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Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. is a private corporation based in LOUISVILLE, KY. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 2012. It holds total assets of $14.5M. Annual income is reported at $10.7M. Total assets have grown from $1.6M in 2010 to $13.2M in 2022. The foundation is governed by 3 officers and trustees. Tax records are available from 2020 to 2023. The foundation primarily funds organizations in Kentucky and Florida. According to available records, Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. has made 45 grants totaling $2.7M, with a median grant of $50K. The foundation has distributed between $623K and $1.4M annually from 2021 to 2023. Grantmaking activity was highest in 2022 with $1.4M distributed across 24 grants. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $275K, with an average award of $60K. The foundation has supported 26 unique organizations. Grants have been distributed to organizations in Kentucky and Florida. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. is a private family foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky, with total assets of approximately $14.5 million. Founded in 2012 by W. Frank Harshaw and Virginia K. Harshaw, the foundation grew out of the family's longstanding philanthropic work through the Harshaw Trane Foundation (established 1979).
Frank Harshaw is the President and CEO of Harshaw Trane, a professional energy services company serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana with over 300 employees. He serves on the boards of Eclipse Bank, the Library Foundation, and Sullivan University, and is a member of the United Way Worldwide Leadership Council.
The foundation focuses on education, arts and culture, workforce preparation, housing and shelter, and K-12/charter school initiatives. Its geographic focus is primarily Kentucky with some giving to Florida. The foundation does not maintain a public website (the domain harshaw.org is defunct). Grant inquiries should be directed to the foundation at 6104 Regal Springs Drive, Louisville, KY 40205 or (502) 259-9600.
Harshaw Family Foundation has steadily increased its grantmaking since its founding in 2012. Key financial and giving data:
2024 Filing: - Total Assets: $14,468,619 - Total Giving: $760,500 - Number of Awards: 14 - Typical Award Range: $5,000 - $275,000
Historical Grant Activity: - 2024: 14 awards ($760,500) - 2023: 12 awards ($668,000) - 2022: 12 awards - 2021: 9 awards - 2020: 6 awards ($570,000) - 2019: $505,000 in grants
The foundation has shown strong growth in both assets (from $10.1M in 2019 to $14.5M in 2024) and grant distribution. Revenue is primarily from contributions ($2.0M in 2020), indicating continued funding from the Harshaw family. All officers receive $0 in compensation and there are no paid staff.
Focus Areas: Education, Arts/Culture/Humanities, Workforce preparation and job readiness, Housing and shelter, K-12 and charter schools.
The following table compares Harshaw Family Foundation with similarly-sized private foundations in Kentucky:
| Foundation | Assets | State | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. | $14,468,619 | KY | Philanthropy & Grantmaking |
| Don Jacobs Sr Charitable Foundation Inc. | $14,201,176 | KY | Philanthropy & Grantmaking |
| Wo And Lois Newell Charitable Trust | $13,391,998 | KY | Philanthropy & Grantmaking |
| Marksbury Family Foundation Inc. | $13,318,221 | KY | Human Services |
| Irvin F And Alice S Etscorn Charitable Foundation | $12,997,172 | KY | Philanthropy & Grantmaking |
Harshaw Family Foundation is the largest in this Kentucky peer group by assets. Its 2024 distribution rate of approximately 5.3% ($760K on $14.5M) meets the IRS minimum distribution requirement for private foundations and is competitive within the cohort. The foundation's broad focus areas (education, arts, workforce, housing) give it wider reach than more narrowly focused peers.
The Harshaw Family Foundation has been particularly active in Louisville's community landscape. Notable recent grants and initiatives include:
Hosparus Health Grief Counseling Center: Paula and Frank Harshaw's philanthropic support was instrumental in raising over $4 million for the Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center, which opened at Hosparus Health in Louisville.
LMAS Animal Shelter: The foundation supported the Louisville Metro Animal Services facility, now named the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Animal Shelter at 3528 Newburg Road, Louisville.
Community Foundation of Louisville: Listed as a grantee, indicating the foundation also channels giving through community foundations for broader impact.
The foundation's grantmaking has grown from 6 awards in 2020 to 14 awards in 2024, more than doubling its grant count while increasing total giving from $570K to $760K. Asset growth has been robust, rising 43% from $10.1M (2019) to $14.5M (2024), fueled by continued contributions from the Harshaw family.
Note: The foundation's website (harshaw.org) is no longer active.
For Prospective Grantees:
1. No website or online application: The foundation's website is defunct. Contact them directly at 6104 Regal Springs Drive, Louisville, KY 40205, or phone (502) 259-9600.
2. Louisville-centric: While the foundation is open to Kentucky and Florida organizations, its strongest ties are to the Louisville community. Organizations with Louisville presence are best positioned.
3. Focus on education and community services: Education, arts/culture, workforce readiness, housing/shelter, and K-12/charter schools are priority areas. Align your proposal accordingly.
