Whitaker Foundation
The Whitaker Foundation is a private, independent foundation established in 1975 by Mrs. Mae Meissner Whitaker in memory of her husband Lyndon. Based in Snoqualmie, Washington, the foundation has been tax-exempt since July 1989 and operates as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.6M
-1.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$97K
+76.3% YoY
Grant Count
81
+11.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1K
+58.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Whitaker Foundation reported a distributable amount of $132K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Whitaker Foundation supports nonprofit organizations with a focus on:
- Arts
- Parks
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
The foundation does not fund galas, fundraisers, or regranting to other organizations, and does not make grants to individuals. The foundation is currently focused on program grants and does not support general operating or capital campaigns.
Grantmaking
Applicants must follow a structured process:
Review Cycle
Grant opportunities are offered three times per year. Proposed programs must take place at least five weeks after award notification.
How to Apply
Applicants must follow a structured process:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Whitaker Foundation supports nonprofit organizations on the Missouri side of the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2024:
- Total Assets: $1,578,278
- Total Giving: $97,050
- Total Revenues: $102,987
- Total Expenses: $123,207
- Investment Income and Dividends: $68,620
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $1.6M
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Revenue: $95.5k
- Expenses: $85k
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,578,278 | $1,598,498 | $1,587,926 |
| Revenue | $102,987 | $95,546 | $120,603 |
| Expenses | $123,207 | $84,974 | $167,785 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $119,287 | $80,120 | $165,371 |
| Net Investment Income | $100,067 | $92,692 | $119,349 |
| Distributable Amount | $131,622 | $118,649 | $122,449 |
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
152 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Our Lady Sorrows ($30,000), Missionary Oblates ($10,000), Annual Catholic Appeal ($3,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 40 DAYS FOR LIFE BRYAN, TX | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $350 |
| ALZHEIMERS ASSOC OF WA SEATTLE, WA | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $500 |
| AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY SEATTLE, WA | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $500 |
| AMERICAN LEPROSY MISSION GREENVILLE, SC | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $100 |
| AMERICANS UNITED FOR LIFE WASHINGTON, DC | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $500 |
| AMERICARES STAMFORD, CT | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $100 |
| ANNUAL CATHOLIC APPEAL NORWICH, CT | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $3,000 |
| ARTHRITIS FOUNDATION SEATTLE, WA | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $500 |
| AVE MARIA UNIVERSITY INC MARIA, FL | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $350 |
| BILL OF RIGHTS INSTITUTE ARLINGTON, VA | TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO EXEMPT ORGANIZATION | $250 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Trustees:
- Nichole Bridges
- François G. Henriquez II
- Ashley Kemper
- Cheryl Walker
- Jackie Yoon
Staff:
- Christy E. Gray, Executive Director
- Betsy Kellerman, Program Manager
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAM WHITAKER | PRES./VICE PRES. | 4 | — |
| CHERYL MATHENY | SECRETARY | 2 | — |
Contact Information
Phone: 314-241-4352
Address: PO Box 996, Snoqualmie, WA 98065-0996
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Whitaker Foundation fund?
The Whitaker Foundation supports nonprofit organizations with a focus on: • **Arts** • **Parks** • **Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)** The foundation does not fund galas, fundraisers, or regranting to other organizations, and does not make grants to individuals. The foundation is currently focused on program grants and does not support general operating or capital campaigns.
How do I apply for a grant from Whitaker Foundation?
• **Typical award range:** $100–$46,000 • **Recent annual giving:** $97,050 (2024) • **Grant focus:** Program grants Applicants must follow a structured process: 1. **Eligibility Determination:** Organizations must call foundation staff at 314-241-4352 to review eligibility and discuss the request. If eligible, applicants receive access to an online application form. 2. **Letter of Inquiry (LOI):** All applications begin with a Letter of Inquiry. Applicants retain login and password information…
Where does Whitaker Foundation make grants?
The Whitaker Foundation supports nonprofit organizations on the Missouri side of the St. Louis Metropolitan area.
What size grants does Whitaker Foundation award?
In 2024, Whitaker Foundation awarded 81 grants totaling $97K — an average of about $1K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Whitaker Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Whitaker Foundation reported a distributable amount of $132K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Whitaker Foundation's EIN?
Whitaker Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7301744. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Whitaker Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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