The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation is a private foundation in Washington, District of Columbia. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.9 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $1.6 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$3.9 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$1.6 million
- Assets$16.8 million
- New grantees96%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.0 million the year before.
96% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $2.0 million | 2 | $18.6 million |
| 2024 | $3.9 million | 31 | $16.8 million |
How to apply
The Brendan & Helen Bechtel 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 Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 18 | $2.7 million |
| Connecticut | 2 | $600,000 |
| Maine | 3 | $381,667 |
| Maryland | 5 | $125,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $70,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| National Geographic Society | To support the base camp project fund and the base camp maintenance fund | $1.6 million |
| Yale University | To support the school of architecture's dean's endowed scholarship fund | $500,000 |
| National Geographic Society | To support the base camp project fund and the base camp maintenance fund | $400,000 |
| Friends of Acadia | Support for the "raise the roof" campaign | $250,000 |
| Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation of the D of C | Support for the earthquake repair project | $166,666 |
| National Geographic Society | General operating support | $150,000 |
| Mount Desert Land and Garden Preserve | Support for renovation and restoration of the abby aldrich rockefeller garden | $125,000 |
| Yale University | Support the women in architecture and philanthropy initiative for the yale school of architecture | $100,000 |
| Building Bridges Across the River | Support for 11th street bridge park ($25k) and support for skyland workforce development ($25k) | $50,000 |
| Washington DC Police Foundation | General operating support | $50,000 |
| Anacostia Riverkeeper | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Anacostia Watershed Society Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Bright Beginnings Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Casey Trees | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Chesapeake Bay Foundation Inc | Support environmental education in the dc region, clagett farm in prince george's county, and oyster restoration | $25,000 |
| Community Forklift | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Community of Hope Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| DC Central Kitchen Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| House of Ruth | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Marthas Table | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Mary's Center for Maternal & Child Care Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| My Sister's Place Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| N Street Village Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Neighborhood Design Center Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Piedmont Environmental Council | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Rock Creek Conservancy Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Some Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Together We Bake | General operating support | $25,000 |
| Youthbuild DC Public Charter School Inc | General operating support | $25,000 |
| The Conservation Fund A Nonprofit Corporation | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Mount Desert Nursing Association | Capital campaign | $6,667 |
Officers and trustees
- Brendan P Bechtel
- Helen B Bechtel
- Lila Lee
Questions people ask
Does The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation give?
$3.9 million in tax year 2024, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Brendan P Bechtel (President/Director), Helen B Bechtel (Vice President/Secretary/Director) and Lila Lee (Treasurer).
What does The Brendan & Helen Bechtel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and environment and conservation.