Pentecost Foundation

Annual Giving
$36.2M
Grant Range
$250K - $15.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $36.2 million (2024)
  • Success Rate: N/A - Invitation only
  • Decision Time: N/A - No public application process
  • Grant Range: $250,000 - $15 million (based on known grants)
  • Geographic Focus: National, with strong presence in Florida

Contact Details

  • Phone: 941-981-5444
  • Address: 644 Regatta Way, Bradenton, FL 34208-8438
  • Website: pentecostgroup.com/foundation/
  • Email: Not publicly available
  • Application Process: None - Invitation only/preselected organizations only

Overview

The Pentecost Foundation is a private independent foundation established by Mark and Cindy Pentecost, founders of IT WORKS! Global. With annual giving exceeding $36 million and net assets of approximately $63 million, the foundation focuses on four key areas: cancer research (particularly pediatric cancer and multiple myeloma), anti-human trafficking, mental health and addiction recovery, and disaster relief. Operating since 2012 with 501(c)(3) status, the foundation maintains an exceptionally high charitable disbursement rate of 97.4%, reflecting the founders' philosophy of "Be bold and redefine normal." The foundation operates exclusively through invitation and preselected relationships, making no grants through unsolicited applications. Mark Pentecost's personal battle with cancer has significantly influenced the foundation's strategic focus on cancer research funding.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not maintain formal grant programs with public application processes. All grants are made to preselected organizations through trustee discretion.

Priority Areas

  1. Cancer Research - Particularly pediatric cancer and multiple myeloma research
  2. Anti-Human Trafficking - Prevention, awareness, and victim support
  3. Mental Health & Addiction Recovery - Christ-centered recovery programs
  4. Disaster Relief - U.S.-based disaster response and recovery

What They Don't Fund

As the foundation only funds preselected organizations, they effectively exclude all organizations without existing relationships or trustee connections. No unsolicited requests are considered.

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

  • Mark Pentecost - Trustee/Founder
  • Cindy Pentecost - Trustee/Co-Founder
  • Kindsey Pentecost - Trustee

The Pentecost family maintains full control of grant-making decisions. Mark and Cindy Pentecost built their wealth through founding IT WORKS! Global, a wellness company with $750 million in annual revenues. Mark Pentecost also serves on the board of the America First Policy Institute.

The foundation's philosophy, as stated on their website: "When is enough, enough? Never!" reflects their commitment to bold philanthropy addressing root causes with long-term solutions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Pentecost Foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. All grants are made through invitation only based on existing relationships with the trustees.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on documented giving patterns, organizations have connected with the foundation through:

  • The Dick Vitale Gala - The foundation has been a major supporter, contributing $12 million at the 2024 event
  • Moffitt Cancer Center connections - The foundation has established the Pentecost Family Myeloma Research Center there
  • IT WORKS! Global business network - Through connections to the Pentecosts' business ventures
  • Bradenton/Sarasota area organizations - Local organizations like Bradenton Christian School have received major support
  • Faith-based networks - Organizations like Adult & Teen Challenge USA and Free Chapel suggest faith community connections

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process

Success Rates

Not applicable - invitation only

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates by invitation only, success factors are based on observed patterns in their giving:

  • Personal connection to cancer - Mark Pentecost's cancer survivor status has driven major gifts to cancer research organizations like the V Foundation ($12 million in 2024) and Moffitt Cancer Center ($10 million in 2024/2025)
  • Faith alignment - Many supported organizations have explicit Christian missions (Adult & Teen Challenge USA, Free Chapel, Samaritan's Purse)
  • Demonstrated scale of impact - The foundation makes very large gifts ($10-15 million range) to organizations showing significant reach
  • Geographic proximity - Local Bradenton/Sarasota organizations have received substantial support (Bradenton Christian School received $15 million)
  • Long-term commitment - The foundation maintains multi-year relationships with organizations like NCOSE ($4.9 million since 2017)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This foundation is not accessible through traditional grant applications - only preselected organizations receive funding
  • Annual giving exceeds $36 million with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $15 million
  • Cancer research is the dominant focus, particularly following Mark Pentecost's personal cancer experience
  • Faith-based alignment appears important - many beneficiaries have Christian missions
  • Relationship building through their existing networks (Dick Vitale Gala, Moffitt Cancer Center, local Bradenton organizations) may be the only path to consideration
  • The foundation maintains a 97.4% charitable disbursement rate, demonstrating aggressive grant-making
  • Do not confuse with the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation (different EIN: 35-2178154) which does accept applications

References

  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Pentecost Foundation Form 990-PF filings (2019-2024) - Accessed February 2026
  • Cause IQ - Pentecost Foundation Profile (EIN: 27-1471062) - Accessed February 2026
  • Pentecost Group Official Website - pentecostgroup.com/foundation/ - Accessed February 2026
  • Moffitt Cancer Center Press Release - "$10 Million Gift from Pentecost Family Foundation" - October 2024
  • V Foundation for Cancer Research - Dick Vitale Gala 2024 Results - Accessed February 2026
  • SRQ Magazine - "Bradenton Christian School Receives $15 Million Donation" - 2019
  • Grantmakers.io - Pentecost Foundation Profile - Accessed February 2026
  • National Center on Sexual Exploitation - Major Donor Recognition - Accessed February 2026

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