Kneller Family Foundation

Kneller Family Foundation is a private family foundation based in Golden, Colorado, classified under NTEE code P122 (Human Services — Gift/Bequest Programs). Established and operating from the Golden, CO area, the foundation has maintained a steady endowment in the $1.6M–$2.2M range since at least 2012. The foundation makes annual charitable distributions in the $60K–$140K range, funded primarily from investment income on its endowment with no incoming contributions in most recent years (the last recorded contributions were $27,000 in 2015–2016). The foundation's website (kneller.org) is a personal family site with no grant-related content, strongly indicating this is a relationship-driven, private grantmaking operation that does not solicit public applications. The Kneller family in Golden, CO likely directs charitable giving toward local Colorado community organizations, human services nonprofits, and causes aligned with personal family values. The absence of a dedicated grantmaking web presence is consistent with foundations of this size and structure.

Based on IRS 990-PF filings from 2012–2024, Kneller Family Foundation shows a consistent annual grantmaking pattern:

• 2024: Assets $1.60M, revenue $40K, qualifying distributions $76K, grants $77K
• 2023: Assets $1.64M, revenue $28K, qualifying distributions $61K, grants $79K
• 2022: Assets $1.67M, revenue $23K, qualifying distributions $73K, grants $84K
• 2021: Assets $1.72M, revenue $29K, qualifying distributions $100K, grants $88K
• 2020: Assets $1.79M, revenue $38K, qualifying distributions $137K, grants $93K
• 2016: Assets $1.74M, qualifying distributions $140K, grants $90K
• 2015: Assets $1.83M, qualifying distributions $90K, grants $93K
• 2014: Assets $1.87M, qualifying distributions $107K, grants $96K
• 2013: Assets $1.96M, contributions $90K, qualifying distributions $96K, grants $98K
• 2012: Assets $1.93M, contributions $50K, qualifying distributions $79K, grants $98K

Key observations: The foundation's assets have gradually declined from ~$1.95M in 2013 to ~$1.60M in 2024, suggesting total distributions consistently exceed investment income (spending down the endowment modestly). Annual grants range from ~$61K to ~$140K. The stable $77K–$98K grants-paid figure suggests recurring grantees with consistent award sizes. Individual grant sizes are likely in the $5,000–$30,000 range given the probable 5–15 grantee count per year.

Kneller Family Foundation is a mid-sized private family foundation operating in the greater Denver/Golden, Colorado area. Comparison with similar Colorado-based private foundations:

Kneller Family Foundation's giving pattern is consistent with peer private foundations of this asset size in Colorado. The foundation's steady distribution of $60K–$100K annually from a declining endowment base suggests the family may be in a spend-down phase or relying on investment returns that have not fully kept pace with distributions in recent years. NTEE code P122 (Human Services) suggests priorities likely include social services, community support, or safety-net organizations in the Golden/Jefferson County area.

Most recent IRS 990-PF data (fiscal year 2024, filed 2025): Assets of $1,601,398, total revenue of $40,443, total expenses/grants of $77,434, qualifying distributions of $76,000. The most recent filing in ProPublica shows a tax period ending June 2025, suggesting a June fiscal year-end (rather than December). This is an important operational detail — the foundation likely makes grant decisions in spring or early summer to align with its June fiscal year-end. No public announcements, press releases, or media coverage of Kneller Family Foundation grants has been found. The foundation website (kneller.org) contains personal family content including wedding information, confirming this is a purely private family philanthropy operation with no public-facing grantmaking program. The EIN 26-3854939 and organizational name "Kneller Family Foundation" are consistent across all filings.

Given the entirely private nature of Kneller Family Foundation, applicants face significant barriers to access. Key considerations:

1. No public application process: The foundation has no grants page, no application form, and no stated grantmaking criteria publicly available. Cold applications are extremely unlikely to succeed.

2. Relationship access only: The most viable path to funding is a personal connection to the Kneller family in Golden, Colorado. Local Jefferson County nonprofit networks, community events, and civic organizations in the Golden area may provide introductions.

3. Target human services: The NTEE code P122 (Human Services) suggests priority areas likely include social services, community support, food security, housing assistance, or similar human-needs organizations in Colorado.

4. Modest grant requests appropriate: With $60K–$77K in recent annual distributions and likely 5–10 grantees, typical grants are probably in the $5,000–$20,000 range. Requests above $30,000 are unlikely.

5. June fiscal year: The foundation's June fiscal year-end suggests grant decisions may be made in spring (March–May) to allow disbursement before fiscal year close. Time any outreach accordingly.

6. Geographic focus: All available evidence points to Colorado, likely the Golden/Jefferson County metro area. Organizations based outside Colorado are very unlikely to receive funding.

7. Contact approach: There is no public email or phone for the foundation. If connected to the family, a brief personal letter or email introduction is the appropriate first step — do not send a full proposal unsolicited.