The Schmetterling Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Schmetterling Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.3 million in 23 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $750,000. 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$2.3 million
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$750,000
- Assets$53.0 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.2 million 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 | $1.4 million | 41 | $41.4 million |
| 2024 | $2.2 million | 41 | $48.8 million |
| 2025 | $2.3 million | 23 | $53.0 million |
How to apply
The Schmetterling 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 Schmetterling Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 2 | $775,000 |
| Indiana | 10 | $735,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $500,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $200,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $55,000 |
| Michigan | 5 | $50,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Young Mens Christian Association | Four Points YMCA Tomorrow Academy | $750,000 |
| Calumet College | Capital campaign | $500,000 |
| Childrens Hospital Medical Center | for the outdoor space | $500,000 |
| Make-A-Wish Foundation of America | The Olivia Colleen Starblazer Award | $200,000 |
| Chicago Zoological Society | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Indianapolis Zoological Society Inc | Entrance enhancement project | $50,000 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | General & Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Ibca Indiana All Stars Inc | General & Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Greenwood Christian Academy Inc | STEM program funding | $35,000 |
| St Jude Catholic Church Indianapolis Inc | General & Unrestricted | $32,000 |
| Austin Zoo | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Grand Rapids Cable Access Center | For GRTV's digital archive | $20,000 |
| Gem Sessions Foundation Inc | General & Unrestricted | $19,000 |
| Grand Rapids Cable Access Center | For WYCE Fall Fund Drive | $10,000 |
| Grand Rapids Cable Access Center | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Partners in Health A Nonprofit Corporation | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Clagett Sailing | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Forest Hills Park Association | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Grand Rapids Cable Access Center | For WYCE to upgrade the Shift Editor software | $5,000 |
| Museum of Science and Industry | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Sigma Alpha Mu Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Morristown Jr-Sr High School | General & Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Noblesville High School | General & Unrestricted | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Colleen Clark
- James A Clark
- Nicholaus Clark
- Nissa Clark
- Katrina Swartz
Questions people ask
Does The Schmetterling Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Schmetterling Foundation give?
$2.3 million in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Schmetterling Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Colleen Clark (Co- Pres, Dir), James A Clark (Dir, Sec, Co- Pres), Nicholaus Clark (VP) and Nissa Clark (VP) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Schmetterling Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and health.