The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation
THE JOHN AND ALISON FERRING is a private foundation based in St. Louis, Missouri. Its 2024 grants supported charitable organizations, including arts and cultural groups, education organizations, and organizations providing food or other services.
Key facts about The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation
In short: The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation gave $479K across 27 grants in 2024 (avg $18K), mostly in Missouri. 37% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 43-1944616
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $479,123
- Grants made (2024)
- 27
- Average grant
- $17,745
- Median grant
- $5,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 37% first-time grantees (10 of 27, 2024)
- Total assets
- $5,782,464
- Primary geography
- Missouri (88% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$5.8M
+24.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$479K
-42.0% YoY
Grant Count
27
-18.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
-29.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $485K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation open to new grantees?
37%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 10 of 27 grantees (37%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $24K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 48% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 38% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 99% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 recipients included organizations with varied missions. The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival says it fosters community and joy across the St. Louis region through the Shakespearean tradition of art for all. Lift For Life Academy describes itself as a challenging learning community that empowers students to reach their potential as students and citizens. Feed My People says it works to show God’s love and compassion, particularly to people in need. Grand Center says it creates conditions for a thriving creative community at the Grand Center Arts District. Pedal the Cause says it funds cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Grantmaking
The foundation reported 27 grants totaling $479,123 in 2024. Grants ranged from $600 to $150,000, with a median of $5,000. Among the largest grants were $150,000 to Arch City Defenders, $58,000 to the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, $50,000 to Flance Early Learning Center, $27,500 to Med & Food for Kids, and $25,000 each to Fine Arts Work Center, VIA Fund, and Jazz StL.
How to Apply
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
Ready to take the next step with The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 88% of grant dollars went to recipients in Missouri. Massachusetts received 6%, New York 5%, and California 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 27 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $120K (2020) to $826K (2023). In 2024 it made 27 grants totaling $479K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Arch City Defenders ($150K). Together the top 10 received $403K.
Grant Size Distribution
139 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 126 grants of 139 (91%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Arch City Defenders St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $150,000 |
| St Louis Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $58,000 |
| Flance Early Learning Center St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $50,000 |
| Med & Food for Kids St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $27,500 |
| Fine Arts Work Center Provincetown, MA | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Via Fund New York, NY | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Jazz STL St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $25,000 |
| Lift for Life Academy St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $20,000 |
| St Louis Public Library St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $12,500 |
| Coca St. Louis, MO | General Fund | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grants | Total granted |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 27 | $479,123 |
| 2023 | 33 | $826,366 |
| 2022 | 28 | $561,328 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,782,464 | $4,628,219 | $5,134,741 |
| Revenue | $2,962,555 | $465,178 | $182,635 |
| Expenses | $501,991 | $848,855 | $594,596 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $479,123 | $826,366 | $561,328 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,545,691 | $295,920 | $164,358 |
| Distributable Amount | $484,557 | $447,447 | $497,578 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 8, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists John H. Ferring IV and Alison N. Ferring as trustees.
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's 2024 filing lists 2 officers; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Alison N. Ferring
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
John H. Ferring IV
Trustee
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 3536 Washington Avenue, St Louis, MO 63108
Phone: (314) 277-9133
Frequently asked questions about The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation
How much does The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation give each year?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation gave $479K across 27 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $826K across 33 grants.
What is The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's typical grant size?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $17,745, across 27 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation that year got $7K on average.
Where does The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation give grants?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation gives mostly in Missouri: 88% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Massachusetts (6%) and New York (5%). The most frequent recipient cities were St. Louis, MO (21 grants).
Does The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (27 of 27) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's largest grantees?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Arch City Defenders ($150,000), St Louis Shakespeare Festival ($58,000) and Flance Early Learning Center ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 54% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation reported $5.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $479K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $485K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 recipients included organizations with varied missions. The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival says it fosters community and joy across the St. Louis region through the Shakespearean tradition of art for all. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's EIN?
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 43-1944616. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Sam and Marilyn Fox Foundation
St. Louis, MO
The foundation’s recent grants support Missouri organizations in arts, youth development, health, and dementia care, with 2025 awards of about $4,823 each. It reported that it would not accept grant applications for 2024 or future years.
