Louis Calder Foundation
Denver, CO · EIN 13-6015562. Reported 188 grants totalling $31.8M to 106 organizations across tax years 2020-2023. This foundation did not tell the IRS it funds only preselected organizations.
Does this foundation accept applications?
Yes -- on its own tax return. Form 990-PF asks every private foundation whether it makes grants only to organizations it selects itself. Of the 91,758 foundations in our data that made a grant and answered, 78% said yes -- and applying to those is wasted effort. Louis Calder Foundation did not check that box on its most recent filing, which puts it in the minority that is at least open to being approached.
How big are its grants?
The median grant is $125,000. Half of everything it gave fell between $30,000 and $200,000; the smallest was $450 and the largest $1,000,000. If you are asking for materially more than the top of that range, you are asking the wrong foundation.
Every organization it funded
This is the complete list from its filings, largest first. Years funded is the number of separate tax years in which the organization received money -- more than one means a real relationship rather than a one-off.
| Organization | Location | Total received | Grants | Years funded | Last |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Fund Inc | Broomfield, CO | $3,000,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Springboard Collaborative | Philadelphia, PA | $1,600,000 | 4 | 4 | 2023 |
| Cambiar Education | Los Angeles, CA | $1,200,000 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Jeremiah Program | Minneapolis, MN | $1,200,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| KIPP New York Inc | New York, NY | $1,100,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| New Schools for Alabama | Birmingham, AL | $1,050,000 | 3 | 3 | 2022 |
| Together Education Inc | New York, NY | $1,000,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Instruction Partners | Nashville, TN | $900,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Achievement First Inc | New Haven, CT | $850,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Array Education Inc | New York, NY | $750,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| KIPP Foundation | San Francisco, CA | $750,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Commonlit Inc | Washington, DC | $700,000 | 3 | 2 | 2021 |
| Impact Public Schools | Tukwila, WA | $650,000 | 5 | 4 | 2023 |
| Reach Institute for School Leadership | Alameda, CA | $650,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| University Charter School | Livingston, AL | $630,000 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Clarksdale Collegiate | Clarksdale, MS | $605,000 | 4 | 3 | 2023 |
| Republic Schools Inc | Nashville, TN | $600,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Teach for America Inc | New York, NY | $600,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Achievement First Rhode Island | Providence, RI | $500,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Great Hearts America | Phoenix, AZ | $500,000 | 3 | 3 | 2022 |
| The Opportunity Trust | St Louis, MO | $500,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Tntp Inc | New York, NY | $465,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Building Responsible Intelligent Creative Kids | Newark, NJ | $450,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Excellent Schools New Mexico | Albuquerque, NM | $450,000 | 3 | 3 | 2022 |
| Becoming Collegiate Academy Inc | Jacksonville, FL | $435,000 | 3 | 2 | 2022 |
| Nashville Classical | Nashville, TN | $405,000 | 4 | 4 | 2023 |
| Room to Grow National Inc | Bronx, NY | $400,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Seton Education Partners | New York, NY | $400,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Ventoux Partnership Network Inc | Bronx, NY | $400,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Reach Out and Read Inc | Boston, MA | $350,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Tulsa Honor Academy | Tulsa, OK | $330,000 | 3 | 2 | 2021 |
| University Preparatory Schools | Denver, CO | $317,500 | 3 | 2 | 2021 |
| Colorado Schools Fund | Denver, CO | $300,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Dekalb Brilliance Academy Inc | Decatur, GA | $300,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Thomas B Fordham Institute | Washington, DC | $300,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Bellwether Education Partners Inc | Sudbury, MA | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| El Education Inc | New York, NY | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| KIPP Enc Public Schools | Charlotte, NC | $250,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Libertas School | Memphis, TN | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Rocky Mountain Preparatory School | Denver, CO | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Third Future Schools | Colorado Springs, CO | $250,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Vista College Preparatory Inc | Phoenix, AZ | $230,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Valley Settlement | Glenwood Springs, CO | $225,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | $210,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Allegiance Steam Academy Inc | Chino, CA | $200,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Avance Inc | San Antonio, TX | $200,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Vocel Viewing Our Children As Emerging Leaders Nfp | Chicago, IL | $200,000 