Gem Star Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Gem Star Foundation is a private foundation in Washington, District of Columbia. In tax year 2025 it gave $40,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $1,500 and the largest $6,000. 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$40,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$1,500
- Largest grant$6,000
- Assets$973,458
- New grantees6%
Giving in 2025 was up from $37,250 the year before.
6% 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 | $36,250 | 13 | $911,220 |
| 2024 | $37,250 | 16 | $920,355 |
| 2025 | $40,000 | 16 | $973,458 |
How to apply
Gem Star 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 Gem Star Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 6 | $16,500 |
| New York | 4 | $11,750 |
| New Jersey | 2 | $5,500 |
| Ohio | 2 | $4,250 |
| Maryland | 1 | $1,500 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Women in Film and Video | Arts | $6,000 |
| Colgate University | Scholarship program | $5,000 |
| Madison Area YMCA | Educational | $5,000 |
| Cardoza Law School | Educational | $5,000 |
| Melanoma Research Alliance | Educational | $5,000 |
| Ohio State University | Educational | $4,000 |
| Avalon Theatre | Arts | $3,500 |
| Hearing Health Foundation | Educational | $1,500 |
| University of Maryland Student Crisis Fund | Educational | $1,500 |
| Alliance Francaise | Educational | $750 |
| French American Cultural Foundation | Educational | $750 |
| Imagination Stage | Educational | $500 |
| Save Barnegat Bay | Educational | $500 |
| DC Roadrunners | Educational | $500 |
| West Tech Alumni Association | Educational | $250 |
| Tunnels to Towers | Educational | $250 |
Officers and trustees
- Michael Rohn
- Kathleen Le Dain
- Yvon Le Dain
- Bruce Meredith
Questions people ask
Does Gem Star Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Gem Star Foundation give?
$40,000 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $1,500.
Who runs Gem Star Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Michael Rohn (Trustee), Kathleen Le Dain (Officer), Yvon Le Dain (Officer) and Bruce Meredith (Trustee).
What does Gem Star Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.