Captain Dave's Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Captain Dave's Foundation is a private foundation in Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $615,000 in 12 grants; the typical grant was $12,500 and the largest $250,000. 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$615,000
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$12,500
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$20.6 million
- New grantees92%
Giving in 2025 was up from $146,500 the year before.
92% 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 | $62,750 | 2 | $2.3 million |
| 2024 | $146,500 | 4 | $1.6 million |
| 2025 | $615,000 | 12 | $20.6 million |
How to apply
Captain Dave's 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Captain Dave's Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 7 | $265,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $250,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $50,000 |
| Wisconsin | 2 | $45,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Coast Guard Museum | General charitable purposes | $250,000 |
| Chicago Yacht Club Foundation | General charitable purposes | $200,000 |
| Center for Independent Documentary | General charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Pritzker Military Museum and Foundation | General charitable purposes | $40,000 |
| Chicago Maritime Museum | General charitable purposes | $20,000 |
| Chicago History Museum | General charitable purposes | $15,000 |
| Columbia Yacht Club Sailing School | General charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Chicago Christmas Ship | General charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Stella Maris | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Illinois Joining Forces | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Port Washington Historical Society | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Chicago Council Navy League | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert Bied
- Kurt Anderson
- George Kisiel
Questions people ask
Does Captain Dave's Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Captain Dave's Foundation give?
$615,000 in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $12,500.
Who runs Captain Dave's Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Robert Bied (President), Kurt Anderson (Cfo) and George Kisiel (Secretary).
What does Captain Dave's Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.