Kirkwood Foundation

Kirkwood Foundation (formally registered as "The Kirkwood Foundation Im 2573-07-43") is a Jackson family private foundation that has been operating since 1969, when it received its 501(c)(3) status. It is managed through Glenmede, a well-regarded Philadelphia wealth management and trust company at 1650 Market St, Suite 1, Philadelphia, PA. The foundation is led by M. Roy Jackson as President, with multiple Jackson family members as trustees: Gretchen S. Jackson, Mac Roy Jackson Jr., Hardie S. Jackson, Louisa S. Zungailia, and Frederic R. Jackson. The Kirkwood name likely refers to a family property or estate in the Chester County, Pennsylvania area — the foundation's giving is geographically concentrated in Philadelphia and Chester County (including East Fallow Field and Kennett Square, which are in horse country/Main Line PA). The foundation's grantmaking has undergone a remarkable transformation: from a tiny operation disbursing $13,000 per year through 2021-2022, it received a $3 million contribution in 2023 and sold $3 million in assets in 2024, emerging as a $4.1M active grantmaking foundation now making 42 grants per year. This transformation suggests either an estate transfer, trust termination, or major new gift from a family member. The foundation is notably open to new grantees — 62% of recent recipients are new grantees — which is unusual and signals genuine receptivity to applications from aligned organizations.

Kirkwood Foundation's financial trajectory is extraordinary. Through 2022, it operated as a minimal foundation with assets of $240,000-$912,000 and annual disbursements of $13,000-$16,000. In 2023, it received a $3,055,285 contribution that dramatically elevated the foundation's capacity. In 2024, it realized $3,002,575 from asset sales, bringing total revenue to $3.12M and assets to $4.1M. FY2024 results: Revenue $3,120,017, expenses $280,936, charitable disbursements $226,000, assets $4,100,228. The 2024 990-PF was filed April 9, 2025. GrantBay data shows 94 total grants totaling $674,000 across all history, with 42 grants in the latest year alone at a median of $7,000 and range of $1,000-$33,250. This means approximately 92% of all-time grant count happened in FY2024. Geographic distribution: 64% in Pennsylvania (Philadelphia 27%, East Fallow Field 15%, Kennett Square 12%), with the remaining 36% in New York and 8 other states. Known 2024 grantees include Anne K. Taylor Fund ($33,250), Willistown Conservation Trust ($25,000), and Deerfield Academy ($18,750). The foundation has no liabilities.

Kirkwood Foundation is now a mid-size Philadelphia area family foundation following its dramatic growth. Comparison:

Kirkwood Foundation's Chester County focus (Willistown Conservation Trust, East Fallow Field, Kennett Square) places it squarely in Philadelphia's wealthy western suburbs. The Willistown Conservation Trust connection is significant — this organization protects open land in the Willistown/Chester County area of Pennsylvania.

Kirkwood Foundation made 42 grants in FY2024 with $226,000 in charitable disbursements — a transformation from just 5 grants and $14,000 in FY2022. Known 2024 grantees include Anne K. Taylor Fund ($33,250 general charitable purpose), Willistown Conservation Trust ($25,000), and Deerfield Academy ($18,750). The foundation also previously funded St. Joseph's House. Total assets as of FY2024 stand at $4,100,228 with zero liabilities. The dramatic growth from a dormant $240K foundation to a $4.1M active grantmaker was driven by a $3M+ contribution in 2023 plus asset liquidations in 2024. The high new-grantee rate (62%) suggests the Jackson family is actively expanding its philanthropic network and considering proposals from organizations with which it has no prior relationship. The foundation is managed through Glenmede, a wealth management firm that handles trust administration for many Philadelphia Main Line families.

Kirkwood Foundation presents a genuine opportunity for qualified organizations in the Philadelphia/Chester County area and beyond. Key guidance: (1) A 62% new-grantee rate is extraordinary for a family foundation — this indicates genuine openness to applications from previously unfunded organizations. (2) Conservation and land preservation in the Chester County/Main Line PA area appears to be a priority (Willistown Conservation Trust is a documented grantee and the geographic concentration in East Fallow Field/Kennett Square confirms this). (3) Education, particularly at the private school or boarding school level, is another documented giving area (Deerfield Academy, which is a highly selective New England boarding school). (4) Contact Glenmede directly — phone (215) 419-6000 — as the administrative manager of the foundation. Glenmede manages many Philadelphia family foundations and has a dedicated philanthropy advisory team. (5) Grants are typically $1,000–$33,250 with a median of approximately $7,000. Budget requests should be proportionate. (6) December fiscal year means fall outreach is most timely. (7) General charitable purposes across the Mid-Atlantic and nationally are also funded — the foundation's reach extends to New York and 8 additional states. (8) Note that the website URL (kirkwoodschools.org) in some databases is incorrect — that is the Kirkwood, Missouri school district foundation, which is unrelated.