The Bess Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bess Family Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $21,000 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $1,500. 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$21,000
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$1,500
- Assets$630,296
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was up from $20,975 the year before.
0% 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 | $21,500 | 21 | $543,394 |
| 2024 | $20,975 | 20 | $591,501 |
| 2025 | $21,000 | 20 | $630,296 |
How to apply
The Bess 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 Bess Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 12 | $12,500 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $3,000 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $2,000 |
| Oklahoma | 1 | $1,500 |
| New York | 1 | $1,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Feed the Children Inc | To Support Feeding Hungry Children In The US | $1,500 |
| Feeding South Florida Inc | School Pantry Program | $1,500 |
| Palm Beach County Food Bank Inc | School Pantry Program | $1,500 |
| American National Red Cross | To Feed Families in Disaster Areas | $1,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Inc | Gift To Support STEM Programs | $1,000 |
| Caridad Center Inc | The Medical Center | $1,000 |
| Center for Creative Education | The Foundations School (K-5) | $1,000 |
| Community Food Bank of New Jersey Inc | To Feed Hungry Families | $1,000 |
| Ferd and Gladys Alpert Jewish Family & Childrens S | JFS At Home Services | $1,000 |
| Foundcare Inc | Medical Care For Underserved Children | $1,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County Inc | To Support Feeding Seniors | $1,000 |
| Jupiter Medical Center Inc | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Newark School of the Arts Inc | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | Women's Health Programs | $1,000 |
| St Jude Childrens Research Hospital Inc | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| The New York and Presbyterian Hospital | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| United Negro College Fund Inc | General & Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| United Way of Palm Beach County Inc | To Support Feeding Hungry Families | $1,000 |
| Urban League of Palm Beach County Inc | STEAM Services | $1,000 |
| Palm Beach County Food Bank Inc | For Feeding Hungry Families | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Joan Bess
- John Bess
Questions people ask
Does The Bess Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bess Family Foundation give?
$21,000 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Bess Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joan Bess (VP, Dir) and John Bess (Pres, Dir, Sec, Treas).
What does The Bess Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, education and health.