Skip to content
The Psalms Foundation at a glance

· Private foundation

The Psalms Foundation

Its FY2025 filing reports that it funds preselected organizations and did not take unsolicited requests; check the foundation's own site before ruling it out.

$1.8M
Granted FY2025still arriving
17
Grants FY2025still arriving
8
States reached
$200k
Largest
01What it fundsRead
02The needRead
03Its granteesRead
04Its fieldRead
05Through PlinthRead
01What it funds
01100% classified

What it funded, over time

Every grant placed by its stated purpose and the recipient’s mission, by year, FY2017 to 2025.

Health$6.1MReligion$4.7MArts & Culture$3.9MEducation$3.6MRecreation & Sports$3.2MCivil Rights$2.3MPhilanthropy$550kInternational$266kOther$0
02FY2025 · 17 grants

Where the money goes

Grants by size, and the largest recipients.

By grant size · FY2025

  • $10k–50k4 grants · $80k
  • $50k–250k13 grants · $1.7M
$100,000
Median grant
8
States reached
$449k
Total assets

Anchored by a single position: about 98% of reported assets are held in American Financial Group Inc Common Stock.

Largest grants
RecipientAmount
ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM$200,000
FC CINCINNATI FOUNDATION$200,000
UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI FOUNDATION$200,000
ACCELERATE GREAT SCHOOLS$200,000
FIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE$200,000
NEW GENERATIONS$150,000
HOUSE OF HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH$120,000
MISSION EURASIA$100,000
CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE$100,000
ILLUMINATIONS FOUNDATION$52,069
FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL INC$50,000
LEGACY POINTE CHURCH$50,000
CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION$50,000
MISSION EURASIA$25,000
MISSION EURASIA$25,000
02The need
03

Does the money reach high-need areas?

Each grant placed by the hardship in its grantee’s ZIP, against the area’s typical level.

show:

Its human-services grants (FY17–25, $150k) land where the poverty rate runs at 14%, against an area that typically sits at 9%. 100% of those dollars go to grantees based in above-average-need neighborhoods. Most of its grants land in higher-need ZIPs.

area typical 9%FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL INC: $100k → 14%FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL INC: $50k → 14%0%20%40%50%more need →
grant to an above-average-need area below average· circle size = grant amount
How this is measured
Matched: human-services grants are those whose grantee’s IRS cause code is Human Services. Placed by people below the poverty line in the grantee’s ZIP, averaged from the tracts in that ZIP.

Which US states its grants reach

IL
NY
OH
CA
KY
AZ
TN
DC
GA
TX
FL
How this is measured
US grants placed by each grantee’s ZIP, which can differ from where services are delivered. Need from public data (U.S. Census/ACS, CDC PLACES, Eviction Lab, USDA), shown as context about the area, never attributed to the funder’s giving.
03Its grantees
repeat funding

Who it funds again

Organizations funded in more than one year, against those funded once.

95%of every dollar goes to organizations it has funded before.
$22M · 24 repeat orgs$1.1M to everyone else

Grantees it renews have grown median revenue +43% since the first grant, against +25% for those funded once.

24 repeat relationships: 10 still active in FY2025, 14 since wound down; 5 grantees were first funded in FY2025 (too recent to call).

How the two cohorts compare

Re-uppedFunded once

Organizations

24
13

Total granted

$22M
$688k

Median revenue growth · since first grant

+43%
+25%

Still filing today

88%
85%

New vs renewed · share of each year

In FY2025, 78% of grant dollars renewed an existing relationship; $380k went to new ones.

50%100%’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
RenewedFirst-time

Where new relationships form · theme of each grantee’s first grant

’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
ReligionRecreation & SportsPhilanthropyHealthCivil RightsEducationOther
How this is measured
First-time means a grantee’s first year in the filing window; renewed means funded in an earlier year too. The renewed share climbs naturally as a portfolio matures, so the signal is a year that bucks it (a wave of new grantees). The earliest year is left-censored: relationships that predate the data read as new. Theme is the grantee’s IRS cause.

Backed again, and grew

  • TU
    THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI FOUNDATION
    9× · 2017–2025 · $5.3M · revenue +30%
  • JF
    JOHN F KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
    8× · 2017–2024 · $3.4M · revenue +115%
  • CO
    CALL OF LOVE INC
    7× · 2017–2024 · $1.9M · revenue +218% · 81% of their budget

Funded once

  • CI
    CBMC INC
    one grant, 2017 · $188k
  • PT
    PGA TOUR FIRST TEE FOUNDATION INC
    one grant, 2021 · $100k · revenue -51%
  • US
    UNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATIONgraduated
    one grant, 2022 · $80k · revenue +119%
How this is measured

Repeat means funded in two or more distinct years. Growth and survival are read from each grantee’s own subsequent IRS filings.

