Koch Foundation Inc - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• EIN: 35-6023372
• Annual Giving: $2.8 million (2024)
• Grant Range: $50 - $600,000 (most common: $1,000)
• Average Grant: $13,000-$20,843
• Total Assets: $42.4 million
• Geographic Focus: Primarily Evansville, Indiana and southwestern Indiana region
• Founded: 1945

Contact Details

Address: 14 South 11th Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712

Phone: (812) 465-9800

Website: https://www.kochenterprises.com/koch-foundation

Online Contact Form: https://www.kochenterprises.com/contact-us

Application Deadline: May 1 annually

Overview

The Koch Foundation Inc. was established in 1945 in Evansville, Indiana, as the philanthropic arm of Koch Enterprises, a diversified, privately owned holding company that began as the George Koch Son Tin Shop in 1873. The foundation describes itself as "one of southwestern Indiana's leading philanthropies" with total assets exceeding $42 million and annual grant distributions of approximately $2.8 million.

The foundation's mission is to "support community efforts to improve quality of life and place for our Team Members to live, grow and raise their families." The foundation gives special priority to organizations where Koch Enterprises employees are actively involved. Notable landmark gifts include $2.5 million to Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville in 2018 (the largest gift in the foundation's history) and $1.5 million to University of Evansville in 2021.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Educational Opportunities

• Grant Range: $50 - $600,000
• Focus: Early childhood development through higher education
• Goal: "Raising the bar on education"
• Supports teachers, administrators, technology, and school design
• Represents 65% of total giving

Humanities in Place

• Focus: "Actively building community"
• Priority areas: Mental health initiatives and underrepresented stories
• Emphasis on nuclear family and community connections
• Represents approximately 15% of giving

Arts, Nature and Science

• Focus: Cultural enrichment and community connection
• Goal: Ensure equitable access to cultural experiences
• Represents approximately 8% of giving

Additional Programs:

• Matching Gift Program: Up to $20,000 per employee/retiree per calendar year
• United Way Matching: 110% match for United Way contributions
• Scholarship Programs for children of Koch employees

Priority Areas

• Education (65% of giving)
• Social & Human Services (15% of giving)
• Arts, Nature & Science (8% of giving)
• Religion (8% of giving)
• Health and Civic Affairs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation's focus suggests lower priority for:

• Organizations outside southwestern Indiana with no local connection
• Organizations without Koch employee involvement
• Projects not aligned with their three core commitments

Governance and Leadership

Officers (all positions are uncompensated):

Robert L. Koch II - President and Director

• Chairman of Koch Enterprises Inc.
• University of Evansville Board of Trustees member
• Quote: "Supporting a distinguished institution to produce world-class health care professionals in our area is important to our team members living and raising families in the tri-state community."

Kevin R. Koch - Vice President

• President and CEO of Koch Enterprises Inc.
• Fifth-generation family member of Koch Enterprises
• Serves on boards of Deaconess Health Systems and Evansville Regional Business Committee

James H. Muehlbauer - Vice President

• Vice Chairman at Koch Enterprises

Susan E. Parsons - Treasurer

• Chief Financial Officer & Consultant at Koch Enterprises

Jennifer K. Slade - Secretary

• Director of Marketing at Koch Enterprises

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Submit a written letter of request containing:

• Brief description of the project
• Total project cost
• Project location
• Contact information of the applying organization
• Copy of 501(c)(3) certification
• Description of how the project will benefit the community
• Level of Koch Enterprises employee involvement (particularly important)

Submission Methods:

• Mail to: Koch Foundation Inc., 14 South 11th Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712
• Phone inquiries: (812) 465-9800
• Online contact form: https://www.kochenterprises.com/contact-us

Decision Timeline

• Application Deadline: May 1 annually
• Decision Timeframe: Not publicly disclosed (likely 3-6 months)

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. Foundation distributes approximately $2.8 million annually across an estimated 200-500 grants.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy documented. Contact foundation directly for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Koch Employee Involvement is Crucial: The foundation explicitly states "special emphasis is directed toward organizations with which employees of Koch Enterprises are involved." Clearly identify any Koch employees who volunteer or participate in your programs.

Align with Core Commitments: Use the foundation's language and demonstrate how your project advances Educational Opportunities, Humanities in Place, or Arts/Nature/Science commitments.

Demonstrate Community Impact: Articulate clear community benefit and show how the project improves quality of life in Evansville/southwestern Indiana.

Geographic Focus Matters: Local organizations have significant advantage. If outside the immediate area, demonstrate clear connection to the region.

Educational Institutions Have Strong Track Record: With 65% of giving directed to education, educational organizations have the highest success rate. Past recipients include University of Evansville, Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville, and numerous local schools.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Koch Employee Involvement is Non-Negotiable: Identify and cultivate relationships with Koch team members before applying
• Education Projects Have Strongest Track Record: 65% of funding goes to education
• Use the Foundation's Language: Mirror their three core commitments in your application
• Geographic Focus is Real: This is a community foundation for southwestern Indiana
• Mental Health and Underrepresented Stories are Emerging Priorities: New focus areas under "Humanities in Place"
• Both Large and Small Grants Available: Ranges from $50 to $600,000
• May 1 Deadline is Firm: Plan application timeline accordingly

References

1. Koch Enterprises - Koch Foundation Page: https://www.kochenterprises.com/koch-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
2. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Koch Foundation Inc Form 990 filings (Accessed February 2026)
3. Cause IQ - Koch Foundation Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/koch-foundation,356023372/ (Accessed February 2026)
4. Inside Philanthropy - Koch Foundation: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/indiana-grants/koch-foundation (Accessed February 2026)
5. Indiana University School of Medicine - Major Gift Announcement (2018)
6. Candid Foundation Directory - Koch Foundation Inc Profile (Accessed February 2026)