The Whas Crusade for Children Inc
The WHAS Crusade for Children is a nonprofit organization established in 1954 by WHAS-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. The organization operates the longest and most successful single-station telethon in the country, raising funds through an annual radio and television telethon hosted by WHAS11 television and 84WHAS radio. The Crusade functions as a community-wide fundraising effort, collecting donations from corporate partners, employee payroll deduction campaigns, firefighters, clubs, churches, scout troops, and individual donors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$54.3M
+21.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.6M
-8.9% YoY
Grant Count
201
+4.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$28K
-12.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The WHAS Crusade for Children makes life better for children with special needs by inspiring generosity with our community partners.
Vision: Together we provide resources to impact all children with special needs.
The organization focuses on supporting agencies, schools, and hospitals that serve children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs up to age 18. Funding priorities include:
- Children with disabilities
- K-12 education
- Health and mental health services
- Enrichment, camp, and recreational programs for children with identified needs
Grantmaking
The WHAS Crusade distributes 100% of donations collected during the annual telethon as grants to nonprofits serving children with special needs. The organization makes approximately 150 grants annually.
Average Grant
amount varies by year
How to Apply
**
Ready to take the next step with The Whas Crusade for Children Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The WHAS Crusade for Children funds organizations in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. All money collected stays in the Kentuckiana region to help children with special needs.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Most Recent Financial Data (Fiscal Year Ending August 2023):
- Total Assets: $54,254,496
- Total Revenue: $10,193,189
- Total Expenses: $7,430,000
- Total Liabilities: $7,660,000
- Total Giving: $5,700,526
Historical Context: Since its establishment in 1954, the organization has awarded over $222 million in grants to support children with special needs.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $54,254,496 | $44,854,468 | $38,851,590 |
| Revenue | $21,136,098 | $10,193,189 | $9,353,185 |
| Expenses | $6,890,328 | $7,429,972 | $6,250,159 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $11,473,014 | $1,307,287 | $1,393,759 |
| 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
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from The Whas Crusade for Children Inc
WHAS Crusade for Children Grant - Former Grant Recipients
THE WHAS CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
WHAS Crusade for Children Grant - New Applicants
THE WHAS CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN INC
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Rolling / Open
WHAS Crusade for Children Grants
THE WHAS CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN INC
Amount
Varies by year; recent annual totals range from $5.4M - $5.7M
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Childrens Hospital Foundation Norton Children's Hospital-neurosurgery ($414,000), Baptist Health Foundation Greater Louisville Inc ($280,000), Baptist Health Foundation Hardin ($103,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ADAIR COUNTY SCHOOLS COLUMBIA, KY | $28,000.00 FOR ANY ITEM ON GRANT LIST - REDCAT CLASSROOM FM SYSTEMS, INTERACTIVE TABLES, SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION, AND INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT | $37,500 |
| ALLEGRO DANCE PROJECT INC LEXINGTON, KY | $14,000.00 FOR ANY ITEM ON PRIORITIZED GRANT LIST - INCLUDING PEDIATRIC PT REHAB PARALLEL BARS, FULL SUPPORT SWING SEAT, BOT-2 COMPLETE KIT-THERAPY TOOL, RAINBOW MAT, EVA FOAM SOLID COLOR MULTI-PURPOSE TILE, INCLUSIVE GYMNASTICS, MAGNETIC WRITE AND WIPE BOARD, TUMBLE FORM WEDGE, ETC. | $7,000 |
| AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND LOUISVILLE, KY | $6,000.00 FOR LABEL EMBOSSING/ADHERING BY KCIW FOR BRAILLE TALES BOOKS. | $6,000 |
| AMERICANA COMMUNITY - CAPITAL GRANT LOUISVILLE, KY | $25,000.00 TO RENOVATE 3 FLOORS OF THE AMERICANA WORLD COMMUNITY CENTER - DRYWALL AND FRAMING | $25,000 |
| AMERICANA COMMUNITY - PROGRAM LOUISVILLE, KY | $9,000.00 FOR SUPPLIES AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES. PLEASE PROVIDE A LIST OF SUPPLIES TO BE APPROVED BEFORE PURCHASING. | $9,000 |
| ANCHORAGE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT ANCHORAGE, KY | TOTAL GRANT AWARD $26,000.00 TOWARDS ITEMS 2 AND 3 (TABLETS, THERAPEUTIC TRICYCLE) WITH REMAINING AMOUNT FOR ITEMS 1, 4, AND 5 (REDCAT CLASSROOM FM SYSTEMS, SOCIAL SKILLS INSTRUCTION AND INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT). NOT TO EXCEED THE AMOUNT REQUESTED FOR EACH LINE ITEM. | $26,000 |
| ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS LAWRENCEBURG, KY | $20,000.00 FOR AN ACCESSIBLE SPECIAL EDUCATION VEHICLE WITH SIGNAGE FOR THE WHAS CRUSADE FOR CHILDREN. | $20,000 |
| APPALACHIAN REGIONAL HEALTHCARE INC LEXINGTON, KY | FULL GRANT!!! $13,369.70 FOR ECONOSTANDER, FINE MOTOR FUN DECK, STEAMROLLER DELUXE, ARTIC PHOTOS FUN DECKS, MILLER FUNCTION AND PARTICIPATION SCALES, FLAGHOUSE RIGHT-SIZED PLYO PLATFORM SET, GFTA-2 RECORD FORMS AND WESTERN APHASIA BATTERY | $13,370 |
| ART CENTER OF THE BLUEGRASS DANVILLE, KY | $1,200.00 FOR FIELD TRIP FACILITATORS, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, AND ART SUPPLIES. THE CRUSADE IS HOPING FOR A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP IN YOUR COMMUNITY AND MUTUAL COLLABORATION. | $8,000 |