04Its field

Closest unfunded matches

The nonprofits that most resemble its grantees but are not funded by it, scored along the direction from the rest of the field toward the portfolio. A resemblance in what they say they do, not a recommendation.

1
Christianity Today International

Christianity Today is a global community inspired by evangelical conviction to advance the stories and ideas of the kingdom of God. Our mission is to elevate the storytellers and sages of the global church.

Religion
2
National Christian Foundation -- Wisconsin Inc

Equipping followers of christ to give wisely to advance his kingdom by inspiring biblical stewardship and generosity.

Religion
3
Central Ohio Youth for Christ Inc

Coyfc reaches young people everywhere, working with the local church and other like minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the word of god and prayer, passion for…

Youth Development
4
International Leadership Institute

The international leadership institute (ili) changes history by accelerating the spread of the gospel through training and mobilizing leaders of leaders to reach their nations. ili accomplishes this purpose through cutting edge leadership…

Religion
5
Youth for Christ International Ministries

As part of the body of Christ, to see that every young person in every people group in every nation has the opportunity to make an informed decision to be a follower of Jesus Christ and become a part of the local church.

Religion
6
Dallas International University

As a christian university, we provide education and research opportunities preparing global leaders to partner with local communities.

Education
7
Biglife International Inc

Biglife international inc. empowers believers worldwide to reach and disciple their own people for jesus christ.

Recreation & Sports
8
Jewish Voice Ministries Intl

To proclaim the gospel, grow the messianic jewish community and engage the church concerning israel and the jewish people. this is done through education, evangelism and being a movement leader, all with excellence in order to transform…

—
9
Christian Mission for the United Nations Community

Christian Mission for the United Nations Community is a ministry aimed at leading the head of every nation and other top leaders to faith in Jesus Christ and helping them to walk in dependence upon God as they discharge the…

—
10
One for Israel

One for israel's purposes are to unite u.s. and international churches, ministries and individuals for the proclamation of the gospel in israel, to raise funds for evangelism and gospel proclamation, to provide tangible relief for israel's…

—
11
Greater Austin Christian Foundation

Mobilizing resources by inspiring biblical generosity in the greater austin, texas area.

Religion
12
Evangel University

Evangel is a comprehensive christian university that is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to become spirit empowered servants of god who will impact the church and society globally.

Education
How this is measured
The grantee most central to the portfolio’s shape is Center for Christian Virtue; the most unlike its peers is Life Forward Pregnancy Care of Cincinnati Inc. Resemblance is measured on each organization’s own IRS 990 mission text; it reflects how work is described, not its quality or impact.
04the grantee network

35 grantees tracked through their own filings, 2017–2025.

Each grant beside the grantee’s revenue from every source, year by year.

How this is measured

Counted here: distinct organizations funded across 2017 to 2025, not grant rows in a single year, so this will not match the grant count on the cover. 35 of the 43 grantees resolved in that span have returns of their own we could reconcile.

Each grantee is resolved to its own IRS returns. Association, dated; never a causal claim.

2
Load-bearing (≥25% of a budget)
9
Early backer (in before they grew)
35/35
Grantees still filing
25/35
Grew since first funded

