The Robert D and Patricia E Kern
The Robert D and Patricia E Kern Family Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1998 by Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern, founders of Generac Power Systems. Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, the foundation is a significant philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting initiatives across the United States with a focus on long-term, systemic impact.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$66.5M
+23.2% YoY
Grant Count
108
-21.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$616K
+56.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to empower the rising generation of Americans to build flourishing lives anchored in strong character, inspired by quality education, driven by an entrepreneurial mindset, and guided by the desire to create value for others.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education
- Religion
- Social & Human Services
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
The foundation maintains a digital platform serving a network of over 6,600 users and convenes faculty development conferences to train participants within its network.
Grantmaking
The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Funding is by invitation only. Inquiries may be directed to info@kffdn.org.
Grant Range
$112,000–$118,000
Average Grant
amount: $450,000
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports organizations nationally across the United States. Primary support concentrates in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Colorado, which account for 14% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 38 states.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $841.8 million
- Total Revenue: $170.2 million–$203.7 million
- Total Expenses: $80.7 million
- Annual Giving: $53.8 million
Historical Growth: Total assets have grown from $564.5 million in 2011 to $837–$841.8 million in 2023–2024.
Giving Rate: Approximately 6.4% of assets
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | — | — |
| Revenue | — | — | — |
| Expenses | — | — | — |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | — | — | — |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- James C. Rahn – Director and President
- Kyle R. Bode – Vice President
The foundation is governed by 10 officers and trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BODE KYLE R | VICE PRESIDENT | 40 | $409,852 |
| GRABER RICHARD | DIRECTOR | 1 | $2,000 |
| HANSON GAIL | DIRECTOR | 1 | $3,000 |
| PETERSON MARCIA | DIRECTOR & CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD | 10 | — |
| PIERSON WARREN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $2,000 |
| RAHN JAMES C | DIRECTOR & PRESIDENT | 40 | $753,419 |
| RAMIREZ AUSTIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $2,000 |
| ROELL STEVEN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $2,000 |
| SENSKE MICHAEL W | CFO & TREASURER | 40 | $467,836 |
| TABAT DAWN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $2,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has made significant investments in education and character development initiatives:
Kern Family Foundation Invests $50 Million to Transform Medical EducationAwarded $10.7 million to Grand Canyon University to advance character education
Kern Family Foundation awards $10.7 million to Grand ... - GCU NewsInvested $50 million to transform medical education and the profession of medicine
Kern Family Foundation Invests $50 Million to Transform Medical EducationProvided grants to Ohio State University's College of Engineering to extend the impact of entrepreneurial-minded learning in engineering education
Kern Family Foundation grant extends impact of entrepreneurial minded learningAwarded $700,000 to Wake Forest University's Department of Engineering and Leadership and Character
Department of Engineering and Leadership and Character Awarded $700k fromSupported PBS Wisconsin's America@250 Community Conversation grant awards program
PBS Wisconsin announces recipients of America@250 Community ...Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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