The Kerr Foundation Inc logo

The Kerr Foundation Inc

Private foundation · Grantmaker Oklahoma City, OK EIN: 73-1256122 Website

The Kerr Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It supports programs, organizations, and institutions that create new or enhanced opportunities, particularly for young people, with priority for Oklahoma organizations.

The Kerr Foundation Inc at a glance

In short: The Kerr Foundation Inc gave $207K across 65 grants in 2024 (avg $3K), mostly in Oklahoma. 92% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

Annual giving (2024)
$206,790
+27.1% vs 2023
Grants made (2024)
65
+140.7% vs 2023
Average grant
$3,181
-47.2% vs 2023
Median grant
$2,500
Total assets
$21,675,452
+16.4% vs 2023
New grantees (estimate)
92% first-time grantees (60 of 65, 2024)
Primary geography
Oklahoma (50% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Latest 990 filing
Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing

Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).

How to apply to The Kerr Foundation Inc

How to Apply

Contact Laura Kerr and submit the materials listed above. The foundation’s 2024 filing identifies the geographic areas and subject areas it considers; its published policy also states that only 501(c)(3) organizations may apply.

Review Cycle
Requests should be submitted more than 45 days before quarterly committee meetings.
Deadline
Requests should be submitted more than 45 days before quarterly committee meetings.
Contact

Application contact: Laura Kerr
Mailing address: 12501 N May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73120
Phone: (405) 749-7991
Website: https://thekerrfoundation.org

Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Who The Kerr Foundation Inc funds

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 10 recipients in 2024

Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc: $15KAllied Arts of Oklahoma Inc$15KCharles B Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Inc: $10KCharles B Goddard Center forthe Visual and Performing…$10KDress for Success Oklahoma City: $8KDress for Success OklahomaCity$8KBeyond the Spectrum OK: $5KBeyond the Spectrum OK$5KDesign Connect Create: $5KDesign Connect Create$5KDurango Education Foundation: $5KDurango Education Foundation$5KEndangered Language Language Fund: $5KEndangered Language LanguageFund$5KFolds of Honor Foundation: $5KFolds of Honor Foundation$5KNew Hope Refuge: $5KNew Hope Refuge$5KCentral Oklahoma Camp and Conference Center: $4KCentral Oklahoma Camp andConference Center$4K

The largest 2024 recipient was Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc ($15K). Together the top 10 received $67K.

Organizations only. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($5,000), which are not listed by name.

Grant Size Distribution

186 grants across all recorded years

186<$50K$50–100K$100–250K$250–500K$500K–1M$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 186 grants of 186 (100%).

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

Oklahoma organizations receive first priority for available funds. The 2024 filing lists Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas as the first-preference geographic areas, and also says applications are accepted from the Washington, D.C. area. The foundation’s published policy explains that it considers organizations outside Oklahoma when their work may benefit the state and region.

Grant Distribution by State

13states

Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 65 itemized grants.

Cities

Oklahoma CityTulsaDenverWashingtonColorado SpringsEdmondGuthrieLittle RockNormanSaint LouisDallasKansas CitySanta FeAlbuquerqueAuroraAustinBroken ArrowColumbiaHot SpringsOwasso

Is The Kerr Foundation Inc open to new grantees?

92%

first-time grantees, 2024

In 2024, 60 of 65 grantees (92%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $3K; repeat grants $6K. How we count

Medians: $3K first-time, $4K repeat.

  • 3% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
  • Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+16%). Method
  • In 2024 it paid out 103% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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.

Giving History

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$100K$200K$300K19 grants2020 34 grants2021 41 grants2022 27 grants2023 65 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $93K (2020) to $207K (2024). In 2024 it made 65 grants totaling $207K.

Grants by year

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc Oklahoma City, OKTo support the allied arts 2024 campaign for the arts$15,000
Charles B Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Inc Ardmore, OKTo help renovate and remodel the goddard center facilities.$10,000
Dress for Success Oklahoma City Oklahoma City, OKTo Support the Women's Employment Programs$7,500
Beyond the Spectrum OK Edmond, OKTo provide support for therapy and classes for children with disabilities and their families.$5,000
Design Connect Create Grand Prairie, TXTo purchase stem supplies and equipment for one stem camp serving 30 girls over the summer.$5,000
Durango Education Foundation Durango, COTo Support Coding and Makerspace Equipment.$5,000
Endangered Language Language Fund New Haven, CTFor a special session on language and health to be included in the 56th algonquain conference, held in october, 2024 at the first American museum and will also allow representatives of non-alonquian tribes to attend the session$5,000
Folds of Honor Foundation Owasso, OKTo support education opportunities to fallen or disabled military members and first responder children and spouses.$5,000
New Hope Refuge Batesville, ARTo provide funding to remodel the current housing structure originally built in 2004 and also to replace flooring$5,000
1 grant to individuals Recipients not named —$5,000
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Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Figures from IRS filings, by filing year
Filing yearTotal AssetsRevenueExpensesGrants paidGrantsQualifying DistributionsNet Investment IncomeDistributable Amount
2024$21,675,452$1,203,247$1,794,783$206,79065$1,200,759$609,223$1,161,593
2023$18,624,951$1,084,300$1,591,749$162,70027$1,200,562$701,112$1,022,002
2022$19,059,178$1,143,095$1,642,560$156,06441$1,213,675$719,210$1,085,436
2021$19,549,085$1,854,631$1,419,917$177,70034$1,092,209$1,526,923$1,132,337
2020$18,997,502$299,426$1,382,880$92,50019—$55,655$997,239

Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Kerr Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.2M for 2024 — 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 describes its mission as identifying and supporting programs, organizations, and institutions that provide new or enhanced opportunities within its granting areas, particularly for young people. Its published categories include education; arts and culture; health; and human services. Examples of the listed categories include schools and higher education institutions, visual and performing arts organizations, museums and libraries, health care and medical research organizations, and organizations serving disadvantaged people, people with special needs, and older adults.

Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of work funded. Allied Arts of Oklahoma says its mission is to advance the arts and enrich Central Oklahoma communities. Dress for Success Oklahoma City describes its work as helping women achieve economic independence through support, professional attire, and development tools. Design Connect Create says it helps girls discover the potential in STEM and themselves. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own missions.

Grantmaking

In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 65 grants totaling $206,790. Individual grants ranged from $1,000 to $15,000, with a median of $2,500. Its largest reported award was $15,000 to Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc. to support its 2024 Campaign for the Arts. Other examples include $10,000 to the Charles B. Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts for facility renovations and $7,500 to Dress for Success Oklahoma City for women’s employment programs.

The foundation’s 2024 filing says it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Applicants are asked to provide a cover letter summarizing the request, a completed institutional profile form, a completed proposal summary form, an IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter, and a proposal with supporting documentation appropriate to the request. The filing states that requests should be submitted more than 45 days before quarterly committee meetings to allow time for review. The foundation’s published policy says favorable consideration will normally take the form of a challenge grant, usually dollar for dollar, with matching funds generally to be secured within 12 months. It also states that organizations paid a grant in one year must allow one entire granting year before applying again.

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Laura Kerr as president beginning March 20, 2024, and Steven S. Kerr as CFO. Trustees listed are Jackson Ogle, James Kerr, Wilson Kerr, Taylor Dillard, and Cody Kerr. Lou Kerr is listed as president until her death on March 20, 2024.

The Kerr Foundation Inc is led by Laura Kerr, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); all 8 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Laura Kerr

    President

    Vice President, Secretary & T → President, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $98K (2020) → $168K (2024)

  • Lou C. Kerr

    President

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    $211K (2020) → $45K (2024)

  • Cody T. Kerr

    Trustee

    On filings since 2020

    2 hrs/week

    $18K (2020) → $18K (2024)

  • Taylor Dillard

    Trustee

    On filings since 2022

    2 hrs/week

    $5K (2022) → $8K (2024)

  • Wilson Kerr

    Trustee

    On filings since 2022

    2 hrs/week

    $5K (2022) → $8K (2024)

  • Jackson Ogle

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    2 hrs/week

    $5K (2024)

  • James Kerr

    Trustee

    New on the 2024 filing

    2 hrs/week

    $4K (2024)

  • Steven S. Kerr

    CFO

    Vice President & Trustee → CFO, 2024

    On filings since 2020

    40 hrs/week

    $95K (2020) → $174K (2024)

Former officers (1)
  • Former: Ruth Leebron Levenson (2020–2021) — Trustee

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.

Compensation Overview

From 2024 IRS filing

Steven S Kerr — CFO: $174KSteven S KerrCFO$174KLaura Kerr — PRESIDENT(BEGINNING 03/20/2024): $168KLaura KerrPRESIDENT(BEGINNING 03/20/2024)$168KLou Kerr — PRESIDENT(DECEASED 03/20/2024): $45KLou KerrPRESIDENT(DECEASED 03/20/2024)$45KCody Kerr — Trustee: $18KCody KerrTrustee$18KTaylor Dillard — Trustee: $8KTaylor DillardTrustee$8KWilson Kerr — Trustee: $8KWilson KerrTrustee$8KJackson Ogle — Trustee: $5KJackson OgleTrustee$5KJames Kerr — Trustee: $4KJames KerrTrustee$4K

The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $174K, to Steven S Kerr (CFO). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.

Frequently asked questions about The Kerr Foundation Inc

How much does The Kerr Foundation Inc give each year?

The Kerr Foundation Inc gave $207K across 65 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $163K across 27 grants.

What is The Kerr Foundation Inc's typical grant size?

The Kerr Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $3,181, across 65 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Kerr Foundation Inc that year got $3K on average.

Where does The Kerr Foundation Inc give grants?

The Kerr Foundation Inc gives mostly in Oklahoma: 50% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Colorado (13%) and Texas (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Oklahoma City, OK (7 grants), Tulsa, OK (5 grants), Denver, CO (4 grants) and Owasso, OK (2 grants).

Does The Kerr Foundation Inc give general operating support?

Occasionally: 5% of The Kerr Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 65) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.

Who are The Kerr Foundation Inc's largest grantees?

The Kerr Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Allied Arts of Oklahoma Inc ($15,000), Charles B Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Inc ($10,000) and Dress for Success Oklahoma City ($7,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 1 grant to individuals ($5,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

How large is The Kerr Foundation Inc?

The Kerr Foundation Inc reported $21.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).

What does The Kerr Foundation Inc fund?

The foundation describes its mission as identifying and supporting programs, organizations, and institutions that provide new or enhanced opportunities within its granting areas, particularly for young people. Its published categories include education; arts and culture; health; and human services. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from The Kerr Foundation Inc?

Contact Laura Kerr and submit the materials listed above. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is The Kerr Foundation Inc's EIN?

The Kerr Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 73-1256122. 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. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Data update history

(1)

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

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Cite this profile

Grantable. (2026). The Kerr Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-kerr-foundation-inc-morg_d3449d11d88742d29ee5a8d1d2f941e8

BibTeX
@misc{grantable_731256122_2026,
  author       = {{Grantable}},
  title        = {{The Kerr Foundation Inc funder profile}},
  howpublished = {GrantGraph},
  year         = {2026},
  url          = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-kerr-foundation-inc-morg_d3449d11d88742d29ee5a8d1d2f941e8},
  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 Kerr 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.

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