Where the money sits, by cause and then by grantee

THE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $5,332,733 · PhilanthropyTHE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI F…ILLUMINATIONS FOUNDATION INC: $802,157 · PhilanthropyILLUMINATIONS FOUNDATION INCUnited Way of Greater Cincinnati: $500,073 · PhilanthropyUnited Way of Greater Cincinna…+1 more: $50,000 · PhilanthropyACCELERATE GREAT SCHOOLS: $1,000,111 · OtherACCELERATE GREAT SCH…HORIZON COMMUNITY CHURCH: $640,000 · OtherHORIZON COMMUNITY CH…CAMPUS CRUSADE FOR CHRIST: $520,073 · OtherCAMPUS CRUSADE FOR C…OCEAN REEF CHAPEL FOUNDATION INC: $400,032 · OtherOCEAN REEF CHAPEL FO…Life Issues Institute Inc: $300,000 · OtherLife Issues Institut…The Greater Cincinnati Film Commission: $225,086 · OtherALLIANCE FOR DEFENDING FREEDOM: $200,109 · OtherCBMC INC: $188,063 · OtherThe Christ Hospital Foundation: $400,155 · OtherThe Christ Hospital …SUSTAINABLE MEDICAL MISSIONS INC: $216,000 · Other+9 more: $455,000 · Other+9 moreJOHN F KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: $3,400,309 · Arts & CultureJOHN F KENNEDY …+1 more: $50,000 · Arts & CultureWORLD SPORTS INC: $1,190,109 · Recreation & SportsWORLD SPORTS…FC CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $1,085,042 · Recreation & SportsFC CINCINNAT…WORLD GOLF FOUNDATION INC: $300,152 · Recreation & SportsWORLD GOLF F…PGA TOUR FIRST TEE FOUNDATION INC: $100,018 · Recreation & Sports+1 more: $80,000 · Recreation & SportsCALL OF LOVE INC: $1,880,147 · ReligionCALL OF LOV…MISSION EURASIA: $370,000 · ReligionMISSION EUR…NEW GENERATIONS: $150,000 · ReligionNEW GENERAT…The Prayer Covenant Inc: $100,095 · Religion+2 more: $75,000 · ReligionTHE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $1,500,073 · EducationTHE TRUSTEE…Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy: $962,984 · EducationCincinnati …+2 more: $70,057 · EducationFIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE: $950,152 · Civil RightsFIRST LIB…ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM: $750,043 · Civil RightsALLIANCE …CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: $350,109 · Civil RightsCENTER FO…
Philanthropy$6,684,963Other$4,544,629Arts & Culture$3,450,309Recreation & Sports$2,755,321Religion$2,575,242Education$2,533,114Civil Rights$2,050,304

Each grantee by its size and the funder’s share of it; top left is load-bearing

25%50%75%100%$1.0M$10M$100Mgrantee revenue →↑ funder's share of their budgetTHE UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $5,332,733 over 9y, 1.7% of budgetJOHN F KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: $3,400,309 over 8y, 0.8% of budgetCALL OF LOVE INC: $1,880,147 over 7y, 81% of budgetTHE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK: $1,500,073 over 2y, 0.0% of budgetWORLD SPORTS INC: $1,190,109 over 4y, 18% of budgetFC CINCINNATI FOUNDATION: $1,085,042 over 7y, 13% of budgetACCELERATE GREAT SCHOOLS: $1,000,111 over 5y, 43% of budgetCincinnati Hills Christian Academy: $962,984 over 4y, 2.0% of budgetFIRST LIBERTY INSTITUTE: $950,152 over 6y, 1.1% of budgetILLUMINATIONS FOUNDATION INC: $802,157 over 4y, 0.7% of budgetALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM: $750,043 over 4y, 0.3% of budgetUnited Way of Greater Cincinnati: $500,073 over 5y, 0.2% of budgetThe Christ Hospital Foundation: $400,155 over 2y, 2.1% of budgetOCEAN REEF CHAPEL FOUNDATION INC: $400,032 over 4y, 11% of budgetMISSION EURASIA: $370,000 over 3y, 2.2% of budgetCENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE: $350,109 over 5y, 12% of budgetWORLD GOLF FOUNDATION INC: $300,152 over 3y, 0.3% of budgetLife Issues Institute Inc: $300,000 over 3y, 21% of budgetThe Greater Cincinnati Film Commission: $225,086 over 6y, 17% of budgetSUSTAINABLE MEDICAL MISSIONS INC: $216,000 over 4y, 13% of budgetFAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL: $150,000 over 2y, 0.6% of budgetThe Prayer Covenant Inc: $100,095 over 2y, 13% of budgetPGA TOUR FIRST TEE FOUNDATION INC: $100,018 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetUNITED STATES SOCCER FEDERATION: $80,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetMIAMI VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY: $50,057 over 1y, 1.0% of budgetBack 2 Back Ministries Inc: $50,000 over 1y, 0.5% of budgetTIM TEBOW FOUNDATION INC: $50,000 over 1y, 0.7% of budgetCINCINNATI MUSEUM ASSOCIATION: $50,000 over 1y, 0.2% of budgetNEW LIFE MINISTRIES: $25,000 over 1y, 0.3% of budgetCINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL: $20,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budgetOHIO CANCER RESEARCH ASSOCIATES: $10,000 over 1y, 1.5% of budgetLIFE FORWARD PREGNANCY CARE OF CINCINNATI INC: $10,000 over 1y, 1.4% of budgetTURNING POINT USA INC: $10,000 over 1y, 0.0% of budgetInternational Rett Syndrome Foundation: $5,000 over 1y, 0.1% of budget
Grantee by grantee: a decade per organization, before and after funding

A decade per grantee: revenue shaded, grants as bars, all rows on one timeline.

Co-funders

Grantmakers whose grantees overlap with this funder’s far more than size alone predicts. Closer means stronger alignment; arcs show where they also fund each other. Here they form a tightly interlocked group: most of these funders back each other's grantees too.

