Thelma B And Thomas P Hart Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,273,000 (average)
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Northern Nevada, Northern California, Hawaii

Contact Details

No public website, email, or phone contact available. The foundation operates privately through trustee networks.

Overview

The Thelma B and Thomas P Hart Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in 1998 with approximately $21.9 million in assets. Based in Reno, Nevada, the foundation distributes approximately $1.2-1.3 million annually across 40-50 grants to nonprofit organizations primarily in Northern Nevada, Northern California, and Hawaii. The foundation operates through trustee discretion without a public application process, focusing on education, children's programs, healthcare, and community development. Managed by trustees Craig Karrasch and Mark Knobel, both recognized philanthropists in the Nevada community, the foundation has established strong relationships with regional institutions, particularly the University of Nevada, Reno.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate formal grant programs but makes discretionary grants ranging from:

• Major Capital Grants: $100,000 - $250,000 (infrastructure, building projects, expansions)
• Program Support Grants: $25,000 - $75,000 (specific initiatives and projects)
• General Support Grants: $1,000 - $25,000 (operational and program support)

Priority Areas

• Education (particularly higher education and K-12 programs)
• Children and youth programs
• Service animal programs and training
• Healthcare and health services
• Community-based programs and services
• Athletics and sports facilities
• Arts, culture, and museums
• Food security and basic needs

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, based on grant patterns the foundation does not appear to fund:

• Individual requests
• For-profit organizations
• Political organizations
• Religious activities (though may fund secular programs of faith-based organizations)

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by two trustees:

• Craig Karrasch - Trustee, recognized philanthropist in Northern Nevada
• Mark Knobel - Trustee, Partner at McDonald Carano law firm specializing in Trust & Estates and Tax Law

Both trustees have received the Jake Lawlor Award for their contributions to Nevada philanthropy and are actively involved in the Northern Nevada community. The foundation's grant-making decisions reflect deep local knowledge and established relationships within the region.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their knowledge of community needs and established relationships with nonprofit organizations. Organizations cannot apply directly for funding through an open application process.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the foundation's trustee-driven model and Mark Knobel's role as a partner at McDonald Carano law firm in Reno, organizations may benefit from:

• Building relationships within the Northern Nevada philanthropic community where both trustees are active
• Establishing credibility through partnerships with organizations the foundation already supports (UNR, Nevada Museum of Art, Food Bank of Northern Nevada)
• Demonstrating significant community impact in the foundation's priority areas
• Working with legal and financial advisors in the Reno area who may have connections to the trustees through professional networks

Decision Timeline

Grant decisions appear to be made throughout the year at trustee discretion, with no fixed decision timeline or meeting schedule publicly available.

Success Rates

Not applicable as there is no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable as there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's grant-making patterns, organizations most likely to receive support:

• Have established track records in Northern Nevada, Northern California, or Hawaii
• Demonstrate clear community impact in education, youth services, or healthcare
• Present opportunities for transformational infrastructure or capital improvements
• Show evidence of sustainability beyond the foundation's support
• Maintain strong governance and financial management
• Have connections to other organizations the foundation supports

The foundation shows a pattern of supporting both large institutional projects (university buildings, museum expansions) and grassroots community programs (food banks, youth athletics), suggesting openness to organizations of various sizes with compelling missions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a relationship-based funder with no public application process - connections and introductions are essential
• The foundation makes substantial investments in capital projects ($100K-$250K range) for established institutions
• Strong preference for organizations serving Northern Nevada communities, with some support extending to Northern California and Hawaii
• Educational institutions, particularly University of Nevada, Reno, receive significant and repeated support
• The foundation values both transformational large grants and smaller operational support
• With Mark Knobel's legal expertise in trusts and estates, the foundation likely appreciates well-governed organizations with strong financial management
• Building visibility within the Northern Nevada philanthropic community is crucial for getting on the trustees' radar

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990-PF filings for Thelma B And Thomas P Hart Foundation (EIN: 86-0881550), 2021-2023. Accessed February 27, 2026.
• Instrumentl Foundation Profile - Thelma B And Thomas P Hart Foundation grant-making data and analysis. Accessed February 27, 2026.
• McDonald Carano Law Firm - Mark Knobel attorney profile and practice areas. Accessed February 27, 2026.
• Nevada Community Foundation - Jake Lawlor Award recipients including foundation trustees. Accessed February 27, 2026.