Watkins Christian Foundation Inc
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Atlanta, Georgia. Its 2025 grants supported churches, Christian schools, youth programs, and other charitable organizations, with many grants designated for capital projects and facilities.
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Watkins Christian Foundation Inc gave $6.0M across 50 grants in 2025 (avg $121K), mostly in Georgia. 15% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $6,035,000
- +50.9% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 50
- +11.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $120,700
- +35.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $67,500
- Total assets
- $279,963,135
- +173.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (7 of 48, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Georgia (54% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Watkins Christian Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 3715 Northside Pkwy Nw 300 500, Atlanta, GA 30327
Phone: (404) 872-8359
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Watkins Christian Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Young Life Southwind Camp ($400K). Together the top 10 received $3.0M.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($581,500), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
295 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 128 grants of 295 (43%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 54% of grant dollars went to recipients in Georgia and 41% to recipients in Florida. Minnesota received 3%, Tennessee 2%, and South Carolina 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 50 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Watkins Christian Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 7 of 48 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $110K; repeat grants $128K. How we count
Medians: $75K first-time, $60K repeat.
- 71% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 56% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 75% 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 (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.3M (2020) to $6.0M (2025). In 2025 it made 50 grants totaling $6.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Young Life Southwind Camp Ocklawaha, FL | To support the construction of a new club room for 450 campers and leaders. | $400,000 |
| Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Tampa, FL | To support the bethlehem and digital ministries and funds to restore hurricane-damaged infrastructure and modernize pcpc's facilities in preparation for its centennial year and future growth. | $350,000 |
| The First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Inc Lakeland, FL | To support year-round programming for the children, youth and neighborhood ministries. | $325,000 |
| Wellspring Living Atlanta, GA | The Welcome Home Capital Campaign | $318,750 |
| YMCA of West Central Florida Lakeland, FL | Capital Infrastructure - Capital Campaign | $318,750 |
| 3 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $581,500 |
| Cornerstone Christian Academy Peachtree Corners, GA | Capital Campaign for Building Renovation and Expansion. | $300,000 |
| St Johns Episcopal Parish Day School Inc Tampa, FL | Capital campaign to support the construction of a 92,000 sq. Ft facility. Including, spacious classrooms that are designed to support innovative teaching and learning, as well as, dedicated outdoor spaces for play, expansion of performing arts and stem. | $300,000 |
| Vision Atlanta Roberta, GA | To support 100 urban under-served children and youth to participate in a week of overnight camp | $250,000 |
| The Vashti Center Inc Thomasville, GA | To Support the $25 Million Dollar Campaign Plan. | $210,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Watkins Christian 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 | $279,963,135 | $185,330,052 | $5,697,866 | $6,035,000 | 50 | $6,749,034 | $25,838,965 | $9,044,414 |
| 2024 | $102,325,216 | $14,556,759 | $5,343,046 | $4,000,000 | 45 | $4,834,658 | $9,753,195 | $4,795,394 |
| 2023 | $93,197,741 | $11,631,009 | $8,587,323 | $4,175,655 | 66 | $4,940,618 | $3,176,029 | $4,329,194 |
| 2022 | $79,364,737 | $12,779,054 | $4,996,539 | $3,863,155 | 65 | $4,443,370 | $10,022,018 | $4,183,525 |
| 2021 | $71,582,222 | $14,140,958 | $4,502,225 | $3,394,350 | 69 | $3,950,870 | $11,212,555 | $4,332,768 |
| 2020 | $61,943,489 | $4,904,952 | $4,106,653 | $3,260,000 | 67 | — | $4,353,605 | $3,434,747 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Watkins Christian Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $9.0M 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
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for religious organizations and churches, Christian education, youth programs, and community services.
Grantees describe their own work in varied terms. Wellspring Living Inc says its mission is to transform the lives of people at risk of or victimized by sexual exploitation. Vision Atlanta Inc describes providing youth in at-risk communities with a Christian camp environment and connecting them with Christian mentors. Brookwood School Inc, Hope Academy Inc, Wesleyan School Inc, and Cherokee Christian Schools Inc describe providing Christian or college-preparatory education. Dream Center of Lakeland Inc says it serves at-risk children, youth, and families through programs and partnerships, while Parker Street Ministries Inc describes work centered on individual, family, and community restoration.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 50 grants totaling $6,035,000. Grant amounts ranged from $6,000 to $400,000, with a median of $67,500.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $400,000 to Young Life Southwind Camp for a new club room; $350,000 to Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church for its Bethlehem and digital ministries and facility restoration and modernization; and $325,000 to The First United Methodist Church of Lakeland for year-round children’s, youth, and neighborhood programming. Other large awards included $318,750 to Wellspring Living for its Welcome Home capital campaign, $310,000 to Jesuit High School of Tampa for a capital campaign and financial aid for needy students, and $300,000 to Cornerstone Christian Academy for building renovation and expansion.
Other 2025 grantees included Vision Atlanta Inc ($250,000), Brookwood School Inc ($200,000), Hope Academy Inc ($200,000), and Wesleyan School Inc ($200,000).
