Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation is a private foundation in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.5 million in 109 grants; the typical grant was $7,000 and the largest $377,337. 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$2.5 million
- Number of grants109
- Typical grant$7,000
- Largest grant$377,337
- Assets$48.0 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.5 million the year before.
35% 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 | $2.4 million | 97 | $48.2 million |
| 2024 | $2.5 million | 104 | $53.9 million |
| 2025 | $2.5 million | 109 | $48.0 million |
How to apply
Ernest and Joan Trefz 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 Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 102 | $2.3 million |
| New York | 6 | $171,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $68,900 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bridgeport | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $377,337 |
| Norwalk Hospital Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $250,000 |
| St Vincent's Medical Center Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $190,727 |
| Ronald McDonald House Greater Hudson Valley | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $150,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities of CT & Western MA | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $150,000 |
| Bridgeport Hospital Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $100,000 |
| Kids & Clays Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $68,900 |
| CT Beardsley Zoo | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| Danbury Hospital Development Fund | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| Housatonic Community College Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| Make A Wish Foundation | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| Sacred Heart University Scholarship Fund | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| United Way of Coastal & Western CT | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $50,000 |
| Trumbull Congregational Church | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $40,000 |
| Fairfield University | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $35,000 |
| St Joseph High School | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $34,350 |
| American Cancer Society New England Div | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| American Red Cross | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Americares | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Caroline House | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Connecticut Central Coast YMCA | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Trumbull Veterans & First Responders Center | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $25,000 |
| Bridgeport Rescue Mission | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $20,000 |
| Cardinal Shehan Center | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $20,000 |
| Greater Bridgeport Symphony | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $20,000 |
| Horizons at Sacred Heart University | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $20,000 |
| Wakeman Boys & Girls Club | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $20,000 |
| St Vincent's Medical Foundation Golf Tournament | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,340 |
| Barnum Festival | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Center For Family Justice | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Children's Community School | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Kolbe Cathedral High School Scholarship Fund | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Lifebridge Community Services | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| LivLife LivFun LivFree | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Stepping Stones Museum for Children | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Sterling House Community Center | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $15,000 |
| Alpha Community Services YMCA | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Village | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $10,000 |
| Children's Educational Opportunity Foundation of CT Inc | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Christian C Trefz
- Paul D Trefz
- Linda M Trefz
Questions people ask
Does Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation give?
$2.5 million in tax year 2025, across 109 grants, with a typical grant of $7,000.
Who runs Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Christian C Trefz (Trustee), Paul D Trefz (Trustee) and Linda M Trefz (Trustee).
What does Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, education and youth programs.