The Greater Cincinnat…Johnson Charitable Gi…The Carl H and Edyth …Serving Your Purpose …Robert H & Susan F Ca…Servant FoundationFarmer Family Foundat…The Frances and Craig…Chattanooga Christian…Ge Aerospace Foundati…American Endowment Fo…Juniper Tree Foundati…
The Greater Cincinnati FoundationOH31× affinity14 shared granteesties to 11 of 11Hover any node to trace its alignments.Compare side by side →

Open a dossier: The Greater Cincinnati Foundation · Johnson Charitable Gift Fund · The Carl H and Edyth B Lindner Foundation · Serving Your Purpose Inc · Robert H & Susan F Castellini Foundation · Servant Foundation · Farmer Family Foundation · The Frances and Craig Lindner Foundation · Chattanooga Christian Community Foundation · Ge Aerospace Foundation · American Endowment Foundation · Juniper Tree Foundation Fka Morelock Family Foundation

How this is measured
Affinity is a Gamma-Poisson posterior co-funding rate, re-centered on the typical rate, so thin evidence shrinks toward no signal. Overlap is association, not proof of shared intent.

How much its grantees rely on government

Each dot is one organization The Psalms Foundation funds: left to right is the share of its income from government, bottom to top the share from The Psalms Foundation. Bigger dots raise more.

2024
’20’21’22’23’24’25
no gov · 40%6%25%56%100%funder's share of their income ↑0%5%10%15%20%share of the org’s income from government →
    no gov moneyreceives it· size = income
    4get no government money at all
    4report government grants on their 990 we could not trace to a source (not plotted)
    0rely on government for over half their income
    ⤢ axis zoomed · 0–20%
    typical government reliance, FY20–25
    How this is measured
    Government income is each org’s traced federal awards (USASpending grants and contracts) plus state payments (open checkbooks) as a share of its total revenue (IRS Form 990); the self-reported government-grant line (990 line 1e) is carried for cross-check: a grantee that reports government grants we could not trace to a source is left off the chart rather than shown as receiving none. An association, not a claim that a grant caused the public funding. Coverage is precision-first, a floor rather than a census; state records exist for 9 states, so a grantee outside them shows no state figure (dimmed) rather than a false zero. Federal award amounts are obligations, which can span years, so a single-year share is indicative. 990 filings lag 12 to 24 months.
    05Through Plinth

    Warm introductions · Powered by PlinthPlus

    How do I get to The Psalms Foundation?

    Find your warmest path to The Psalms Foundation through trustees and officers whose names appear on both boards. Search for your organization and Plinth traces the shortest route it can evidence.

    Each link is a name appearing on two organizations’ public IRS 990 filings, matched on that name and, where the filings support it, on location. A same-state match has geographic support, which is a second matching feature rather than confirmation that the two are one person; a cross-state one is the likeliest to be two people who share a name. Every hop shows its tier, low-confidence and distant paths are held back rather than guessed, and it is worth confirming the person before you use the introduction.

    On method. Every financial figure here is read from IRS e-file XML, the funder’s own 990/990-PF, and from the multi-year returns of the 43 grantees we resolved, each linked to its source. Grantee outcomes are each organization’s own program-service reporting (Form 990, Part III), read as association with funding, never as caused by it. Low-confidence name matches are suppressed rather than guessed. How we build these →

    How this is measured
    Each figure carries one of six labels. Filed is what the funder reported on its return. Official is another government record about an organization, such as a federal award or a charity register, joined by name where no shared identifier exists. Resolved is an identity we worked out where the filing named a recipient without an EIN, kept only above a measured confidence threshold. Computed is arithmetic over those, like themes, portfolio clusters and co-funder strength. Context is a statistic about a place rather than about an organization, which is what the need overlay is: it describes the area a grantee’s address sits in, not where its work lands. Inferred is drawn by a model from text, like the partnerships read out of public news and organization websites. Each is labeled where it appears.

    Generated from the IRS Form 990-PF e-file return for fiscal year 2025, released 2025. Filings run roughly 12 to 24 months behind; figures are dated accordingly.

    Source object · view filing

    Play a game based on Psalms’ filings →

    More from the funding graph

    The unnamed billions
    grants reported with no recipient in the public record
    The regranting layer
    51% of grant dollars land in the regranting layer
    The DAF merry-go-round
    $9.7B circulates between donor-advised funds
    The endowment market
    who holds foundation money, and what just moved
    The camps
    funders cluster by geography, not ideology
    By state
    where grant money is based, and what stays home