Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation
Accepts applications
Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation is a private foundation in Naples, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $65,680 in 57 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $5,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$65,680
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$545,730
Giving in 2025 was up from $64,658 the year before.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $78,196 | 51 | $415,279 |
| 2024 | $64,658 | 64 | $489,727 |
| 2025 | $65,680 | 57 | $545,730 |
How to apply
Its grants go to individuals, not organizations. Every grant in its 2025 filing was paid to an individual (for example a scholarship or assistance with costs), so it is not a funding prospect for a nonprofit.
| Contact | Carol Denzer 14329 Charthouse Circle, Naples, FL 34114 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (309) 256-7189, jonsbearhugfoundation@gmail.com |
| What to submit | Application information is available at the website: jonsbearhugfoundation.com |
| Deadlines | Four weeks prior to applicable semester |
| Restrictions | Applicant must have or be on a path to graduate high school and not be college bound, but seeking educational or vocational skills in the trades, civil service, healthcare, or cdl truck driving. |
What Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 46 | $48,086 |
| Georgia | 1 | $3,594 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $3,220 |
| Alaska | 1 | $2,201 |
| Mississippi | 3 | $2,080 |
| Washington | 1 | $1,968 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,783 |
| Iowa | 1 | $1,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $800 |
| Indiana | 1 | $448 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $5,000 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $3,594 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $3,220 |
| Individual | Path to good - universal tech inst | $2,500 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $2,201 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $1,968 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $1,783 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - illinois central college | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,500 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - holmes college | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - carl sandburg college | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - caspn | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - caspn | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $1,000 |
| Individual | Epilepsy safety net | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - delta tech | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $800 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $750 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $750 |
| Individual | Path to good - mti | $750 |
| Individual | Path to good - helping homes home | $750 |
Officers and trustees
- Ty Fennell
- Rebecca Lee
- Patrick Auge
- Tarryn Daisy
- Don Driscoll
- Carol Denzer
- Patrick Ferrell
- Erika Fleck
- Corrine Brown
Questions people ask
Does Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Four weeks prior to applicable semester.
How much does Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation give?
$65,680 in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ty Fennell (Chairman), Rebecca Lee (Secretary), Patrick Auge (Treasurer) and Tarryn Daisy (Board Member) among 9 officers and trustees.
What does Jon Denzer Bear Hug Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.