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists George C. Watkins as chairman; Michael L. Watkins as president; Rozita La Gorce as executive director; and Jeremy Bagley as secretary and treasurer. Directors listed are W. Neal Freeman, Eric S. Wahlen, Sarah Watkins, William B. Watkins V, and Taylor Watkins.
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc is led by Michael L. Watkins, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 9 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Michael L. Watkins
President
Trustee & President → Director & President, 2021
Director & President → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$140K (2020) → $79K (2025)
Rozita La Gorce
Executive Director
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$294K (2023) → $271K (2025)
George C. Watkins
Chairman
Trustee & Chairman → Director & Chairman, 2021
Director & Chairman → Chairman, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eric S. Wahlen
Director
Vice President & Trustee → Vp* & Director, 2021
Vp* & Director → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sarah Watkins
Director
Trustee → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
W. Neal Freeman
Director
Trustee → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William B. Watkins V
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Taylor Watkins
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeremy Bagley
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
$4K (2023) → $21K (2025)
Former officers (7)
- Former: Jonathan Winn (2021–2023) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: Danielle Clark (2020–2021) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Lee S Freeman (2020–2021) — Vice President
- Former: Timothy L Hall (2020–2021) — Secretary & Treasurer
- Former: John C Watkins (2020) — Trustee
- Former: John D Maggard (2020) — CFO
- Former: Kimberly Watkins (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $271K, to Rozita La Gorce (Executive Director). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Watkins Christian Foundation Inc
How much does Watkins Christian Foundation Inc give each year?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc gave $6.0M across 50 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $4.0M across 45 grants.
What is Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $67,500, and its average grant was $120,700, across 50 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Watkins Christian Foundation Inc that year got $110K on average.
Where does Watkins Christian Foundation Inc give grants?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc gives mostly in Georgia: 54% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Florida (41%). The most frequent recipient cities were Thomasville, GA (7 grants), Lakeland, FL (6 grants), Atlanta, GA (5 grants) and Tampa, FL (3 grants).
Does Watkins Christian Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 26% of Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (13 of 50) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Young Life Southwind Camp ($400,000), Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church ($350,000) and The First United Methodist Church of Lakeland Inc ($325,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 3 grants to individuals ($581,500), which are not listed by name. Together they received 18% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Watkins Christian Foundation Inc?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc reported $280.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $9.0M (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 Watkins Christian Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for religious organizations and churches, Christian education, youth programs, and community services. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Watkins Christian Foundation Inc?
The foundation states that it 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 Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's EIN?
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 58-1494832. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Watkins Christian 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
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 24, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Georgia
Georgia Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Watkins Christian Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Georgia
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Inc
Atlanta, GA
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta funds nonprofits across areas including health, education, human services, arts, housing, and civic engagement, with an emphasis on equity and shared prosperity. Its itemized 2024 grants had a median of $21,000, and over 64% of its 2024 grant support stayed in the 23-county metro Atlanta region, though it also funds organizations nationally and internationally. Nonprofits can apply through the foundation’s Grants Portal for competitive opportunities; it also makes donor-advised grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,414
Total Given
$152.3M
J Bulow Campbell Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The J. Bulow Campbell Foundation primarily supports capital campaigns in education, youth development, human services, public spaces, and cultural institutions, with a preference for established nonprofits and added consideration for Christian-based organizations. Its 2024 grants ranged from $100,000 to $4.5 million, with a median of $400,000; it focuses on Atlanta and Georgia, with eligibility extending to five neighboring states. Applicants are encouraged to speak with staff before beginning with a one-page request letter.
Assets
$758.1M
Grants
57
Total Given
$40.0M
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Atlanta, GA
BGCA funds youth development through local Boys & Girls Clubs, supporting academic success, health, leadership, mentoring, and related programs. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,047 to $2,704,861, with a median of $81,098, and went to communities across the United States, Native lands, and military installations. Whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$95.2M
Grants
797
Total Given
$120.5M
Habitat for Humanity International Inc
Americus, GA
Habitat for Humanity International funds affiliates and other organizations working on affordable housing, including homebuilding, housing preservation, coalition building and advocacy. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,027 to $6.37 million, with a median of about $48,700, supporting work across the U.S. and internationally; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$760.0M
Grants
719
Total Given
$101.6M
The Arthur M Blank Family Foundation
Atlanta, GA
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation funds work in Atlanta’s Westside, democracy, the environment, mental health and well-being, youth development, and founder initiatives, with a focus on Georgia and Montana and some national impact. In 2024, grants ranged from $500 to $20 million, with a median of $50,000. It makes grants by invitation and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$466.3M
Grants
586
Total Given
$212.1M
Georgia Power Foundation Inc
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Power Foundation supports programs and capital campaigns that improve quality of life, including work in health care, education, workforce development, arts, and community development, with a strong preference for Georgia organizations and communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $500 to $1 million, with a median of $10,000; requests of $25,000 or less are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It accepts online grant requests, as described in its filing.
Assets
$217.0M
Grants
517
Total Given
$18.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Georgia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Watkins Christian Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/watkins-christian-foundation-inc-morg_577a44bfdd2940798cf135e75b9ba26b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_581494832_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Watkins Christian Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/watkins-christian-foundation-inc-morg_577a44bfdd2940798cf135e75b9ba26b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. 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 Watkins Christian 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.
Watkins Christian Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?