Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation is a private foundation in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $97,000 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$97,000
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$2.4 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2025 was up from $89,218 the year before.
19% 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 | $94,750 | 18 | $2.1 million |
| 2024 | $89,218 | 20 | $2.2 million |
| 2025 | $97,000 | 21 | $2.4 million |
How to apply
Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer 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 Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Indiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 21 | $97,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne Philharmonic | Capital campaign | $10,000 |
| Wells County Boys and Girls Club | Operating support | $10,000 |
| Community Harvest Food Bank | Operating support | $8,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne | Annual gift | $6,250 |
| Acres Land Trust | Annual gift | $5,000 |
| Animal Rescue Fund | Memorial gift | $5,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters | Annual gift | $5,000 |
| Fort Wayne Children's Zoo | Annual gift | $5,000 |
| Matthew 25 Health Clinic | General support | $5,000 |
| Wells County Foundation | Friends of bluffton shelter | $5,000 |
| YWCA Northeast Indiana | Annual gift | $5,000 |
| National Aquarium | General support | $4,000 |
| Turnstone | Annual gift | $4,000 |
| Healthier Moms and Babies | Annual gift | $3,000 |
| Science Central | Science 4u program support | $3,000 |
| Sisters of Providence | Operating support | $3,000 |
| Bridge of Grace Ministry | Seniors & children programs | $2,500 |
| Wellspring Interfaith Social Services | General support | $2,250 |
| Black Pine Animal Sanctuary | Operating support | $2,000 |
| Fort Wayne Community Schools Foundation | "b instrumental" program support | $2,000 |
| St Joseph Catholic Church | Operating support | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Patricia Schaefer
- Diane S Humphrey
- First Merchants Bank
Questions people ask
Does Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation give?
$97,000 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Patricia Schaefer (Trustee), Diane S Humphrey (Trustee) and First Merchants Bank (Trustee).
What does Edward & Hildegarde Schaefer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, animals and health.