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Zest Preparatory Academy Inc | Douglasville, GA | $200,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Strive Preparatory Schools | Denver, CO | $195,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Partnership Schools | New York, NY | $180,000 | 2 | 1 | 2020 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida | Jacksonville Beach, FL | $165,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Lift Inc | Washington, DC | $151,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Classical Charter Schools | Bronx, NY | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Dsst Public Schools Foundation | Denver, CO | $150,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| KIPP Colorado Schools | Denver, CO | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Literacy Partners Inc | New York, NY | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Rocketship Public Schools Texas | San Antonio, TX | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Rocketship Public Schools Texas | Redwood City, CA | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| True North Classical Academy Inc | Miami, FL | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Valor Collegiate Academies | Nashville, TN | $150,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Atlas Preparatory School Inc | Colorado Springs, CO | $130,000 | 2 | 1 | 2020 |
| Fugees Family Inc | Columbus, OH | $130,000 | 2 | 1 | 2020 |
| Henderson Collegiate | Henderson, NC | $125,000 | 2 | 1 | 2020 |
| Parentchild Plus Inc | Mineola, NY | $110,000 | 2 | 2 | 2021 |
| Gem Prep Meridian North LLC | Meridian, ID | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Gem Prep Meridian South | Meridian, ID | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Honor Preparatory Charter School | Midland, NC | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Invictus Nashville Charter School | Nashville, TN | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Miles Ahead Charter School Inc | Powder Springs, GA | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Pace Center for Girls Inc | Jacksonville, FL | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Rocketship Education | Redwood City, CA | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| The Achievement Network Ltd | Boston, MA | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Traininggrounds Inc | Slidell, LA | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Traininggroundsinc | Slidell, LA | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York | New York, NY | $100,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| West Palm Golf Community Trust Inc | West Palm Beach, FL | $75,000 | 2 | 2 | 2023 |
| Visiting Nurse Assn of Central Jersey Inc | Holmdel, NJ | $50,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Aequitas Education | Gallup, NM | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Alma Del Mar Foundation Inc | New Bedford, MA | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Elan Academy Inc | New Orleans, LA | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Ethos Classical Inc | Atlanta, GA | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Future Public School Inc | Garden City, ID | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Mercy Center Corporation | Asbury Park, NJ | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Navigator Schools | Hollister, CA | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Pataula Charter Academy Inc | Edison, GA | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Public Preparatory Network Inc | Bronx, NY | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Sgms Foundation | Roswell, NM | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Woodlawn Community Charter School | Birmingham, AL | $30,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Center for Creative Education | West Palm Beach, FL | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Community United Services Inc | Savannah, GA | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Horizons National Student Enrichment Program Inc | Rumson, NJ | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Interfaith Neighbors Inc | Asbury Park, NJ | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2023 |
| Island Park Charter School | Island Park, ID | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Savannah Youth Development Foundation Inc | Savannah, GA | $25,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Red Bank Catholic High School | Red Bank, NJ | $20,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Gem Prep Nampa Inc | Deary, ID | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Gem Prep Pocatello LLC | Deary, ID | $15,000 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
| Peak Grantmaking Inc | Washington, DC | $9,000 | 4 | 4 | 2023 |
| Philanthropy Colorado | Arvada, CO | $8,225 | 4 | 4 | 2023 |
| Philanthropy Roundtable | Washington, DC | $5,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Grantmakers for Education | Portland, OR | $4,400 | 2 | 2 | 2022 |
| Chalkbeat Inc | New York, NY | $3,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| The 74 Media Inc | New York, NY | $3,000 | 3 | 3 | 2023 |
| Teachers College Colombia University | New York, NY | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2022 |
| Teachers College Columbia University | New York, NY | $1,000 | 1 | 1 | 2021 |
| Philanthropy New York Inc | New York, NY | $450 | 1 | 1 | 2020 |
48 of 106 (45%) received money in more than one year over the 4 years we hold.
