Paul Bechtner Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Paul Bechtner Foundation is a private foundation in Winnetka, Illinois. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.5 million in 73 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $220,400. 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$1.5 million
- Number of grants73
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$220,400
- Assets$36.3 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.1 million the year before.
45% 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 | 53 | $29.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.1 million | 68 | $33.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.5 million | 73 | $36.3 million |
How to apply
Paul Bechtner 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 Paul Bechtner Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 17 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | $545,100 |
| Illinois | 17 | $272,725 |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $211,000 |
| Colorado | 6 | $90,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $80,298 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $64,800 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $51,800 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $44,875 |
| Maine | 10 | $30,500 |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $26,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Project Avary | Support children of incarc. Parents | $220,400 |
| Sustainable Harvest International | Eliminate tropical deforestation | $168,500 |
| Math Circles of Chicago | Support math in schools | $129,600 |
| Vanguard Daf | Supports donor-advised funds | $80,298 |
| Connect Med | Support hosp. & health care | $64,825 |
| Global Village Initiative | Support cultural exchange | $64,800 |
| Nano Detection Laboratory Tulane | Support medical research | $51,800 |
| Denver Art Museum | Cultural support | $40,000 |
| San Diego Museum of Art | Support the arts | $35,000 |
| Colorado Public Radio | Cultural support | $30,000 |
| NAMI San Diego | Support for mental illness | $30,000 |
| KPBS Radio | Support public radio | $25,000 |
| Ubuntu Global Connections | Support for social services | $25,000 |
| Citizens Climate Education | Support a livable world | $20,000 |
| Clean Wisconsin | Support water conservation | $20,000 |
| Eccoaddendum | Support healthy environment | $20,000 |
| Father's Arms Ministry | Support children through religion | $20,000 |
| Friends of Acadia | Support cultural resources of park | $20,000 |
| Geoversity Foundation | Support watershed conservancy | $20,000 |
| Ryan Family YMCA | Community support | $20,000 |
| Salvation Army | Support the needy | $20,000 |
| San Diego History Center | Support local history | $20,000 |
| WVTF | Support public broadcasting | $20,000 |
| School Justice Project | Support spec. Educ. Needs | $15,000 |
| Solar Cookers | Support for social services | $15,000 |
| Food Bank of Western Massachusetts | Support food for the needy | $12,375 |
| Il Policy Initiative | Support taxpayer interests | $12,375 |
| Injustice Watch | Support investigative reporting | $12,375 |
| Open Doors | Support homeless individuals | $12,375 |
| School on Wheels la | Support of literacy programs | $12,375 |
| The Invisible Institute | Support nonprofit journalism | $12,375 |
| American Rivers Inc | Environmental support | $10,000 |
| Bear Yuba Land Trust | Support nature conservancy | $10,000 |
| Evanston Community Foundation | Support for social services | $10,000 |
| Holy Family Ministry | Support for social services | $10,000 |
| Int'l Campaign for Tibet | Cultural support for tibet | $10,000 |
| NRDC | Support for the environment | $10,000 |
| Sierra Club | Environmental support | $10,000 |
| South Yuba River Citizens League | Environmental support | $10,000 |
| St Vincent Depaul Society | Support the needy | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Paul C Weaver
- Martha J Weaver
- Robert P Weaver
- William T Weaver
- Helen W Kinnaird
- Sasha Taylor
- Oren Hovemann
- Paul DC Weaver
- Tucker Devault-Weaver
- Joanie Weaver
Questions people ask
Does Paul Bechtner Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Paul Bechtner Foundation give?
$1.5 million in tax year 2025, across 73 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Paul Bechtner Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Paul C Weaver (Director/Pre), Martha J Weaver (Director), Robert P Weaver (Director) and William T Weaver (Director/ Tr) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does Paul Bechtner Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, international and arts and culture.