Helen's Hope Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Helen's Hope Foundation is a private foundation in West Chicago, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 28 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $300,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$106,376
- New grantees18%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.5 million the year before.
18% 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 | $1.1 million | 30 | $1.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million | 31 | $746,923 |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 28 | $106,376 |
How to apply
Helen's Hope 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 Helen's Hope Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Illinois. It also paid $7,500 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 14 | $864,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $100,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $100,000 |
| New York | 2 | $42,500 |
| Florida | 2 | $30,000 |
| Tennessee | 2 | $25,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $5,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Wheaton Academy | Education | $300,000 |
| Wheaton Christian Grammar School | Education | $250,000 |
| Crossroads Kids Club | Ministry | $128,000 |
| Medsend | Healthcare | $100,000 |
| St Augustine Prep Academy | Christian education | $100,000 |
| Warrior Youth Athletics | Christian athletics | $50,000 |
| Vine Branch | Ministry | $35,000 |
| Fellowship for the Performing Arts | Ministry | $25,000 |
| Naomi's House | Women support | $25,000 |
| Masterpiece Ministries | Ministry | $20,000 |
| Chosen People Ministries | Ministry | $17,500 |
| Flourish Rwanda | Humanitarian aid | $16,000 |
| Administer Justice | Ministry | $15,000 |
| Cru Foundation | Ministry | $15,000 |
| Pioneers | Ministry | $15,000 |
| By the Hand Club | Education | $13,000 |
| Evangel Church | Ministry | $10,000 |
| One for Isreal | Ministry | $10,000 |
| Faith & Learning International | Education | $7,500 |
| Irish Bible Institute | Ministry | $7,500 |
| Metropolitan Family Services | Domestic abuse | $6,000 |
| Philemon House | Convert the incarcerated | $6,000 |
| Hillsdale College | Education | $5,000 |
| Mission Lazarus | Ministry | $5,000 |
| World Relief | Christian humanitarian aid | $5,000 |
| Middle East Ministries | Ministry | $3,000 |
| Courtside Ministries | Ministry | $2,500 |
| CS Lewis Institute | Ministry | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Benard B Bertsche
- Jeanne Bertsche
- Michael Bertsche
- Patrick Bertsche
Questions people ask
Does Helen's Hope Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Helen's Hope Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Helen's Hope Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Benard B Bertsche (Trustee), Jeanne Bertsche (Trustee), Michael Bertsche (Trustee) and Patrick Bertsche (Trustee).
What does Helen's Hope Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and youth programs.