The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation is a nonprofit organization, based in Walnut Creek, CA. IRS filing data is available from 2020 through 2024. As of 2024, the organization holds $2.1M in total assets. In 2024, it awarded 8 grants totaling $180K.
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation at a glance
In short: The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation gave $180K across 8 grants in 2024 (avg $23K), top state Illinois. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $180,000
- +68.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 8
- +14.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $22,500
- +47.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $17,500
- Total assets
- $2,148,117
- +16.3% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Illinois (44% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990 filing, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated October 2026.
Who The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 8 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was North Park University ($70K). Together the top 8 received $180K.
Grant Size Distribution
43 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 38 grants of 43 (88%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 8 itemized grants.
Cities
How The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+20%). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $100K (2020) to $180K (2024). In 2024 it made 8 grants totaling $180K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Park University Chicago, IL | Private Universityevangelical Covenant | $70,000 |
| Salvation Army Alexandria, VA | Providing Assistance to the Poor | $20,000 |
| Shriners for Children Hospital Tampa, FL | Patient Care Research and Education | $20,000 |
| UCSF Foundation Rheumatology San Francisco, CA | Medical Research and Training | $20,000 |
| St Johns Lutheran Church Palm Desert, CA | Religious Ministering | $15,000 |
| John Muir Health Foundation Walnut Creek, CA | Support for Hospital Patient Care | $15,000 |
| Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa Martinez, CA | Feeding the Poor | $10,000 |
| Henry Knueppel School Endowment Fun Chicago, IL | Private School Sponsored by St Johns Lutheran | $10,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,148,117 | $487,668 | $182,530 | $180,000 | 8 | — | — |
| 2023 | $1,846,324 | $151,901 | $109,343 | $107,000 | 7 | $107,000 | $85,204 |
| 2022 | $1,822,149 | $42,395 | $134,679 | $133,990 | 10 | — | $118,323 |
| 2021 | $1,913,558 | $794,175 | $150,595 | $150,030 | 9 | — | $371,018 |
| 2020 | $2,005,526 | $196,098 | $100,330 | $100,100 | 9 | — | $90,235 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation is led by David S. Carlson, CEO on every filing since 2020; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David S. Carlson
CEO
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Brenda K. Carlson
CFO & Secretary
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation
How much does The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation give each year?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation gave $180K across 8 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $107K across 7 grants.
What is The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's typical grant size?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $17,500, and its average grant was $22,500, across 8 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.
Where does The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation give grants?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's top state is Illinois, with 44% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. The next largest states were California (33%) and Virginia (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Chicago, IL (2 grants).
Does The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 8 grants with a stated purpose on The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990 filing were described as general or operating support.
Who are The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's largest grantees?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include North Park University ($70,000), Salvation Army ($20,000) and Shriners for Children Hospital ($20,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation reported $2.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Its revenue that year was $488K.
What is The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's EIN?
The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 68-0467243. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The David S and Brenda K Carlson Foundation funds
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