Private foundation · EIN 86-1011524 · Mesa, Arizona · Philanthropy & grantmaking

John Dawson Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2024 Form 990-PF: 22 grants paid, $1.2M total, median $50K. 68% of grants stayed in Arizona.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
22
$1.2M
Median grant
$50K
Stays in AZ
68%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$30M

Grants paid in 2024

22 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Boys and Girls Club of the Valley IncPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$150K
Arizona Friends of Foster ChildrenPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$100K
Goldwater InstitutePhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$100K
Jazz in Arizona Inc Dba the NashPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$100K
Make-A-Wish Foundation Arizona ChapterPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$100K
Mindfulness FIRSTScottsdale, AZCharitable purpose$100K
Arizona Freedom FoundationGilbert, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Arizona Liberty NetworkGilbert, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Arizona Sports & Entertainment CommissionScottsdale, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Cato InstituteWashington, DCCharitable purpose$50K
East Valley Inst of Technology FoundationMesa, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Executive Council CharitiesPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Fiesta Events IncScottsdale, AZCharitable purpose$50K
Institute for JusticeArlington, VACharitable purpose$50K
Hillsdale CollegeHillsdale, MICharitable purpose$35K
Beyond AutismPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$30K
Libertas NetworkLehi, UTCharitable purpose$25K
Wounded Warrior ProjectJacksonville, FLCharitable purpose$25K
Arizona Council on Economic EducationPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$20K
Autism Life & LivingPhoenix, AZCharitable purpose$10K
Teach One to Lead OneKennesaw, GACharitable purpose$10K
US Amateur Weightlifting FoundationColorado Springs, COCharitable purpose$10K

By state: Arizona 15 · District of Columbia 1 · Virginia 1 · Michigan 1 · Utah 1 · Florida 1

About this foundation

John Dawson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Mesa, Arizona, administered in care of Kirk W Mathers, tax-exempt since 2001. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does John Dawson Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does John Dawson Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $1.2M across 22 grants, a median of $50K.

Where does John Dawson Foundation give?

Arizona (15 grants), District of Columbia (1 grants), Virginia (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Mesa

All in Arizona
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