The Dunn Foundation Inc.

The Dunn Foundation Inc. is a small private foundation based in Mineral Wells, West Virginia, incorporated around 2000 and registered with the IRS in April 2000. The foundation takes a dual-pronged approach: direct community service programming (including its highly visible Annual Turkey Giveaway that served over 700 families and received NBC News coverage in 2023) and charitable grants to nonprofits. Unlike many foundations of similar size that solely make grants, The Dunn Foundation actively runs its own community programs, positioning it closer to an operating foundation in practice while still distributing approximately $60,000-$85,000 annually in charitable contributions. Decision-making is family-directed; the contact email is a Gmail account (TheDunnFoundation@gmail.com), indicating a small, informally structured operation. The Wix-based website (thedunnfoundation.com) is maintained and active, featuring video content of community events, suggesting active engagement. The foundation's mailing address (14405 Bentley Park Dr) and phone (301-675-3379 with a Maryland area code) suggest operations span West Virginia and Maryland.

The Dunn Foundation has maintained consistent annual grantmaking since at least 2019. Year-by-year grant distributions: - 2023: $63,000 in grants; total expenses $85,805; assets $2,123,298 - 2022: $81,000 in grants; total expenses $105,860; assets $2,074,428 - 2021: $62,000 in grants; total expenses $81,399; assets $2,363,416 - 2020: $85,000 in grants; total expenses $101,744; assets $2,150,636 - 2019: $75,000 in grants; total expenses $92,321; assets $2,140,994

Average annual grantmaking: approximately $73,000. Total expenses above grant amounts reflect program costs for direct service programs like the Turkey Giveaway and MLK Day events. Revenue comes primarily from investment income, with a notable spike in 2021 ($194,941 revenue) likely from capital gains. The foundation is financially stable with assets hovering near $2.1-2.4M over this period. NTEE code T22 (Private Independent Foundations) confirms non-operating status for IRS purposes, though the foundation runs community programs.

The Dunn Foundation operates in the small-to-mid private foundation tier with an emphasis on direct community services, distinguishing it from purely grant-focused peers in its region:

The Dunn Foundation differentiates itself by coupling grantmaking with direct service programs (Turkey Giveaway, MLK Day events) that build community visibility. This hybrid model is more common in urban foundations but relatively distinctive in rural West Virginia. The foundation's media engagement (NBC coverage) shows sophisticated community outreach for its size.

As of 2024, The Dunn Foundation remains active and publicly engaged. Recent highlights: - January 2025: Hosted MLK Day community event (video posted to website January 20, 2025) - November 2023: Annual Turkey Giveaway Drive-Thru provided over 700 families with free turkeys, featured on NBC News - 2023 IRS filing: $63,000 in charitable distributions, assets $2,123,298 - Website last updated January 2026, confirming active operations - Active social media presence embedded in Wix website The foundation's website (www.thedunnfoundation.com) is operational and was last updated in early 2026, indicating active management. The foundation phone number (301-675-3379) and Gmail contact remain accessible. Assets have remained stable around $2.1M, with the minimum payout distribution met each year.

The Dunn Foundation's dual nature as both a grantmaker and direct service provider suggests specific approaches for prospective applicants: 1. Align with community service ethos: The foundation deeply values hands-on community impact. Proposals should emphasize direct community benefit, especially for food security, family support, and underserved populations in Appalachia or the Mid-Atlantic. 2. Contact directly by email or phone: No formal application portal exists. Email TheDunnFoundation@gmail.com or call 301-675-3379 to inquire about current funding priorities and whether unsolicited proposals are accepted. 3. Right-size your ask: With $63,000-$85,000 distributed annually, individual grants likely range from $5,000-$30,000. Proposals at this scale are most appropriate. 4. Community event partnerships: Given the foundation's emphasis on direct service programs, organizations that can collaborate on or support events like the Turkey Giveaway or MLK Day activities may find stronger alignment. 5. Geographic match matters: The foundation serves West Virginia and the broader Mid-Atlantic area (Maryland address). Organizations working in these regions have the strongest fit. 6. Build relationship over time: As a small family foundation, relationship-building with foundation leadership before submitting a formal request is advisable. Community visibility and prior engagement with the foundation's programs helps.