Hamer Foundation

Hamer Foundation (EIN 23-7349926) is one of West Virginia's longer-standing private foundations, having been tax-exempt since December 1974—over 50 years of continuous philanthropic operation. Based in Kenova, West Virginia (a small city at the confluence of the Ohio and Big Sandy rivers), the foundation is a family philanthropy operated by volunteer trustees: Gladys F. Hamer, Lori Dale Hamer, Jim P. Hamer II, and Stephen A. Hamer II, with Lisa Elliott serving as administrative contact. The foundation's income derives almost entirely from stock dividends (94%+ of revenue), indicating a well-established investment portfolio. Annual charitable disbursements of $49,000-$128,000 suggest a foundation that actively makes grants but at a scale commensurate with its ~$1.25M asset base. The website (hamerfoundation.org) exists but blocks automated/curl access via ModSecurity, suggesting it may have a functional grants interface that requires a browser. The Kenova location suggests possible focus on Wayne County, WV and the Tri-State region.

Hamer Foundation has provided consistently strong charitable disbursements relative to its asset size: $49,700 in 2022, $109,411 in 2023, and $128,305 in 2024. This disbursement rate (4-10% of assets annually) exceeds the IRS minimum distribution requirement of 5%, suggesting active grantmaking intent. Revenue is driven primarily by dividend income ($100-110K/year) from a stock investment portfolio. The foundation's 50-year track record indicates established community relationships and consistent grantmaking patterns. Given the Kenova, WV location, likely beneficiaries include local education institutions, health organizations, community services, churches, and civic groups in the Wayne County/Cabell County area of West Virginia. Total grants capacity is $60,000-$130,000 per year based on recent disbursement history.

Hamer Foundation is one of the larger private family foundations in the Kenova/Wayne County area of West Virginia.

Hamer Foundation's 50+ year operating history and consistent disbursement rate make it more active than many comparable small foundations, though its scale is modest relative to major Appalachian funders.

Hamer Foundation filed its most recent 990-PF (for fiscal year ending November 2024) on April 12, 2025, documenting $117,101 in revenue and $128,305 in charitable disbursements. The foundation continues to be operated by the same Hamer family trustees, all serving without compensation. Revenue is primarily from dividends ($110,509 in 2024). The foundation's website (hamerfoundation.org) is maintained but blocks automated access via ModSecurity web security, suggesting active maintenance. Lisa Elliott serves as the administrative contact (care-of). The foundation has maintained zero liabilities and stable assets of $1.25-1.32 million over recent years. No major programmatic changes, leadership transitions, or public announcements have been found.

Hamer Foundation is a private family foundation with an active grantmaking history but limited public documentation. Grant seekers should: (1) visit the foundation website directly at hamerfoundation.org using a standard web browser (the site blocks automated access but may have a human-accessible interface with grant application information); (2) focus on organizations serving Wayne County, Cabell County, or the broader Tri-State region of West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio, as the Kenova location strongly suggests local geographic preference; (3) research the Hamer family's documented community involvement in Kenova/Huntington area to identify alignment; (4) contact Lisa Elliott (administrative contact) via mail at PO Box 418, Kenova, WV. With $100,000+ in annual disbursements, this foundation is more active than many comparable small foundations and may be worth a personal inquiry for well-aligned West Virginia-based organizations.