The Papa John's Foundation Inc
The Papa John's Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. It supports community organizations through work centered on youth leadership and entrepreneurship, hunger relief, food security and food waste reduction, and local communities.
The Papa John's Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Papa John's Foundation Inc gave $2.6M across 267 grants in 2024 (avg $10K), top state Georgia. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,570,500
- +12.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 267
- +23.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $9,627
- -9.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $1,141,738
- +131.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Georgia (36% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Papa John's Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://papajohns.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Papa John's Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Boys & Girls Clubs of America ($759K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $1.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
793 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 767 grants of 793 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia (36%), the District of Columbia (10%), Kentucky (8%), Texas (8%) and Florida (8%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 267 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Papa John's Foundation Inc gives
- 53% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−5%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (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
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.5M (2020) to $3.5M (2022). In 2024 it made 267 grants totaling $2.6M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boys & Girls Clubs of America Atlanta, GA | 2024 Memorandum of Understanding and Building Community Fund | $382,500 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of America Atlanta, GA | 2024 Memorandum of Understanding | $362,500 |
| United Negro College Fund Inc Washington, DC | 2024 Mission of Understanding | $115,000 |
| Food Recovery Network Inc Washington, DC | General Support | $50,000 |
| Dare to Care Inc Louisville, KY | General Support | $30,000 |
| University of Louisville Foundation Inc Louisville, KY | General & Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Atlanta Community Food Bank Inc Atlanta, GA | Support for the continued operation and expansion of service at the Marietta Community Food Center | $25,000 |
| Concrete Jungle Inc Atlanta, GA | Produce Buyers Club and Adventure Picks programs | $25,000 |
| Greater Louisville Foundation Inc Louisville, KY | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Junior Achievement USA Atlanta, GA | In support of a Case Challenge for 10th grade students at Osborne High School | $25,000 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
For 2024, the foundation reported paying $110,504 to Papa John’s USA, Inc. for foundation administration services, at or below market rate. It also reported that distributions from assets other than current income totaled $2,570,500 and exceeded 25% of its beginning-of-year net assets. The filing states that the foundation has no plans for dissolution.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,141,738 | $3,366,158 | $2,723,757 | $2,570,500 | 267 | $2,723,457 | $28,283 | $129,182 |
| 2023 | $494,337 | $2,741,278 | $2,487,885 | $2,296,035 | 217 | $2,487,747 | $18,323 | $97,063 |
| 2022 | $240,944 | $9,937 | $3,712,397 | $3,520,500 | 196 | $3,712,397 | $9,937 | $132,402 |
| 2021 | $3,943,404 | $3,461,696 | $2,766,649 | $2,694,331 | 107 | $2,753,496 | — | $130,508 |
| 2020 | $3,248,357 | $3,461,682 | $1,512,226 | $1,475,000 | 6 | — | $16,426 | $103,552 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Papa John's Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $129K 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’s stated focus areas include youth leadership and entrepreneurship; food security and food waste reduction; and supporting local communities in collaboration with franchisees.
Its 2024 grants included youth-focused support for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Negro College Fund. BGCA describes its work as providing young people with safe spaces, mentors, meals and programs supporting academic success and leadership. UNCF says its mission is to help underrepresented students become college graduates and to support its member institutions.
Food-related grants included support for Food Recovery Network, Dare to Care, Kentucky Harvest and Second Helpings Atlanta. Food Recovery Network describes its work as recovering surplus food and donating it to local nonprofits that feed people experiencing hunger. Dare to Care says it works to provide pathways to end hunger in its community; Kentucky Harvest says it connects food donors and volunteers to rescue excess food; and Second Helpings Atlanta says it reduces hunger and food waste by rescuing and delivering surplus food.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 267 grants totaling $2,570,500. Awards ranged from $1,500 to $382,500, with a median grant of $5,000.
The largest listed awards included two grants to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Atlanta: $382,500 for a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding and Building Community Fund, and $362,500 for a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding. Other notable awards were $115,000 to the United Negro College Fund for a “Mission of Understanding,” $50,000 to Food Recovery Network for general support, and $30,000 each to Dare to Care and the University of Louisville Foundation.
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. It says other requests, such as for sponsorships, in-kind donations or other support, are considered only if they advance its strategic goals and objectives. In a 2022 grant announcement, it said franchise partners and teams at corporate-owned restaurants applied on behalf of local organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Madeline Chadwick as director, president and member spokesperson; Robert Lynch as director and president; Chris Collins as treasurer; and Kenneth M. Cox as secretary. It also lists Amanda Clark, Kevin Ellis, Joe Johnson, Todd Penegor and Miki Woodard as directors.
The Papa John's Foundation Inc is led by Robert Lynch, Director & President on every filing since 2020; none of the 9 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Robert Lynch
Director & President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Madeline Chadwick
Director, President & Member Spokesperson
Director & Member Spokesperson → Director, President & Member Spokesperson, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Clark
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Johnson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kevin Ellis
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Miki Woodard
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Todd Penegor
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth M Cox
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Chris Collins
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Kevin Burke (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Claude M Phenix (2021–2022) — Assistant Treasurer
- Former: Connie Houston (2020–2021) — Treasurer
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Papa John's Foundation Inc
How much does The Papa John's Foundation Inc give each year?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc gave $2.6M across 267 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.3M across 217 grants.
What is The Papa John's Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $5,000, and its average grant was $9,627, across 267 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Papa John's Foundation Inc give grants?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc's top state is Georgia, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were District of Columbia (10%) and Kentucky (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (12 grants), Louisville, KY (11 grants), Atlanta, GA (10 grants) and Orlando, FL (8 grants).
Does The Papa John's Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 7% of The Papa John's Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (20 of 267) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Team Member Grant Program" (8 grants).
Who are The Papa John's Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Boys & Girls Clubs of America ($758,500 across 3 grants), United Negro College Fund Inc ($115,000) and Food Recovery Network Inc ($87,500 across 6 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Papa John's Foundation Inc?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc reported $1.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $129K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Papa John's Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated focus areas include youth leadership and entrepreneurship; food security and food waste reduction; and supporting local communities in collaboration with franchisees. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Papa John's Foundation Inc?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check papajohns.com for any change to that policy.
What is The Papa John's Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Papa John's Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 83-2449693. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Papa John's Foundation Inc 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.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Papa John's Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-papa-john-s-foundation-inc-morg_b7bc06bdd4cc4d39a1d168f6168b15da
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_832449693_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Papa John's Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-papa-john-s-foundation-inc-morg_b7bc06bdd4cc4d39a1d168f6168b15da},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Papa John's 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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