The Bluestone Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bluestone Foundation is a private foundation in West Hartford, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $277,500 in 76 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $20,000. 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$277,500
- Number of grants76
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$6.4 million
- New grantees9%
Giving in 2025 was up from $230,700 the year before.
9% 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 | $172,600 | 73 | $4.5 million |
| 2024 | $230,700 | 73 | $5.7 million |
| 2025 | $277,500 | 76 | $6.4 million |
How to apply
The Bluestone 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 Bluestone Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 13 states, the most to Oregon.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | 28 | $105,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 22 | $92,500 |
| Rhode Island | 8 | $37,000 |
| New York | 7 | $17,500 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $6,000 |
| Maine | 1 | $4,500 |
| California | 1 | $3,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $3,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $2,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| KLCC Public Radio Foundation | Current use for charitable purposes | $20,000 |
| Whyy Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $11,000 |
| Horizons at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | Current use for charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Nature Conservancy (Block Island Conservancy) | Current use for charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Food for Lane County | Current use for charitable purposes | $9,000 |
| Philabundance | Current use for charitable purposes | $8,000 |
| Rhode Island Natural History Survey (Rinhs) | Current use for charitable purposes | $8,000 |
| Fish of Roseberg (Friends in Service to Humanity) | Current use for charitable purposes | $7,500 |
| Applegate House Heritage Arts and Education Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $6,000 |
| ACLU Foundation (American Civil Liberties Union Foundation) | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Block Island Health Services Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Chestnut Hill Historic Society (Chestnut Hill Conservancy) | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Covenant House | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund Incorporated | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Project Home | Current use for charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Biodiversity Research Institute | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,500 |
| Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,500 |
| Ucan | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,500 |
| Block Island Conservancy | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Block Island Free Library | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Douglas County Children's Center Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Mercy Life Center Corporation | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Springside Chestnut Hill Academy | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Umpqua Valley Arts Association (Uvaa) | Current use for charitable purposes | $4,000 |
| Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,500 |
| Umpqua Symphany Association | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,500 |
| Umpqua Watersheds | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,500 |
| Block Island Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Bududa America Foundation | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Clovis Botanical Garden Committee Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Eugene Family YMCA (Young Mens Christian Association of Eugene) | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Family Development Center | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Friends of the Wissahickon Inc | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Central Lane | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Jasper Mountain | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Mary D Fund (Block Island Ecumenical Ministries Inc) | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| McKenzie River Trust | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Next Step Recycling | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
| Or Shores Conservation Coalition | Current use for charitable purposes | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Peter Lapham
- Penelope Lapham
Questions people ask
Does The Bluestone Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bluestone Foundation give?
$277,500 in tax year 2025, across 76 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Bluestone Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Peter Lapham (Trustee) and Penelope Lapham (Trustee).
What does The Bluestone Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and education.