The Wolfe Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Wolfe Foundation is a private foundation in San Mateo, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $28,500 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $2,500. 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$28,500
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$2,500
- Assets$388,460
- New grantees5%
Giving in 2025 was down from $30,000 the year before.
5% 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 | $30,010 | 22 | $368,606 |
| 2024 | $30,000 | 22 | $373,012 |
| 2025 | $28,500 | 21 | $388,460 |
How to apply
The Wolfe Foundation 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 The Wolfe Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 16 | $22,000 |
| New York | 2 | $3,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Impact Inc | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| planned parenthood | unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | unrestricted | $2,500 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom | unrestricted | $2,000 |
| The African Library Project | unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Jewish Vocational Services | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| The Marfan Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Semper Fi Fund | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| University of Illinois Foundation | unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco | unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Reef | unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Hope Services | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Jewish Family and Childrens Services | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Nine Lives Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Jewish Home and Senior Living Fdn | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| California Academy of Sciences | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Meals on Wheels Santa Clara County | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| The Coral Reef Alliance | unrestricted | $500 |
| Mono Lake Committee | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Barbara E Goldstein
- Michael S Goldstein
- Therese M Vandenberg
Questions people ask
Does The Wolfe Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Wolfe Foundation give?
$28,500 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Wolfe Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Barbara E Goldstein (President), Michael S Goldstein (Secretary Treasurer) and Therese M Vandenberg (Director).
What does The Wolfe Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and food and hunger.