4. Leverage community connections: Frank Harshaw is deeply connected in Louisville — serving on boards of Eclipse Bank, Library Foundation, Sullivan University, and as a United Way Worldwide Leadership Council member. Organizations with existing connections to these institutions may have an advantage.
5. Grant sizes are meaningful: With awards ranging from $5,000 to $275,000 and an average around $54,000, this is a foundation that can make impactful grants.
6. Review 990-PF filings: Since no website exists, research past grantees on ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN: 27-4251521) or Instrumentl to identify funding patterns and tailor your approach.
7. Board: W. Frank Harshaw (President), Virginia K. Harshaw (Secretary/Treasurer), Thomas J. Beck (Director).
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Smallest Grant
$10K
Median Grant
$88K
Average Grant
$95K
Largest Grant
$200K
Based on 6 grants from the most recent 990-PF filing.
No program descriptions are available for this foundation. Many private foundations report program activities in their annual 990-PF filings — check the Tax Filings section below for the most recent filing.
Harshaw Family Foundation has steadily increased its grantmaking since its founding in 2012. Key financial and giving data: 2024 Filing: - Total Assets: $14,468,619 - Total Giving: $760,500 - Number of Awards: 14 - Typical Award Range: $5,000 - $275,000.
Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. has distributed a total of $2.7M across 45 grants. The median grant size is $50K, with an average of $60K. Individual grants have ranged from $5K to $275K.
Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. is a private family foundation based in Louisville, Kentucky, with total assets of approximately $14.5 million. Founded in 2012 by W. Frank Harshaw and Virginia K. Harshaw, the foundation grew out of the family's longstanding philanthropic work through the Harshaw Trane Foundation (established 1979). Frank Harshaw is the President and CEO of Harshaw Trane, a professional energy services company serving Kentucky and Southern Indiana with over 300 employees. He serve.
Harshaw Family Foundation Inc. is headquartered in LOUISVILLE, KY. While based in KY, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 2 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W Frank Harshaw | PRESIDENT | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Thomas J Beck | DIRECTOR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Virginia K Harshaw | SECRETARY/TR | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
$744K
Total Assets
$13.2M
Fair Market Value
$13.2M
Net Worth
$13.2M
Grants Paid
$668K
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$868K
Distribution Amount
$652K
Total Grants
45
Total Giving
$2.7M
Average Grant
$60K
Median Grant
$50K
Unique Recipients
26
Most Common Grant
$10K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kosair CharitiesDONATION | Louisville, KY | $25K | 2022 |
| Catholic Education FoundationDONATION | Louisville, KY | $10K | 2021 |
| HosparusDONATION | Louisville, KY | $275K | 2023 |
| Louisville OrchestraDONATION | Louisville, KY | $115K | 2023 |
| U Of L FoundationDONATION | Louisville, KY | $75K | 2023 |
| Parkland Boys & Girls ClubDONATION | Louisville, KY | $52K | 2023 |
| Family Scholar HouseDONATION | Louisville, KY | $35K | 2023 |
| Kosair For KidsDONATION | Louisville, KY | $25K | 2023 |
| New Directions Housing CorporationDONATION | Louisville, KY | $20K | 2023 |
| Habitat For Humanity - NaplesDONATION | Naple, FL | $20K | 2023 |
| Jcps - Maupin Elemetary SchoolDONATION | Louisville, KY | $16K | 2023 |
| Kentucky Performing ArtsDONATION | Louisville, KY | $15K | 2023 |
| Junior AchievementDONATION | Louisville, KY | $10K | 2023 |
| First Tee - LouisvilleDONATION | Louisville, KY | $10K | 2023 |
| Habitat For Humanity - LouisvilleDONATION | Louisville, KY | $150K | 2022 |
| Portland Christian SchoolDONATION | Louisville, KY | $150K | 2022 |
| Kentucky Youth AdvocatesDONATION | Louisville, KY | $100K | 2022 |
| TreeslouisvilleDONATION | Louisville, KY | $60K | 2022 |
| Kentucky OperaDONATION | Louisville, KY | $50K | 2022 |
| Kentucky Humanities CouncilDONATION | Lexington, KY | $26K | 2022 |
| Baptist Fellowship ChurchDONATION | Louisville, KY | $16K | 2022 |
| Suwanee River Regional LibraryDONATION | Live Oak, FL | $5K | 2022 |
| Metro United WayDONATION | Louisville, KY | $200K | 2021 |
| The Fuller Center For HousingDONATION | Louisville, KY | $101K | 2021 |
| Community Foundation Of LouisvilleDONATION | Louisville, KY | $100K | 2021 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs Of KentuckianaDONATION | Louisville, KY | $52K | 2021 |
FT MITCHELL, KY
LAGRANGE, KY
COVINGTON, KY