| ARTS FOR ALL KENTUCKY BOWLING GREEN, KY | $8,600.00 TOWARDS THE SIDE BY SIDE PROGRAM | $8,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Dr. Dawn Lee - President & CEO
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LISA COLUMBIA | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| JEAN O'BRIEN | BOARD MEMBER (THRU 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| DEBBIE LEIST | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| SUSAN CILONE | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| KEVIN BURKE | BOARD MEMBER (THRU 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| JOE GRAFFIS | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| BILL FREY | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| JENNIFER FRIES | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| JEREMY SHUMATE | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| MICHAEL CARR | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| MICHAEL WADE | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| SHAY MCALISTER | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| JASON MEIMAN | BOARD MEMBER | 0.1 | — |
| NATHAN FESSEL | BOARD MEMBER (FROM 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| DANIEL CZECH | BOARD MEMBER (FROM 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| PETINA JONES | BOARD MEMBER (FROM 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| STEVEN WHITE | BOARD MEMBER (FROM 3/24) | 0.1 | — |
| JEFF NELSON | CHAIRMAN (THRU 3/24) | 0.2 | — |
| MEAGHAN REYNOLDS | TREASURER | 0.2 | — |
| DENNIS STILGER | CHAIRMAN | 0.2 | — |
| KATHERINE LANGAN | SECRETARY | 0.2 | — |
| DAWN LEE | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $156,171 |
| JOHN BLIM | VICE PRESIDENT (THRU 2/24) | 40 | $132,319 |
| SHAWN KAELIN | VICE PRESIDENT (FROM 2/24) | 40 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**72nd Annual Telethon (2025):** The 72nd WHAS Crusade for Children raised $5,890,189.77, with 100% of funds distributed as grants to recipient organizations.
2025-2026 WHAS Crusade for Children Grants Announced \u2013 WHAS Crusade\**Upcoming Event:** The 73rd WHAS Crusade for Children is scheduled for June 6-7, 2026.
2025-2026 WHAS Crusade for Children Grants Announced \u2013 WHAS Crusade\The organization maintains a four-star rating based on accountability and financial metrics, indicating strong organizational governance and financial management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Whas Crusade for Children Inc fund?
**Mission:** The WHAS Crusade for Children makes life better for children with special needs by inspiring generosity with our community partners. **Vision:** Together we provide resources to impact all children with special needs. The organization focuses on supporting agencies, schools, and hospitals that serve children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs up to age 18. Funding priorities include: • Children with disabilities • K-12 education • Health and ment…
How do I apply for a grant from The Whas Crusade for Children Inc?
The WHAS Crusade distributes 100% of donations collected during the annual telethon as grants to nonprofits serving children with special needs. The organization makes approximately 150 grants annually. **Grant Characteristics:** • Typical award range: $5,180–$686,500 • Average grant amount varies by year • All funds distributed go directly to recipient organizations **Recent Grant Activity:** • 2025-2026: Grants announced following the 73rd annual telethon • 2024-2025: Grants announced followi…
Where does The Whas Crusade for Children Inc make grants?
The WHAS Crusade for Children funds organizations in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. All money collected stays in the Kentuckiana region to help children with special needs.
What size grants does The Whas Crusade for Children Inc award?
In 2024, The Whas Crusade for Children Inc awarded 201 grants totaling $5.6M — an average of about $28K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is The Whas Crusade for Children Inc's EIN?
The Whas Crusade for Children Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7075524. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Whas Crusade for Children Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Community Foundation of
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$699.5M
Grants
616
Total Given
$55.9M
The Community Foundation of Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$5.2M
Grants
135
Total Given
$5.2M
Kosair Charities Committee Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$346.8M
Grants
118
Total Given
$12.6M
The Community Foundation of Louisville
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$22.0M
Grants
373
Total Given
$18.6M
Baird Foundation Inc
MILWAUKEE, WI
Assets
—
Grants
3,751
Total Given
$6.6M
The Gheens Foundation Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$158.8M
Grants
163
Total Given
$6.5M
Cralle Foundation Inc
SIMPSONVILLE, KY
Assets
$9.4M
Grants
99
Total Given
$665K
Snowy Owl Foundation Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$5.9M
Grants
93
Total Given
$404K
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$23.5M
Grants
358
Total Given
$4.5M
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
SAINT LOUIS, MO
Assets
—
Grants
9,499
Total Given
$73.1M
Republic Bank Foundation Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$7.3M
Grants
153
Total Given
$1.4M
Lg&e and Ku Foundation Inc
LOUISVILLE, KY
Assets
$24.7M
Grants
491
Total Given
$4.1M
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Whas Crusade for Children Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities