The Velaj Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Velaj Foundation is a private foundation in Stamford, Connecticut. In tax year 2025 it gave $256,300 in 11 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $60,000. 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$256,300
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$60,000
- Assets$4.0 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2025 was up from $202,200 the year before.
40% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $213,750 | 19 | $4.0 million |
| 2024 | $202,200 | 11 | $4.0 million |
| 2025 | $256,300 | 11 | $4.0 million |
How to apply
The Velaj 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 Velaj Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Connecticut.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 8 | $189,300 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $15,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stamford Hospital Foundation | Women and babies center | $60,000 |
| Stamford Museum and Nature Center | Astronomy center | $60,000 |
| Education for Employment | Innovation award | $50,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Stamford Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Family Centers Inc | Literacy program | $25,000 |
| Filling in the Blanks | Weekend food | $15,000 |
| Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition | Literacy program | $15,000 |
| Greenwich Scholarship Association | Scholarships | $2,000 |
| Kansas University Endowment Association | Hopkins scholarship | $2,000 |
| Stamford Hospital Foundation | General operating support | $1,200 |
| Impact Fairfield County | General operating support | $1,100 |
Officers and trustees
- Alexander Velaj
- Patricia Wells Velaj
- Grace C Velaj
- Caroline A Velaj
Questions people ask
Does The Velaj Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Velaj Foundation give?
$256,300 in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Velaj Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Alexander Velaj (Director, President), Patricia Wells Velaj (Director, VP, Treasurer, Secretary), Grace C Velaj (Director, Asst Treas, Program Officer) and Caroline A Velaj (Director (Began 04/03/2025)).
What does The Velaj Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and health.