Single Step Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Single Step Foundation is a private foundation in Boulder, Colorado. In tax year 2025 it gave $486,520 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $266,710. 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$486,520
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$266,710
- Assets$232,457
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $449,500 the year before.
20% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $102,000 | 7 | $84,323 |
| 2024 | $449,500 | 10 | $162,544 |
| 2025 | $486,520 | 10 | $232,457 |
How to apply
Single Step 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 Single Step Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 2 | $291,710 |
| Wisconsin | 4 | $76,000 |
| Colorado | 3 | $68,810 |
| California | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Foundation | General - no restrictions | $266,710 |
| Aldo Leopold Foundation | General - no restrictionsgeneral - no restrictions | $50,000 |
| The Sierra Club Foundation | General - no restrictions | $50,000 |
| Boulder Library Foundation | General - no restrictions | $33,810 |
| Newberry Library | General - no restrictions | $25,000 |
| Garden to Table | General - no restrictions | $25,000 |
| Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems | General - no restrictions | $20,000 |
| Rocky Mountain PBS | General - no restrictions | $10,000 |
| Savanna Institute | General - no restrictions | $5,000 |
| Driftless Area Land Conservancy | General - no restrictions | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Herbert E Paaren
- Denise Marino
- Jonathan Michael
Questions people ask
Does Single Step Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Single Step Foundation give?
$486,520 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Single Step Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Herbert E Paaren (President & Director), Denise Marino (Treasurer & Director) and Jonathan Michael (Secretary & Director).
What does Single Step Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and environment and conservation.