Studebaker National Foundation
Accepts applications
Studebaker National Foundation is a private foundation in Palm Springs, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $10,500 in 5 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $2,500. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$10,500
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$2,500
- Assets$536,440
- New grantees60%
Giving in 2025 was up from $6,000 the year before.
60% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,500 | 5 | $529,414 |
| 2023 | $18,100 | 5 | $513,345 |
| 2024 | $6,000 | 4 | $604,964 |
| 2025 | $10,500 | 5 | $536,440 |
How to apply
| Contact | James Bell 3951 Wynn Rd, Bellingham, WA 98225 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (360) 738-0103, studenut@comcast.net |
| What to submit | The applicant should be pursuing automotive fields of study, including but not limited to preservation, restoration, auto body, maintenance/repair, design, automotive history, etc. Or pursuing higher education and preserving the studebaker legacy by being actively involved in studebakers as a hobbyist. Scholarship applicants must have obtained at least an equivalent of 2.5 gpa on a 4.0 scale, and must submit copies of all their academic transcripts and a teacher letter of recommendation with their application |
| Deadlines | By may 1 for the fall term and november 1st for the spring term. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Studebaker National Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Kansas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas | 2 | $4,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $2,500 |
| Arizona | 1 | $2,000 |
| Oregon | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Studebaker National Museum | Fund museum internship positions | $2,500 |
| Oregon State Univ FBO Afroeber | Preservation of studebaker heritage | $2,000 |
| McPherson College FBO Caleb Pezold | Presentation of studebaker heritage | $2,000 |
| Universal Tech Instfbo Perri West | Preservation of studebaker heritage | $2,000 |
| Pittsburg State Univ FBO E Weiser | Preservation of studebaker heritage | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Linda Derbidge Deceased March 2026
- Larry Vahe
- Frank Wenzel
- Chris Collins
- Deanna Manley
- Richard Dormois
- Denny Lockmon
- Sid Rosen
- James Bell
- Carl Thomason
- Justin Laird
Questions people ask
Does Studebaker National Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: By may 1 for the fall term and november 1st for the spring term..
How much does Studebaker National Foundation give?
$10,500 in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Studebaker National Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Linda Derbidge Deceased March 2026 (Treasurer), Larry Vahe (Secretary), Frank Wenzel (Director) and Chris Collins (President) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does Studebaker National Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.