The Ohnell Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Ohnell Family Foundation is a private foundation in Greenwich, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.9 million in 38 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $800,000. 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$1.9 million
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$800,000
- Assets$31.1 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.1 million the year before.
14% 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 | $1.8 million | 42 | $38.6 million |
| 2024 | $2.1 million | 44 | $40.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.9 million | 38 | $31.1 million |
How to apply
The Ohnell Family 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 Ohnell Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 14 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 3 | $815,000 |
| New York | 10 | $519,500 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $160,000 |
| Connecticut | 8 | $151,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $100,000 |
| Florida | 4 | $75,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $75,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $15,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Williamson College of the Trades | Education | $800,000 |
| Manhattan Institute for Policy | Education | $250,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Newburgh | Education | $155,000 |
| Cato Institute | Education | $150,000 |
| Mount Washington Observatory | Education | $75,000 |
| The Small Things | Education | $70,000 |
| Boca Raton Museum of Art | Arts | $50,000 |
| City House | Social | $50,000 |
| University of Austin | Education | $50,000 |
| VMTS Education | Education | $50,000 |
| Caramoor Center | Arts | $25,000 |
| Storm King Art Center | Arts | $25,000 |
| Yankee Institute for Policy | Social | $25,000 |
| Pacific House | Community | $20,000 |
| Coolidge Foundation | Historic reserve | $15,000 |
| Abilis | Education | $10,000 |
| Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation | Medical | $10,000 |
| Individual | Social | $10,000 |
| Greenwich Hospital Foundation | Health | $10,000 |
| Ny NJ Trail Conference | Community | $10,000 |
| Pathways | Community | $10,000 |
| River House Adult Day Care Center | Social | $10,000 |
| Wick Theatre | Arts | $10,000 |
| Achievement First | Education | $5,000 |
| American Institute for Economic Research | Education | $5,000 |
| Cancer Research and Treatment | Medical | $5,000 |
| Federation for American Immigration Reform | Education | $5,000 |
| Foundation for Economic Education | Education | $5,000 |
| Nodcc | Medical | $5,000 |
| Nephcure Kidney International | Medical | $5,000 |
| Perez Art Museum | Art | $5,000 |
| Philanthropy Roundtable | Community | $5,000 |
| Rotary Club of West Point | Community | $5,000 |
| Rye Historical Society | Historical | $2,500 |
| Meals on Wheels Greenwich | Care | $1,000 |
| Neighbor to Neighbor | Community | $1,000 |
| Soul Ryeders | Medical | $1,000 |
| Stayin Alive Charity | Community | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ernst Ohnell
- Patricia Ohnell
Questions people ask
Does The Ohnell Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ohnell Family Foundation give?
$1.9 million in tax year 2025, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Ohnell Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ernst Ohnell (President) and Patricia Ohnell (Secretary).
What does The Ohnell Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and science and research.