and grantmaking
- Human Services
- Arts and culture
- Homeless services and support programs
Grantmaking
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $126,035,824
- Total Revenue: $6,490,894
- Total Expenses: $18,975,092
- Total Liabilities: $12,500,000
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $131,664,428
- Total Giving: $5,886,901
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| 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
132 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Metropolitan Opera ($1,700,000), Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center ($1,190,642), Zootampa at Lowry Park ($725,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE LOS ANGELES, CA | FILM EDUCATION | $7,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS TAMPA, FL | PREVENTION AND RELIEF OF HUMAN SUFFERING | $1,500 |
| BERKELEY PREPARATORY SCHOOL TAMPA, FL | CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | $15,000 |
| CARTHAGE COLLEGE KENOSHA, WI | CHRISTIAN EDUCATION | $500,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HOME NETWORK TAMPA, FL | YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES | $5,000 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SARASOTA SARASOTA, FL | COMMUNITY SUPPORT | $526 |
| DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION THONOTOSASSA, FL | SCHOOL HOUSE PRESERVATION | $11,307 |
| FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TAMPA TAMPA, FL | MINISTRY SERVICES | $15,000 |
| FLORIDA HOUSE ON CAPITOL HILL WASHINGTON, DC | FLORIDA EDUCATION AND INFORMATION CENTER | $15,206 |
| FLORIDA ORCHESTRA ST PETERSBURG, FL | LIVE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation is governed by trustees including Catherine Lowry Straz and Keebler Straz. The foundation employs 6 staff members.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATHERINE LOWRY STRAZ | TRUSTEE / CHAIR | 40 | $135,000 |
| KEEBLER STRAZ | TRUSTEE / PRESIDENT | 40 | $180,000 |
| SEACOAST BANK | CORPORATE TRUSTEE | 40 | $650,428 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In June 2024, the Straz Family Foundation made a $2 million gift to Metropolitan Ministries to support the organization's work with homeless populations and community services.
Straker Foundation distributed $2.1M to support various needsSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Straz Family Foundation fund?
The foundation supports educational institutions with a particular focus on Northwestern University. Primary funding interests include: • Education • Philanthropy and grantmaking • Human Services • Arts and culture • Homeless services and support programs
How do I apply for a grant from Straz Family Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Made 42 grants in 2023 • Total giving: $5,886,901 (2024) • Typical award range: $50–$1,700,000 **Recent Grants (2023):** • Tampa Museum of Art: $758,000 (Art Education and Appreciation) • Metropolitan Ministries: $452,500 (Homeless Programs) • Northwestern University: $309,600 (Lakefront Athletics Facilities Gift Fund)
Where does Straz Family Foundation make grants?
The foundation's grantmaking focuses primarily on Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
What size grants does Straz Family Foundation award?
In 2024, Straz Family Foundation awarded 37 grants totaling $5.9M — an average of about $159K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Straz Family Foundation's EIN?
Straz Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1776211. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Straz Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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