The James Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $11,458,872 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $500 - $3,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Northeast Indiana (primary), with support for select national organizations
• Total Assets: $17,335,518
• Awards Made: 448 grants in 2023

Contact Details

Address: 112 South Cedar Street, P.O. Box 606, Auburn, Indiana 46706

Phone: (260) 333-7500

Website: www.thejamesfoundation.org

Executive Director: Kendra R. Klink
Email: kklink@thejamesfoundation.org
Phone: (260) 333-0068

Overview

The James Foundation Inc was established in 2011 by Rick L. and Vicki L. James, formalizing decades of personal philanthropy by the couple. Since its inception, the foundation has supported over 180 organizations with grants exceeding $100 million. The foundation operates with assets of $17,335,518 and distributed $11,458,872 across 448 grants in 2023. Built on three pillars—faith, community, and education—the foundation focuses on creating equity through education and quality of life improvements in northeast Indiana. In 2019, Rick and Vicki James received a Lifetime Achievement award at the 37th annual Indiana Philanthropy Awards for their philanthropic leadership throughout northeast Indiana. The foundation's strategic approach emphasizes supporting innovative ideas that strengthen families and communities through enhanced educational and cultural opportunities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Standard Grant Program: $500 - $3,000,000
The foundation's primary grant program supports organizations aligned with their three pillars of faith, community, and education. Applications are accepted through a preliminary grant application available on their website.

Grant-A-Day Program: $1,000
In 2023, the foundation awarded 365 grants of $1,000 each, announcing one winner daily on social media. This program demonstrated the foundation's commitment to supporting a broad range of community organizations.

Scholarship Program: Various amounts
The foundation offers scholarships supporting education from early childhood through higher education.

Priority Areas

Education (Primary Focus)

• Early childhood development programs
• K-12 educational initiatives
• Higher education institutions
• Scholarship programs
• Educational access and equity initiatives
• Support for innovative educational endeavors

Human Services

• Support for children and youth
• Programs serving economically disadvantaged individuals
• Community development initiatives
• Organizations serving adults in need

Philanthropy and Grantmaking

• Capacity building for nonprofits
• Support for fundraising education (e.g., co-funding The Fund Raising School courses)

Faith-Based Initiatives

• Christian organizations
• Religious institutions aligned with the foundation's values

Community Development

• Cultural enrichment programs
• Arts initiatives
• Historic preservation
• Community revitalization projects

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that discriminate in policy or practice based on age, race, national origin, ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, or disability
• Sponsorships for activities, events, or programs
• Organizations not recognized by the IRS as Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities
• Organizations based outside the United States

Governance and Leadership

Officers

Vicki L. James - President
Co-founder of The James Foundation with her husband Rick. Together they have championed education as the greatest equity maker and have emphasized that "it's not what you give, it's what you get back from giving."

Rick L. James - Chairman
Founder and CEO of Metal Technologies, Inc., North America's largest privately held metal casting company. A 1977 honors graduate of Trine University, Rick serves as Chair of Trine's Board of Trustees. He began his career working as a laborer at Auburn Foundry while attending college and eventually became its CEO before founding Metal Technologies in 1997, growing it to $500 million in sales with 1,700 employees. Rick has stated: "Education is one piece of a foundation you need to be successful in life."

Stephanie A. Foote - Vice President

Kendra R. Klink - Executive Director
Primary contact for grant applicants, overseeing the foundation's day-to-day operations and grant review process.

Board Members

• Matthew (Matt) - Family member serving on the board
• Jessica - Family member serving on The James Foundation Board of Directors

Foundation Philosophy

Rick and Vicki James have articulated their philanthropic mission clearly: "God knew we would use our means not selfishly but to give back to our church, our community, to other people. God's commission for us is to give back." They believe that "education and access to high quality educational opportunities from cradle to grave is the greatest equity maker" and that "by serving as civic stewards, quality of life will be enriched acting as a catalyst to undertakings that strengthen both families and community."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The James Foundation accepts applications through a preliminary grant application process available on their website at www.thejamesfoundation.org. Organizations can download and complete the preliminary grant application form.

Eligibility: Organizations must be recognized by the IRS as Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations based in the United States.

Application Method: Preliminary application available through the foundation's website

Geographic Scope: While the foundation's primary geographical focus is Northeast Indiana (particularly DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, and Allen Counties), the foundation does support select national organizations that are effective in impacting the foundation's goals.

Note: The foundation's application status varies. They have been known to close applications periodically. When applications are closed, the foundation remains available to answer questions about the grant process.

Contact for Questions: Direct questions about the grant process to Kendra Klink at kklink@thejamesfoundation.org or (260) 333-0068.

Decision Timeline

The foundation has not publicly disclosed specific timelines for grant decisions. Decision timeframes may vary based on the size and complexity of the requested grant.

