The Brett Boyer Foundation concentrates its giving on pediatric congenital heart disease research and clinical care, funding major hospitals and specialized centers to advance treatment options. A secondary, consistent strand of funding supports services for children with developmental disabilities (especially Down syndrome) and family-focused skill-building programs. Grants tend to be mission-focused and directed to medical research centers and a handful of recurring nonprofit partners rather than broad community giving.
The Brett Boyer Foundation Inc concentrates its giving on pediatric congenital heart disease, with repeated support for research that aims to advance treatment options at major children’s hospitals and medical centers. That pattern appears across multiple years and across several institutions, including Luire Children's Hospital in Chicago, Center for Regenerative Medicine in Columbus, and Duke University in Durham. The foundation also backs surgeon-led and hospital-based work, such as the Congenital Heart Surgeons Society and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, indicating a strong preference for clinical and translational settings over broad community grantmaking. A second, consistent line of giving supports children with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities through organizations that focus on awareness and skill-building. Grants to Gigi's Playhouse, Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee, High Hopes Development Center, and Best Buddies International show that this part of the portfolio is not isolated; it recurs alongside the heart-disease work. The grant record is mission-specific and centered on children and families, with most awards directed to specialized nonprofits and medical institutions rather than general-purpose charities.
Congenital heart disease research is the clearest focus in the grant record. In 2025, the foundation gave $200,000 to Luire Children's Hospital and another $200,000 to Center for Regenerative Medicine, each to fund research to advance treatment options for congenital heart disease. It also supported Cincinnati Children's Hospital with $194,000 and Boston Children's Hospital with $139,770 for the same purpose. The foundation also funds surgeon-led collaboration and hospital research networks. Congenital Heart Surgeons Society received $115,000 in 2025, again tied to advancing treatment options for congenital heart disease. Outside cardiology, the foundation supports developmental services and Down syndrome-related inclusion. High Hopes Development Center received $31,000 in 2023 for helping equip children and their families with skills necessary to achieve success, while Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee received $28,500 in 2025 to spread love and awareness for people living with Down syndrome.
$1.2M
$13.3M
$4.8M
$2M
Most grants fall between $21K and $90K, with a median of $31K.
25th Percentile
$21K
Median
$31K
75th Percentile
$90K
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Concentrated, strategy-driven giving: relatively few, sizable grants to leading pediatric hospitals and specialized research centers, plus repeat annual support to a small set of disability-service nonprofits; mix of large institutional research awards (six-figure) and modest programmatic gifts to community organizations.
Notable grantees: Vanderbilt Medical Center University, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation, Gigi's Playhouse, Congenital Heart Surgeons Society
Typical grants cluster around the low tens of thousands, with a p25 of $21,250, a median of $31,000, and a p75 of $89,664. The distribution shows a mix of mid-sized program grants and larger research awards, including several six-figure gifts. The recent record also shows repeat recipients across years, including Vanderbilt Medical Center University, John Hopkins All Childrens Hospital Inc, Gigi's Playhouse, High Hopes Development Center, and Best Buddies International. The foundation is a public charity and does not make grants to individuals. Grants are programmatic rather than investments, and the latest 990 year on file is 2025.
The foundation gives across the United States only, with 28 recent grants all going to U.S. recipients. Tennessee is the top state by grant count, accounting for 33% of grants, although the foundation’s headquarters are in Nashville. Recent awards reach Chicago and Columbus with major research grants, while other recurring recipients are in Baltimore, Durham, Boston, Miami, and Webster Groves. The pattern points to a regional U.S. footprint anchored by Tennessee and extending to major pediatric medical centers in other states.
It funds pediatric hospitals, medical centers, and specialized nonprofits. Recent grants include awards for congenital heart disease research at children’s hospitals and support for organizations serving children with Down syndrome and developmental disabilities, such as Gigi's Playhouse, High Hopes Development Center, and Best Buddies International.
