Pollyanna Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Pollyanna Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $225,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $62,000. 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$225,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$62,000
- Assets$5.0 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $210,000 the year before.
25% 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 | $195,000 | 1 | $3.9 million |
| 2024 | $210,000 | 15 | $4.5 million |
| 2025 | $225,000 | 16 | $5.0 million |
How to apply
Pollyanna 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 Pollyanna Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Delaware.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 12 | $190,000 |
| Oregon | 2 | $25,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Family Services Delaware | General purposes | $62,000 |
| Jewish Community Center - Delaware | General purposes | $60,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Lane County | General purposes | $22,500 |
| West End Neighborhood House | Track program | $20,000 |
| Hillel of University of Delaware | General purposes | $15,000 |
| Congregation Beth Shalom | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition | General purposes. | $5,000 |
| Jewish Historical Society | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Reading Assist | General purposes. | $5,000 |
| Synagogue of the Summit | General purposes | $5,000 |
| The Lawfare Project | General purposes | $5,000 |
| Kutz Home Auxiliary | Matching campaign | $3,000 |
| ACLU of Delaware | General purposes. | $2,500 |
| Food Bank of Delaware | General purposes. | $2,500 |
| Hillel of University of Oregon | General purposes | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Norman Aerenson
- Phyllis Aerenson
Questions people ask
Does Pollyanna Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Pollyanna Foundation give?
$225,000 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Pollyanna Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Norman Aerenson (Director) and Phyllis Aerenson (Director).
What does Pollyanna Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, community development and education.