Measured the way we measure every foundation -- what share of one year's grantees are funded again the next -- this one retains 44%, across 3 year-to-year transitions. The median foundation retains about 67%, so this one is less consistent than most. A high number means its list is close to settled and a newcomer has to displace someone; a low one means it is still moving money around, which is where an opening is.
What the money was for
Taken verbatim from the purpose field of its filings. This is the closest thing to a statement of what this foundation cares about, in its own words.
- Charter Fund Inc
GROWTH OF CHARTER SCHOOLS - Array Education Inc
FISCAL SPONSOR FOR THE LITERACY GROUP, SCIENCE OF READING - Republic Schools Inc
OPENING OF REVIVE PREP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND GROWTH AT SMILOW COLLEGIATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN JACKSON, MS - Springboard Collaborative
EXPANSION OF EARLY LITERACY PROGRAM - Achievement First Rhode Island
OPENING OF AF PROMESA AND ENVISION ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS - Jeremiah Program
TWO-GENERATION FAMILY LEARNING
What kind of organizations it funds
By the recipient's own IRS classification, for the 165 grants where we could identify the organization. These are assigned categories, not our guesses.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants | Total | Median grant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 67 | $8,924,340 | $100,000 |
| 2021 | 43 | $8,121,750 | $150,000 |
| 2022 | 43 | $7,854,785 | $150,000 |
| 2023 | 35 | $6,877,700 | $100,000 |
Tax years, not calendar years, and the most recent year is usually incomplete -- filings arrive about a year late, so a low final year means late paperwork rather than a foundation winding down.
Already committed for future years
Form 990-PF has a separate schedule for grants approved but not yet paid. Louis Calder Foundation has 65 of them, worth $25.5M. This is the one part of the filing that looks forward rather than back -- and it also tells you how much of the next year's budget is already spoken for.
| Organization | Location | Approved |
|---|---|---|
| Charter Fund Inc | Broomfield, CO | $4,000,000 |
| Charter Fund Inc | Broomfield, CO | $3,000,000 |
| Charter Fund Inc | Denver, CO | $2,000,000 |
| Array Education Inc | New York, NY | $1,250,000 |
| Jeremiah Program | Minneapolis, MN | $800,000 |
| Achievement First Inc | New Haven, CT | $700,000 |
| Colorado Schools Fund | Denver, CO | $600,000 |
| Building Responsible Intelligent Creative Kids | Newark, NJ | $500,000 |
| Tntp Inc | New York, NY | $465,000 |
| KIPP New York Inc | New York, NY | $450,000 |
| University Preparatory Schools | Denver, CO | $450,000 |
| Cambiar Education | Los Angeles, CA | $400,000 |
| Seton Education Partners | New York, NY | $400,000 |
| The Achievement Network Ltd | Boston, MA | $400,000 |
| Jeremiah Program | Minneapolis, MN | $400,000 |
Where its money goes
Foundations concentrate geographically far more than their mission statements suggest. 19% of this one's giving went to organizations in New York. If you are outside its footprint, that matters more than how well your programme fits.
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Funders that support the same organizations
These funders gave to organizations this one also funded -- some private foundations, some community foundations and other grantmaking charities. Shared grantees are the strongest available signal that two funders have overlapping priorities, and a funder already backing your peers is a far warmer prospect than one that merely lists your cause.
How to approach this foundation
- Check you are its size. The median grant is $125,000. Asking for ten times that is the most common way small organizations waste a submission.
- Check you are in its geography. Its giving is concentrated in New York.
- Read the recipient list above for organizations like yours. If nothing on it resembles your work, that is a real answer, and a cheap one to get.
- Look up the current filing before writing. The 990-PF names the foundation's officers and, where one exists, its application procedure. We link it below.
Related guides
Where these numbers come from
Everything above is taken from Louis Calder Foundation's own Form 990-PF filings, which the IRS publishes in bulk. We used 4 returns (tax years 2020-2023). Nothing here is scraped, inferred, or estimated.
Address of record on the latest return: 1331 17TH Street 602, Denver, CO, 80202. This is the address the foundation gave the IRS; many small foundations file through an accountant or a bank trust department, so it may not be where post to a programme officer should go.
EIN 13-6015562 · See the original filings on ProPublica · How we build this
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