The James Foundation Inc
The James Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Auburn, Indiana. Established by Rick L. and Vicki L. James in 2011, it supports education, scholarships, arts and culture, and other efforts intended to improve quality of life, with a primary focus on Northeast Indiana.
The James Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The James Foundation Inc gave $8.9M across 71 grants in 2025 (avg $125K), mostly in Indiana. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $8,862,007
- -24.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 71
- -16.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $124,817
- -9.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $10,618,420
- -22.7% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Indiana (62% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The James Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The website says applications are not being accepted at this time. The 2025 filing describes a preliminary grant application; scholarship applicants are directed to contact the foundation for an application.
- Review Cycle
- No deadline is stated.
- Deadline
- No deadline is stated.
- Contact
Application contact: The James Foundation Inc
Mailing address: PO Box 606, Auburn, IN 46706
Phone: (260) 333-0068
Website: https://www.thejamesfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The James Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was National Parks Foundation ($3.1M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $7.4M.
Organizations only. It also paid 14 grants to individuals ($92,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
607 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 519 grants of 607 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says its primary geographical focus is Northeast Indiana. In 2025, 62% of grant dollars went to recipients in Indiana and 38% to recipients in Washington, DC. The foundation describes its support for national organizations as part of its work toward its goals.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 71 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The James Foundation Inc gives
- 79% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−17%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.8M (2019) to $11.7M (2024). In 2025 it made 71 grants totaling $8.9M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Parks Foundation Washington, DC | Unrestricted | $3,000,000 |
| Canterbury School Fort Wayne, IN | Fine Arts Campaign | $1,000,000 |
| Trine University Angola, IN | College Health Professions | $1,000,000 |
| Vincent Village Fort Wayne, IN | Capital Campaign Support | $500,000 |
| Dekalb Central Foundation Waterloo, IN | Dekalb Central Early Learning - Preschool Programming | $425,000 |
| Trine University Angola, IN | Scholarships | $300,000 |
| Dekalb County Courthouse Auburn, IN | Courthouse Barrier Wall | $246,600 |
| Alzheimer's Association Indianapolis, IN | Operational Support | $200,000 |
| Fort Wayne Philharmonic Fort Wayne, IN | Music Is Fundemental | $200,000 |
| Neighborhood Health Washington, DC | Oxford Street Project | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The James 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 | $10,618,420 | $6,101,486 | $9,219,379 | $8,862,007 | 71 | $9,061,718 | $2,816,751 | $851,890 |
| 2024 | $13,736,313 | $8,520,983 | $12,120,188 | $11,691,680 | 85 | $11,894,015 | $1,402,122 | $1,067,923 |
| 2023 | $17,335,518 | $11,721,561 | $11,844,824 | $11,458,872 | 449 | $11,687,795 | $1,601,875 | $974,137 |
| 2022 | $17,458,781 | $3,575,719 | $11,241,789 | $10,730,285 | 1 | $11,006,694 | $2,511,984 | $1,095,302 |
| 2021 | $25,124,851 | $8,679,657 | $5,566,678 | $5,153,323 | 1 | $5,336,237 | $4,962,201 | $1,175,787 |
| 2020 | $21,968,274 | $1,284,753 | $5,754,073 | $5,434,018 | 1 | — | $1,158,844 | $1,205,187 |
| 2019 | $26,437,594 | $1,178,373 | $4,129,383 | $3,762,574 | 1 | — | $1,031,710 | $1,398,010 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The James Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $852K 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 make learning experiences available to all, believing that education can enrich quality of life and strengthen families and communities. Its stated funding priorities are educational impact and innovation, scholarship programs, and arts and culture. The foundation also describes seeking new grant opportunities for innovative projects, while remaining focused on Northeast Indiana.
It primarily makes grants to U.S. charitable organizations recognized by the IRS as 501(c)(3) organizations. Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of work: Canterbury School describes its work as providing college-preparatory education from early childhood through grade 12; Vincent Village says it provides shelter, affordable housing, and support services to homeless families; and Early Childhood Alliance describes its work as promoting excellence in early childhood care and education. The an individual recipient Children’s Choir says it teaches music literacy to children from diverse backgrounds.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 71 grants totaling $8,862,007. Grants ranged from $500 to $3,000,000, with a median grant of $10,000. Among the largest awards were $3,000,000 to the National Parks Foundation for unrestricted support; $1,000,000 to Canterbury School for a fine arts campaign; $1,000,000 to Trine University for college health professions; and $500,000 to Vincent Village for capital campaign support. Other reported awards included $425,000 to DeKalb Central Foundation for preschool programming and $200,000 each to the Alzheimer’s Association for operational support and the an individual recipient Philharmonic for “Music Is Fundamental.”
