Schlessman Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
Schlessman Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Denver, Colorado. In tax year 2024 it gave $6.8 million in 116 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $1.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$6.8 million
- Number of grants116
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$140 million
- New grantees12%
Giving in 2024 was up from $6.2 million the year before.
12% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $5.7 million | 139 | $120 million |
| 2023 | $6.2 million | 112 | $144 million |
| 2024 | $6.8 million | 116 | $140 million |
How to apply
Schlessman Foundation Inc 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Schlessman Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Colorado.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 116 | $6.8 million |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| YMCA of the Rockies | General operations | $1.0 million |
| Fort Lewis College Foundation | General operations | $700,000 |
| Denver Zoological Foundation | General operations | $425,000 |
| Roundup River Ranch | General operations | $320,000 |
| Warren Village | General operations | $320,000 |
| High Line Canal | General operations | $315,000 |
| University of Denver | General operations | $315,000 |
| Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity | General operations | $255,000 |
| We Don't Waste | General operations | $237,500 |
| Craig Hospital | General operations | $225,000 |
| Denver Botanic Gardens | General operations | $215,000 |
| Denver Museum of Nature & Science | General operations | $200,000 |
| Sun Valley Kitchen and Community Center | General operations | $117,500 |
| Women's Bean Project | General operations | $113,750 |
| Casa de Paz | General operations | $110,000 |
| Colorado College | Colorado pledge endowed scholarship | $100,000 |
| Denver Scholarship Foundation | Schlessman family foundation scholarship | $100,000 |
| Scottish Rite | General operations | $40,000 |
| Young American's | Ameritowne & youthbiz | $38,000 |
| Minds Matter Colorado | General operations | $35,000 |
| Metro Caring | General operations | $30,000 |
| Whiz Kids | General operations | $30,000 |
| Adams County Emergency Food Bank | General operations | $25,000 |
| DMNS | General operations | $25,000 |
| Girls Inc of Metropolitan Denver | General operations | $25,000 |
| Grid Alternatives Colorado | General operations | $25,000 |
| Kids First Health Care | General operations | $25,000 |
| Mile High Ministries | General operations | $25,000 |
| Sewall Child Development Center | General operations | $25,000 |
| The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking | General operations | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross | General operations | $22,500 |
| Emily Griffith Foundation | General operations | $22,500 |
| Mountain Resource Center | General operations | $22,500 |
| The Gathering Place | General operations | $21,000 |
| Earthlinks | General operations | $20,000 |
| Food Bank of the Rockies | General operations | $20,000 |
| Kids in Need of Dentistry | Kind oral health centers | $20,000 |
| Lutheran Medical Center Foundation | General operations | $20,000 |
| Mi Casa | General operations | $20,000 |
| National Jewish Health | General operations | $20,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Eric Bennett
- Jennifer Bonicelli
- Gary Schlessman
- Lauren Watel
- Margaret Schlessman Emmerich
- Michael D Fredericks
- Aaron Garnett
- Benjamin Garnett
- Colin Garnett
- Sandra Garnett
- Dolores J Schlessman
- Gloria Price
Questions people ask
Does Schlessman Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Schlessman Foundation Inc give?
$6.8 million in tax year 2024, across 116 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs Schlessman Foundation Inc?
Its 2024 filing lists Eric Bennett (Treasurer), Jennifer Bonicelli (Secretary), Gary Schlessman (Vice President) and Lauren Watel (President) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Schlessman Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and health.