The James Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation based in Auburn, Indiana. Established in 2014, it operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with tax-exempt status. The foundation functions as a grantmaking organization dedicated to strengthening families and communities through strategic philanthropic initiatives.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$11.7M
+2.0% YoY
Grant Count
85
-81.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$138K
+439.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The James Foundation believes that by serving as civic stewards, quality of life will be enriched by acting as a catalyst to undertakings that strengthen both families and community. The foundation enhances existing social platforms and provides new educational and cultural opportunities, empowering and inspiring citizens to initiate and cultivate positive change in all life experiences.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education
- Community engagement and civic initiatives
- Environmental initiatives
- Human services
- Philanthropy and grantmaking
Grantmaking
The foundation makes grants across multiple states, with particular focus on Indiana, the District of Columbia, and Ohio.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in:
- Indiana
- District of Columbia
- Ohio
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent (Fiscal Year Ending December 2024):
- Total Assets: $13,736,313
- Total Revenue: $8,520,983
- Total Expenses: $12,120,188
- Net Income: -$3,599,205
- Total Liabilities: $0
Prior Year (Fiscal Year Ending December 2023):
- Total Assets: $17,335,518
- Total Giving: $11,458,872
- Total Revenue: $11,721,561
- Total Expenses: $11,844,824
Staffing: The foundation employs 1 full-time employee as of 2024.
| 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
103 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Arts United ($1,000,000), Canterbury School ($1,000,000), Fort Wayne Parks Department ($750,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ALEX LEON - INDIANA UNIVERSITY BLOO BLOOMINGTON, IN | SCHOLARSHIP | $2,500 |
| ALI OHELMACHER - UNIVERSITY OF SAIN FORT WAYNE, IN | SCHOLARSHIP | $2,500 |
| AMANI FAMILY SERVICES FORT WAYNE, IN | CLIENT SUCCESS PROGRAMMING | $50,000 |
| ARTS UNITED FORT WAYNE, IN | ARTS RESILIENCY FUND | $1,000,000 |
| AUBURN COMMUNITY BAND AUBURN, IN | EXPENSES FOR MUSIC AND VENUES FOR 2023 SEASON | $1,000 |
| AUBURN FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION AUBURN, IN | FIREFIGHTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND | $1,000 |
| AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AUBURN, IN | SPARK GIFT TO LAUNCH CANS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT | $500 |
| AUBURN POLICE DEPARTMENT AUBURN, IN | SPARK GIFT TO LAUNCH CANS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT | $500 |
| AUBURN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AUBURN, IN | SPARK GIFT TO LAUNCH CANS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT | $500 |
| BAYLEE DOSTER - WESTERN GOVERNORS U SALT LAKE CITY, UT | SCHOLARSHIP | $2,500 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Kendra Klink - Executive Director (2023 compensation: $128,325)
- Matthew Also - President and Chief Executive Officer
- Frank Staudinger - Chief Financial Officer
- Rick James - Chair
- Vicki James - President
The foundation was previously known as the Rick L and Vicki L James Foundation Inc before changing its name in 2017.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICK JAMES | CHAIRMAN | 1 | — |
| VICKI JAMES | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| STEPHANIE FOOTE | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| JEFFREY TURNER | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MATT FETTER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JESSICA BUSS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| KENDRA KLINK | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $120,000 |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The James Foundation Inc fund?
The James Foundation believes that by serving as civic stewards, quality of life will be enriched by acting as a catalyst to undertakings that strengthen both families and community. The foundation enhances existing social platforms and provides new educational and cultural opportunities, empowering and inspiring citizens to initiate and cultivate positive change in all life experiences. Primary funding areas include: • Education • Community engagement and civic initiatives • Environmental init…
How do I apply for a grant from The James Foundation Inc?
The foundation makes grants across multiple states, with particular focus on Indiana, the District of Columbia, and Ohio. **Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $500 to $3,000,000 • Recent major grants include: • $3,000,000 to National Park Foundation (unrestricted) • $1,500,000 to National Park Foundation (Lincoln Memorial) • $1,000,000 to Trine University (College Health Professions) **Recent Activity:** The foundation distributed significant grants in 2024, with total giving of ap…
Where does The James Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in: • Indiana • District of Columbia • Ohio
What size grants does The James Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, The James Foundation Inc awarded 85 grants totaling $11.7M — an average of about $138K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The James Foundation Inc's EIN?
The James Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-2195649. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
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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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