Hess Justice Fund
Preselected recipients only
Hess Justice Fund is a private foundation in San Diego, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $791,293 in 1 grant; the typical grant was $791,293 and the largest $791,293. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$791,293
- Number of grants1
- Typical grant$791,293
- Largest grant$791,293
- Assets$806,546
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.4 million the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $300,000 | 1 | $2.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 4 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $791,293 | 1 | $806,546 |
How to apply
Hess Justice Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Hess Justice Fund funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 1 | $791,293 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Working America Education Fund | Provide info and a voice for the issues that matter most to the working class | $791,293 |
Officers and trustees
- Lawrence Hess
- Suzanne Hess
- Elliot Hess
- Joanna Hess
- Donald Cohen
- Sandy Newman
Questions people ask
Does Hess Justice Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Hess Justice Fund give?
$791,293 in tax year 2025, across 1 grant, with a typical grant of $791,293.
Who runs Hess Justice Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Lawrence Hess (President/Sec), Suzanne Hess (Treasurer), Elliot Hess (Director) and Joanna Hess (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Hess Justice Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.