The foundation’s website says it is not accepting applications at this time. Its 2025 filing directs prospective applicants to download and complete a preliminary grant application. Scholarship opportunities are available to students graduating from DeKalb County high schools: renewable two-year and four-year awards of $5,000 per year. The filing states that scholarship recipients must meet specified GPA requirements and submit grades and their upcoming semester schedule each semester.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kendra Klink as executive director; Rick James as chairman; Vicki James as president; Stephanie Foote as vice president; Jeffrey Turner as secretary; and Matt Fetter and Jessica Buss as directors.
The James Foundation Inc is led by Kendra Klink, Executive Director since 2023 (on filings since 2019); 1 of 7 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Kendra Klink
Executive Director
Associate Director → Executive Director, 2023
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$87K (2019) → $109K (2025)
Vicki James
President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rick James
Chairman
Director → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jessica Buss
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Matt Fetter
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Turner
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Foote
Vice President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Brandon Park (2019–2022) — Director Assistant
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $109K, to Kendra Klink (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The James Foundation Inc
How much does The James Foundation Inc give each year?
The James Foundation Inc gave $8.9M across 71 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $11.7M across 85 grants.
What is The James Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The James Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $124,817, across 71 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The James Foundation Inc give grants?
The James Foundation Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 62% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was District of Columbia (38%). The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Wayne, IN (29 grants), Auburn, IN (6 grants), Indianapolis, IN (5 grants) and Washington, DC (3 grants).
Does The James Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 8% of The James Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 71) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship" (24 grants), "Programming Support" (3 grants) and "Capital Campaign Support" (3 grants).
Who are The James Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The James Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include National Parks Foundation ($3,125,000 across 2 grants), Trine University ($1,308,500 across 3 grants) and Canterbury School ($1,000,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 14 grants to individuals ($92,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 61% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The James Foundation Inc?
The James Foundation Inc reported $10.6M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $9.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $852K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The James Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to make learning experiences available to all, believing that education can enrich quality of life and strengthen families and communities. Its stated funding priorities are educational impact and innovation, scholarship programs, and arts and culture. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The James Foundation Inc?
The website says applications are not being accepted at this time. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
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 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 2, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 10, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 22, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 24, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 22, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS April 27, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The James Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne Inc
Fort Wayne, IN
The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne funds nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives, with grant programs focused on Allen County and Northeast Indiana; its 2025 grants had a median award of $17,450, while specific programs offer up to $50,000. It accepts applications through some competitive grant programs, subject to program guidelines and application periods.
Assets
$287.7M
Grants
299
Total Given
$12.9M
English-Bonter-Mitchell Fdn
Pittsburgh, PA
The foundation’s 2024 grants supported arts and culture, youth programming, education, health, and services for people with disabilities, with all reported grant dollars going to Indiana recipients. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $550,000, with a median of $25,000. It says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but the available information does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$144.8M
Grants
109
Total Given
$6.4M
Nisource Charitable Foundation
Columbus, OH
The NiSource Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits addressing safety, workforce and economic development, environmental stewardship, STEM and energy education, and basic needs in communities across Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Its 2024 grants ranged from $60 to $2.1 million, with a median of $3,000. The filing directs applicants to contact the Foundation for application materials and deadlines; it does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$43.0M
Grants
683
Total Given
$7.5M
Parkview Health System Inc
Fort Wayne, IN
Parkview Health System funds collaborative programs that address community health needs, including health-care access, mental health, substance use, maternal and child health, and other social drivers of health, with priority for underserved populations in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,100 to $2.8 million, with a median of $40,000; its mini-grants offer up to $5,000. It accepts unsolicited applications through online forms, with mini-grant requests accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly; program-support applications have a stated application window.
Assets
$2.5B
Grants
23
Total Given
$5.6M
Edward M Wilson Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Edward M Wilson Foundation has supported arts and culture, heritage, a zoo, parks, and community services, with grants recorded in Pennsylvania and Indiana; its latest filing directs all grant dollars to Pennsylvania. Giving has ranged from $1,609,000 across 83 grants in 2023 to $1,808,100 across one grant in 2025, but the typical individual award is unclear. A filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$37.6M
Grants
1
Total Given
$1.8M
The Waterfield Foundation Inc
Fort Wayne, IN
The Waterfield Foundation supports charitable and educational work in health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community development, with a strong preference for Fort Wayne and surrounding communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $166,407, with a median of $2,000. It accepts unsolicited requests from eligible organizations.
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
53
Total Given
$398K
More similar funders
More Funders in Indiana
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The James Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-james-foundation-inc-morg_315c6ac1b67b4ea2bb1b7a5fb1fde5f5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_452195649_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The James Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-james-foundation-inc-morg_315c6ac1b67b4ea2bb1b7a5fb1fde5f5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 The James 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.
The James Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?