The Silseth Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Silseth Foundation is a private foundation in Wilmington, Delaware. In tax year 2025 it gave $619,600 in 50 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $184,000. 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$619,600
- Number of grants50
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$184,000
- Assets$10.3 million
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2025 was up from $442,500 the year before.
23% 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 | $369,250 | 38 | $6.9 million |
| 2024 | $442,500 | 47 | $8.4 million |
| 2025 | $619,600 | 50 | $10.3 million |
How to apply
The Silseth 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 Silseth Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Wisconsin.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 28 | $468,100 |
| North Carolina | 3 | $28,000 |
| California | 2 | $26,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $25,000 |
| Florida | 3 | $24,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $15,000 |
| Texas | 3 | $6,500 |
| Maryland | 2 | $5,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $5,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Elmbrook Church | General & Unrestricted | $184,000 |
| Elmbrook Church | Harvest Fund | $32,000 |
| Massachusetts General Hospital | Faustman Lab fund | $25,000 |
| Brooklink Inc | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Christian Solidarity International Inc | General & Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Mi | To support children living on the edge in LSS's area of operation | $19,000 |
| Elmbrook Church | Harvest Fund | $18,000 |
| Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty Inc | General & Unrestricted | $17,500 |
| Milwaukee Rescue Mission | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| The Salvation Army of Greater Milwaukee | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| World Relief Corporation of National Association O | General & Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Samaritans Purse | General & Unrestricted | $13,500 |
| Faith Bible Church of Naples Inc | General & Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Serenity Inns Inc | General & Unrestricted | $12,000 |
| Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin Inc | General & Unrestricted | $11,000 |
| Telling the Truth Inc | General & Unrestricted | $11,000 |
| Hope Center Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,100 |
| Food Pantry of Waukesha County Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Global Serve International Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Hebron House of Hospitality Foundation Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Journeys Lutheran School Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Wisconsin Inmate Education Association Inc | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Samaritans Purse | Support for Wisconsin flood relief | $9,500 |
| Aldo Leopold Foundation Inc | General & Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Badger Institute Inc | General & Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Mi | Martinus and Vera Silseth Endowment fund | $6,000 |
| Prager University Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| United Lutheran Program for the Aging Inc | General & Unrestricted | $6,000 |
| Charities Aid Foundation America | On Call Africa Friends Fund | $5,000 |
| Davids Star Lutheran Church | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Healthnetwork Foundation | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| John K Maciver Institute for Public Policy Inc | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Samaritans Purse | Texas Relief work | $5,000 |
| The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| The Womens Center Inc | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Turning Point USA Inc | General & Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | For the CLA event in Milwaukee, WI | $4,000 |
| Evangelical Alliance Mission | General & Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Mt Carmel Lutheran Church | General & Unrestricted | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jennifer S Binversie
- John M Silseth
- John B Silseth
- Karen K Silseth
Questions people ask
Does The Silseth Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Silseth Foundation give?
$619,600 in tax year 2025, across 50 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs The Silseth Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jennifer S Binversie (Dir, Sec), John M Silseth (Dir, Pres), John B Silseth (Dir, Treas) and Karen K Silseth (Dir, VP).
What does The Silseth Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, human services and health.