Success Rates

With 448 grants awarded in 2023 totaling $11,458,872, the foundation demonstrates significant grant-making activity. However, specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

While the foundation acknowledges that they "must decline numerous worthy proposals each year because they do not fit in the Foundation's grant giving focus or mission," they emphasize this "is not a reflection on the merit of the proposal and project." The foundation will do its best to help recommend suitable funding alternatives for declined applications. Specific reapplication waiting periods or restrictions are not publicly documented.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with the Three Pillars: Applications that clearly connect to faith, community, and education are more likely to succeed. The foundation states they must decline worthy proposals that don't fit their grant-giving focus or mission.

Educational Focus: Given the founders' strong emphasis on education as "the greatest equity maker," proposals that demonstrate innovative approaches to education from "cradle to grave" are particularly compelling. Rick James has emphasized: "Education is one piece of a foundation you need to be successful in life."

Northeast Indiana Connection: While national organizations are considered, the foundation's primary geographical focus is Northeast Indiana. Organizations serving DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, and Allen Counties should emphasize their local impact.

Community Impact: The foundation seeks to serve as "a catalyst to undertakings that strengthen both families and community." Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project will enhance social platforms and provide educational and cultural opportunities that empower citizens to initiate positive change.

Early Childhood Development: The founders "believe that support for education and early childhood development can have great impact in helping persons to reach their full potential." Projects focusing on early childhood education should emphasize long-term developmental outcomes.

Track Record and Innovation: The foundation is "working hard to learn, grow, and fund innovative ideas and endeavors." Applications should balance proven effectiveness with innovative approaches.

Examples of Funded Projects: The foundation has supported diverse organizations including:

• Trine University Fort Wayne ($5 million pledge)
• Trine engineering building expansion ($1.5 million)
• Fort Wayne Children's Zoo
• Community Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Indiana
• Four:10 Ministries (supporting women experiencing sexual exploitation)
• Smith Academy for Excellence
• DeKalb Central School District Early Childhood Program
• DeKalb High School scholarships
• DeKalb YMCA
• Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana
• Women's Care Center pregnancy center

501(c)(3) Requirement: The foundation "primarily makes grants to charitable organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as being Section 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations based in the United States." Ensure your organization meets this requirement.

Non-Discrimination Policy: Organizations that discriminate in policy or practice will not be considered. Applications should affirm the organization's commitment to serving all populations equitably.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Education is paramount: Frame your proposal around educational access, quality, and innovation. The foundation believes education is "the greatest equity maker" and supports learning opportunities "from cradle to grave."

• Geographic priority matters: While national organizations are occasionally funded, Northeast Indiana organizations—particularly those serving DeKalb, Noble, Steuben, and Allen Counties—receive primary consideration. Local organizations should leverage their community connections.

• Demonstrate transformative impact: The foundation seeks to fund "innovative ideas and endeavors" that serve as catalysts for strengthening families and communities. Show how your project will create lasting, systemic change.

• Align with the three pillars: Explicitly connect your proposal to faith, community, and education. The strongest applications integrate multiple pillars.

• Wide grant range offers flexibility: With grants ranging from $500 to $3,000,000, organizations of various sizes can apply. The Grant-A-Day program ($1,000 grants) shows openness to supporting smaller organizations.

• Follow-up is welcomed: The foundation is "available to answer your questions or concerns about applying for a grant." Don't hesitate to contact Executive Director Kendra Klink (kklink@thejamesfoundation.org) with questions.

• Past funding doesn't preclude future support: The foundation welcomes applications from organizations that have received grants previously as well as first-time applicants.

References

• The James Foundation official website: https://thejamesfoundation.org/ (accessed February 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - James Foundation Inc (EIN: 45-2195649): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/452195649 (accessed February 2026)
• Cause IQ Profile - The James Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-james-foundation,452195649/ (accessed February 2026)
• Instrumentl 990 Report - James Foundation Inc: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/james-foundation-inc (accessed February 2026)
• Trine University News: "Rick and Vicki James to be honored at 37th Annual Indiana Philanthropy Awards" (2019): https://www.trine.edu/news/2019/rick_vicki_james_afp.aspx (accessed February 2026)
• Trine University News: "James Foundation pledges $5 million to Trine Fort Wayne" (2022): https://www.trine.edu/news/2022/james-trine-fort-wayne.aspx (accessed February 2026)
• KPC News: "The James Foundation offering a grant a day in 2023": https://www.kpcnews.com/thestar/article_8c2cff1c-1ae0-51d2-8138-a5dbab47d955.html (accessed February 2026)
• United Theological Seminary: "Donor Spotlight: Rick and Vicki James": https://united.edu/donor-spotlight-james/ (accessed February 2026)
• Business People Magazine: "Gift Giving": https://businesspeople.com/Post/2910/gift-giving (accessed February 2026)