Brad Sethness Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Brad Sethness Foundation is a private foundation in Northbrook, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $243,000 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $28,000. 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$243,000
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$28,000
- Assets$6.0 million
- New grantees22%
Giving in 2025 was down from $280,000 the year before.
22% 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 | $265,800 | 19 | $5.3 million |
| 2024 | $280,000 | 21 | $5.6 million |
| 2025 | $243,000 | 21 | $6.0 million |
How to apply
Brad Sethness 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 Brad Sethness Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to Alaska.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 7 | $95,000 |
| Iowa | 4 | $50,000 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $30,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $28,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| St Judes Children's Research Hospit | Unrestricted | $28,000 |
| Individual | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Bean's Cafe the Childrens Lunchbox | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| YWCA | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Paul B Sharar Foundation | Bickelaupt arboretum | $15,000 |
| Bob Finch Memorial Fund | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Individual | Warm the children | $10,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul Society-Ironwood | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Vilas Food Pantry | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| United Negro College Fund | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Underdog Pet Rescue of Wisconsin | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Matsu Food Bank | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Individual | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Friends of Chugach Avalanche Center | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Curtis Mansion Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Gunnison Valley Health Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Miss Halls School | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Clinton Symphony Orchestra | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Blue Ridge School | Michael arnold scholarship fund | $5,000 |
| Alaska Farmland Trust | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Randall Romei
- Daniel B Sethness
- Marilyn B Sethness
- Marina M Sethness
Questions people ask
Does Brad Sethness Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Brad Sethness Foundation give?
$243,000 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Brad Sethness Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Randall Romei (Secretary/Dir), Daniel B Sethness (President/Dir), Marilyn B Sethness (Vice Pres/Dir) and Marina M Sethness (Treasurer/Dir).
What does Brad Sethness Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and food and hunger.