About Kershaw's Challenge
Kershaw’s Challenge is a faith-based, others-focused organization. We exist to encourage people to use whatever God-given passion or talent they have to make a difference and give back to people in need. We want to empower people to use their spheres of influence to impact communities positively and to expand God’s Kingdom. We believe that God can transform at-risk children and neighborhoods through the benevolence and impact of others.
Focus Areas
children and familieseducationhomelessness servicesfood security / outreachanti-trafficking and survivor servicesmedical/health interventionsinternational development
Who They Fund
orphaned childrenchildren with disabilities (medical needs)survivors of sex trafficking and at-risk childrenrefugee families
About Kershaw's Challenge
Kershaw’s Challenge centers its giving on vulnerable and at-risk children and families, with a partnership model that directs donated funds and resources to selected nonprofit organizations in targeted locations. Its recent grants show a mix of child welfare, anti-trafficking, homelessness support, medical care, and community-based services, alongside work in Zambia, Uganda, and the Dominican Republic. The largest listed awards include $460,000 to Arise Africa for an orphanage in Zambia and $425,000 to Both Ends Believing for work described as ending the global child welfare crisis through technology and collaboration. The pattern points to a funder that combines direct service support with project-based grants rather than broad, unrestricted community philanthropy. Other recurring beneficiaries help show how the foundation works in practice. International Justice Mission received multiple awards for prosecution of sex-trafficking in the Dominican Republic, while Dream Center received support for medical treatment for disabled children. In Dallas, Kershaw’s Challenge also backed For Oak Cliff, Behind Every Door, and Our Calling, linking its broader mission to local neighborhood work as well as international child protection. The foundation describes itself as faith-based and others-focused, and its grant record reflects that orientation through targeted partnerships rather than open-ended grantmaking.
What Kershaw's Challenge Funds
Child welfare is one of the clearest through lines in the grant record. Kershaw’s Challenge gave $425,000 to Both Ends Believing in 2024 and $320,000 in 2025 for ending the global child welfare crisis through technology and collaboration. It also awarded $460,000 in 2023 and $380,000 in 2024 to Arise Africa to support an orphanage in Zambia. The foundation also funds anti-trafficking work. International Justice Mission received $325,000 in 2024, $300,000 in 2023, and $320,000 in 2025 for prosecution of sex-trafficking in the Dominican Republic. New Friends New Life received $150,000 in 2024 for prosecution of sex-trafficking in the United States. In health and basic needs, Dream Center received $315,000 in 2023 and $275,000 in 2025 for medical treatment for disabled children, while Shoes That Fit received $325,000 in 2023 and $100,000 in 2025 for athletic shoes for children in need. The foundation also supported refugee-family services through For the Nations and after-school youth programs through Behind Every Door.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$2.2M
Total Assets
$419K
Total Revenue
$2.8M
Total Expenses
$2.9M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $225K and $380K, with a median of $300K.
25th Percentile
$225K
Median
$300K
75th Percentile
$380K
Geographic Reach
National5 states funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
JIM MELSON
Accepts unsolicited proposals
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