Bug and Bean Fund
Preselected recipients only
Bug and Bean Fund is a private foundation in Atlanta, Georgia. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.9 million in 18 grants; the typical grant was $75,000 and the largest $2.0 million. 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$3.9 million
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$75,000
- Largest grant$2.0 million
- Assets$7.1 million
- New grantees53%
Giving in 2025 was up from $3.6 million the year before.
53% of its 2025 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 | $1.1 million | 8 | $3.5 million |
| 2024 | $3.6 million | 19 | $10.5 million |
| 2025 | $3.9 million | 18 | $7.1 million |
How to apply
Bug and Bean Fund 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 Bug and Bean Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 3 | $2.2 million |
| Georgia | 9 | $1.1 million |
| Pennsylvania | 2 | $400,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $110,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $50,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University - Noriel Gift Fund | Noriel Gfit Fund | $2.0 million |
| Community Guilds Inc dba STEAM Truck | Unrestricted | $500,000 |
| The Paideia School | Annual Fund | $255,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Unrestricted | $250,000 |
| Open Space Institute Land Trust Inc | Unrestricted | $200,000 |
| RedefinED Atlanta | Unrestricted | $200,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Richard M. Lackner Football Excellence Fund | $150,000 |
| Center for Civic Innovation | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| The Global Fund for Children | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Special Forces Foundation | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| National Center for Civil and Human Rights | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| HelpUsAdopt | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| TADA Foundation | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| The Praxis Project | Freedom University | $10,000 |
| The Temple | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Atlanta Jewish Committee | Unrestricted | $1,800 |
Officers and trustees
- Frank T Waterson
Questions people ask
Does Bug and Bean Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bug and Bean Fund give?
$3.9 million in tax year 2025, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $75,000.
Who runs Bug and Bean Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Frank T Waterson (President).
What does Bug and Bean Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, environment and conservation and faith communities.