The Gafner Family Foundation
The Gafner Family Foundation is a private foundation, based in Niwot, CO. IRS filing data is available from 2018 through 2021. In 2021, it awarded 2 grants totaling $51K.
The Gafner Family Foundation at a glance
In short: The Gafner Family Foundation gave $51K across 2 grants in 2021 (avg $25K), mostly in California. Source: 2021 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2021)
- $50,500
- +3266.7% vs 2020
- Grants made (2021)
- 2
- +0.0% vs 2020
- Average grant
- $25,250
- +3266.7% vs 2020
- Median grant
- $25,250
- Primary geography
- California (99% of itemized 2021 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2021 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2021; updated September 2026.
Who The Gafner Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 2 recipients in 2021
The largest 2021 recipient was Santa Clara University ($50K). Together the top 2 received $51K.
Grant Size Distribution
11 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 11 (91%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2021 grant dollars across all 2 itemized grants.
Cities
How The Gafner Family Foundation gives
- Giving grew 1163% from 2018 to 2021. Method
- In 2021 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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 2018 to 2021, annual grant giving ranged from $2K (2020) to $51K (2021). In 2021 it made 2 grants totaling $51K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University Santa Clara, CA | Educational | $50,000 |
| A Precious Child Broomfield, CO | Charitable | $500 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | — | $1,244 | $52,601 | $50,500 | 2 | $52,075 | $944 |
| 2020 | $51,357 | $12 | $2,500 | $1,500 | 2 | — | $2,605 |
| 2019 | $53,845 | $2,375 | $3,986 | $3,000 | 3 | — | $2,691 |
| 2018 | $55,456 | $1,841 | $4,954 | $4,000 | 4 | — | $2,853 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Gafner Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $944 for 2021 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
The Gafner Family Foundation is led by Barry J. Gafner, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2018; none of the 2 officers listed in 2021 report compensation.
Officers on the 2021 filing
Barry J. Gafner
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2018
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Annette B. Gafner
Vice President & Secretary
V.p. & Secretary → Vice President & Secretary, 2019
On filings since 2018
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2018–2021. "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 Gafner Family Foundation
How much does The Gafner Family Foundation give each year?
The Gafner Family Foundation gave $51K across 2 grants in 2021, according to its 2021 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2020 it gave $2K across 2 grants.
Where does The Gafner Family Foundation operate?
The Gafner Family Foundation has awarded grants in California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts.
How much is The Gafner Family Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2021, The Gafner Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $944 on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Gafner Family Foundation's EIN?
The Gafner Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 56-2236053. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2018–2021.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2018 (received by the IRS April 25, 2019)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 27, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2021
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