The Bear Family Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Bear Family Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Pensacola, Florida. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.7 million in 47 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $900,000. 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$1.7 million
- Number of grants47
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$900,000
- Assets$7.3 million
- New grantees30%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.7 million the year before.
30% 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 | $1.2 million | 42 | $5.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.7 million | 45 | $5.8 million |
| 2025 | $1.7 million | 47 | $7.3 million |
How to apply
The Bear Family Foundation Inc 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Bear Family Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 43 | $1.6 million |
| Georgia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Alabama | 1 | $20,000 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $2,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Baptist Healthcare Foundation | Charitable | $900,000 |
| Uwf Foundation Inc | Charitable | $500,000 |
| Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Congregation Mishkan Israel of Selma Al | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House of NWFL | Charitable | $16,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of NW Florida | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Sacred Heart Foundation Inc | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Council on Aging of West Florida Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Escambia County Sheriff Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Gulf Coast Kid's House Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Health and Hope Clinic Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Institute for Human & Machine Cognition | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Pace Center for Girls Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Valerie's House Inc | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Pensacola Habitat for Humanity | Charitable | $8,650 |
| Wildlife Sanctuary of NW Florida | Charitable | $6,000 |
| Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center | Charitable | $5,200 |
| Waterfront Rescue Mission Inc | Charitable | $5,100 |
| Amikids Pensacola Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| B'nai Israel Synagogue Pensacola | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Creative Learning Academy | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Ella L Jordan Museum Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Manna Food Bank Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Mother Clelia Morning Star High School | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Pensacola Catholic High School | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Pensacola's Promise Inc - Chain Reaction | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Pyc Satori Foundation | Charitable | $5,000 |
| St Andrew Bay Center Inc | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Young Men's Christian Association of NWFL | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Guild | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Pensacola Community Action Network | Charitable | $2,700 |
| Ballet Pensacola Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Family Service Agency of Bay County Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Greater Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Institute of Southern Jewish Life Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Legacy K9 Search Team | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Pensacola Mess Hall | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Pensacola Opera Inc | Charitable | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Cindi F Bear
- Belle Y Bear
- Lewis Bear III
- Jennifer M Bear
- David M Bear
- Joseph C Bonner
- Cindi B Bonner
Questions people ask
Does The Bear Family Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bear Family Foundation Inc give?
$1.7 million in tax year 2025, across 47 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Bear Family Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Cindi F Bear (Director), Belle Y Bear (Vice Chairman), Lewis Bear III (Treasurer) and Jennifer M Bear (Chairman) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The Bear Family Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, health and youth programs.