The foundation’s grant sizes cluster in the tens of thousands: p25 is $21,250, median grant size is $31,000, and p75 is $89,664. The recent record also includes larger awards of $200,000 for congenital heart disease research.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including Vanderbilt Medical Center University, John Hopkins All Childrens Hospital Inc, Gigi's Playhouse, High Hopes Development Center, and Best Buddies International. That suggests ongoing relationships rather than one-time awards only.
The grants are all in the United States, and Tennessee is the top state by grant count at 33%. Recent recipients are spread across cities including Nashville, Chicago, Columbus, Baltimore, Durham, Boston, Miami, and Webster Groves.
Its recent grants center on congenital heart disease treatment research, surgeon-led collaborative research, Down syndrome awareness, and skill-building supports for children and families. The largest awards go to medical centers for research, while smaller grants support developmental and family-focused programs.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CENTER FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE | COLUMBUS, OH | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| LUIRE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | CHICAGO, IL | $200,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | CINCINNATI, OH | $194,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| DUKE UNIVERSITY | DURHAM, NC | $190,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | BOSTON, MA | $139,770 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| CONGENITAL HEART SURGEONS SOCIETY | BEVERLY, MA | $115,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| OLLIE HINKLE HEART FOUNDATION | WEBSTER GROVES, MO | $45,000 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE | HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL | $30,000 | 2025 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| JOHN HOPKINS ALL CHILDRENS HOSPITAL INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $28,952 | 2025 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE |
| DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE | MT JULIET, TN | $28,500 | 2025 | TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME |
| HIGH HOPES DEVELOPMENT CENTER | FRANKLIN, TN | $20,000 | 2025 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL | MIAMI, FL | $20,000 | 2025 | TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME |
| CHARLEYKIDS FOUNDATION | COLUMBUS, OH | $7,180 | 2025 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| JOHN HOPKINS ALL CHILDRENS HOSPITAL INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $200,000 | 2024 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| VANDERBILT MEDICAL CENTER UNIVERSITY | NASHVILLE, TN | $100,000 | 2024 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| OLLIE HINKLE HEART FOUNDATION | WEBSTER GROVES, MO | $82,500 | 2024 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| HIGH HOPES DEVELOPMENT CENTER | FRANKLIN, TN | $30,000 | 2024 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE | HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL | $30,000 | 2024 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE | MT JULIET, TN | $17,500 | 2024 | TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME |
| BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL | MIAMI, FL | $9,008 | 2024 | TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME |
| VANDERBILT MEDICAL CENTER UNIVERSITY | NASHVILLE, TN | $199,127 | 2023 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA | PHILADELPHIA, PA | $96,828 | 2023 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| JOHN HOPKINS ALL CHILDRENS HOSPITAL INC | BALTIMORE, MD | $66,416 | 2023 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| DUKE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL | DURHAM, NC | $32,965 | 2023 | TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE |
| HIGH HOPES DEVELOPMENT CENTER | FRANKLIN, TN | $31,000 | 2023 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE | HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL | $25,000 | 2023 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| BELIEVE IN TOMORROW NATIONAL CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION | BALTIMORE, MD | $15,000 | 2023 | TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS |
| RUBY'S RAINBOW | AUSTIN, TX | $10,000 | 2023 | TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME |
CENTER FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
$200,000TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
$194,000TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
CONGENITAL HEART SURGEONS SOCIETY
$115,000TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE
$30,000TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
$28,500TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME
TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME
CHARLEYKIDS FOUNDATION
$7,180TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE
$30,000TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE
$17,500TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME
TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO FUND RESEARCH TO ADVANCE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR CONGENTIAL HEART DISEASE
TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
GIGI'S PLAYHOUSE
$25,000TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
TO HELP EQUIP CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES WITH SKILLS NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS
RUBY'S RAINBOW
$10,000TO SPREAD LOVE AND AWARENESS FOR THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DOWN SYNDROME