Assets
—
Grants
7
Total Given
$34K
The Kranzberg Family Charitable Foundation
St. Louis, MO
The Kranzberg Family Charitable supports a mix of St. Louis-area arts and cultural institutions, Jewish community organizations, and other nonprofits; its 2024 grants all went to Missouri recipients. Grants had a median of $1,000, though amounts ranged widely from $25 to $3,020,000. The filing says applicants may submit a written request with complete information.
Assets
$20.4M
Grants
154
Total Given
$4.2M
Sage Charitable Foundation
St. Louis, MO
The foundation supports Missouri organizations in education, the environment, religion, health care, arts, and media. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $2.01 million, with a median of $25,000; it gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$967K
Grants
18
Total Given
$3.1M
Caleres Cares Charitable Trust
Orlando, FL
The Caleres Cares Charitable Trust supports eligible nonprofits working on stronger families, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, St. Louis arts and culture, and the footwear industry. Recent filings show one large grant annually, ranging from about $865,000 to $1.85 million; although St. Louis is a stated priority, recent grants went to Florida. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online application process.
Assets
$212K
Grants
1
Total Given
$866K
Trio Foundation of St Louis
St. Louis, MO
The Trio Foundation funds equity of opportunity, community enhancement, arts access, ecological preservation, and environmental justice, with a focus on people who may face discrimination and needs such as housing, healthcare, and childcare. Its 2025 grants ranged from $2,500 to $50,000, with a median of $22,500, and most funding goes to St. Louis City and nearby counties. It does not accept unsolicited requests in 2026; interested organizations are asked to contact staff to schedule a meeting before applying.
Assets
$36.9M
Grants
100
Total Given
$1.9M
Pershing Place Foundation
St. Louis, MO
The foundation supports education, healthcare, religion, arts, and environmental conservation, with 2025 grants going primarily to Missouri organizations. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $50,400, with a median of $1,000. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$398K
Grants
14
Total Given
$210K
Jordan Mary R & Ettie a Charitable
Eagan, MN
This foundation supports a range of charitable organizations, including health care, arts, education, parks, animal welfare, and social services, primarily in Missouri. It awarded 77 grants totaling $791,000 in 2025; grants ranged from $1,000 to $175,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts a letter of inquiry, and no deadline is listed.
Assets
$19.0M
Grants
77
Total Given
$791K
United Way of Greater St Louis Inc
Saint Louis, MO
United Way of Greater St. Louis funds local nonprofits working on essential needs, youth success, health, financial mobility, and community stability, including direct services and efforts addressing root causes. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,305 to $2.1 million, with a median of about $78,500; it primarily serves a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. It accepts applications through listed funding cycles, including a 2027 Targeted Fund cycle due October 12, 2026.
Assets
$122.5M
Grants
294
Total Given
$47.8M
Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable Foundation
Chesterfield, MO
The Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable Foundation supported Jewish community organizations, health care, Holocaust education, public affairs, arts, senior services, and community funding, primarily in Missouri, with some grants in Washington, DC, and New York. Its final 2022 filing reported 17 grants totaling about $6.49 million, with a median grant of about $102,000; it gave only to preselected organizations, did not accept unsolicited requests, and has wound down.
Assets
—
Grants
17
Total Given
$6.5M
Rotonda Foundation
Chicago, IL
Rotonda Foundation funds charitable organizations across Jewish community life, arts and music, health and cancer research, human rights, hunger relief, and youth development. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000; funding went mainly to organizations in New York and Missouri, with smaller amounts in Massachusetts, California, and Washington, DC. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$12.2M
Grants
47
Total Given
$555K
The Crawford Taylor Foundation
St. Louis, MO
The Crawford Taylor Foundation supports community development, women’s and children’s health and education, animal welfare, and environmental work, primarily in the Greater St. Louis area. Its 2023 grants ranged from $2,500 to $10 million, with a median of $30,000. It funds preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$772.2M
Grants
49
Total Given
$53.6M
St Louis Community Foundation Inc
St. Louis, MO
The foundation supports nonprofits through its own community priorities and funds it administers for private and family foundations, including economic mobility, youth connections, and a range of other donor-directed causes. In 2024, grants ranged from $5,050 to $4 million, with a median of $20,000; community-impact funding focuses mainly on high-need ZIP codes in Missouri and Illinois, though grants also go elsewhere. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests; applicants should check each funder’s criteria and deadlines.
Assets
$494.4M
Grants
839
Total Given
$63.9M
More Funders in Missouri
The John and Alison Ferring Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?