The Helis Foundation
Accepts applications
The Helis Foundation is a private foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.4 million in 62 grants; the typical grant was $16,750 and the largest $554,486. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$2.4 million
- Number of grants62
- Typical grant$16,750
- Largest grant$554,486
- Assets$88.3 million
- New grantees26%
Giving in 2024 was down from $2.4 million the year before.
26% of its 2024 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 | $2.4 million | 61 | $85.7 million |
| 2024 | $2.4 million | 62 | $88.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | David A Kerstein President 201 St Charles Ave Suite 2600, New Orleans, LA 70170 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (504) 523-1831 |
| What to submit | Application should be in appropriate typed letter form. Include brochures or other pertinent information and establish the qualifications of the applicant to receive funds from a private foundation as provided for under the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations. |
| Deadlines | There are no submission deadlines |
| Restrictions | There are no restrictions or limitations on awards except that the organization must be qualified as provided for under the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations. |
What The Helis Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to Louisiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 55 | $2.2 million |
| New York | 3 | $185,000 |
| Mississippi | 1 | $2,500 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Ogden Museum of Southern Art | Support of General Operating Expenses, Support of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibitions and Other Exhibitions, and LA Residents Free Admission Days | $554,486 |
| New Orleans Museum of Art | General, Operating Expenses, Free Admission for Art & A/C, Free Admission for LA Residents | $254,000 |
| US Biennial Inc | Support of General Operations | $150,000 |
| United Way of Southeast Louisiana | Blueprint for Prosperity | $125,000 |
| Arts Council of New Orleans | Building Wall Mural - Unframed | $110,000 |
| New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Foundation | Digital Systems Lead Position, Hospitality Lounge, Curitorial Work | $109,500 |
| Louisiana Children's Museum | Operating Expenses, Free Saturdays in October, and Art of All | $60,000 |
| Friends of WWOZ Inc | Jazz Festing in Place - WWOZ-FM | $55,000 |
| Preservation Resource Center | General Operating Expense | $53,500 |
| Second Harvester of Greater NO & Acadiana | General Support | $50,000 |
| The National World War II Museum | Building Fund | $50,000 |
| Rivers Institute for Contemporary & Thought | Research and Development | $50,000 |
| Wwno 899 | Enhance Current Cultural Content and Reporting | $50,000 |
| Ochsner Clinic Foundation | Support the named Healing Arts Garden in memory of William G. Helis Jr. | $50,000 |
| Louisiana Endowment for the Humantities | Passing it On: The Art of John T Scott | $40,000 |
| Newcomb Art Museum | General Support field trips and youth programming | $40,000 |
| Children's Hospital | Mariposa Butterfly Swing Installment | $37,920 |
| New Orleans Ballet Association | General Operating Expenses and Ovation Program | $35,000 |
| The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Institute | Artists in Residence Program | $35,000 |
| Louisiana Contemporary Museum | Operating Expenditures | $30,000 |
| Bridge House Corporation | Scholarship Fund | $25,000 |
| Bureau of Governmental Research | Support of Civil Service in the New Orleans Project | $25,000 |
| ARC Athens Inc | Support Organizational Operations | $25,000 |
| KID smART | School Resources Budget for Art Supplies | $21,500 |
| New Orleans Film Society | Community Programming | $21,000 |
| Tennessee WilliamsNew Orleans Literary | Literary Discussion and Performances Including Free Workshops | $20,000 |
| Young AspirationsYoung Artist | Artist in Residence Program | $20,000 |
| New Orleans African American Museum | Support Callas & Conversation Series | $20,000 |
| New Orleans Ballet Theatre | Support for students attendance of the Nutcracker | $20,000 |
| Public Affairs Research Council of LA | General Operating Expenses | $20,000 |
| Young Audiences of Louisiana | Baby Artsplay Program | $18,500 |
| Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans | General Support | $15,000 |
| Dancing Grounds | Educational programing | $15,000 |
| Contemporary Arts Center | General Operating Expense, Art for All, Art of A/C | $13,680 |
| St Augustine High School | Scholarship Fund | $11,800 |
| Boy Scouts of America | In Memory Donation, Support Pillars of Scouting | $10,000 |
| Crimestoppers Inc | General Support | $10,000 |
| Liberty's Kitchen Inc | Youth Development Program | $10,000 |
| Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center | Support Patient Transport Program | $10,000 |
| United Negro College Fund | General Support | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David A Kerstein
- Michael F Schott
- Linda A Reeg
- Jane C Fiegler
Questions people ask
Does The Helis Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: There are no submission deadlines.
How much does The Helis Foundation give?
$2.4 million in tax year 2024, across 62 grants, with a typical grant of $16,750.
Who runs The Helis Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists David A Kerstein (President), Michael F Schott (Vice President), Linda A Reeg (Secretary) and Jane C Fiegler (Treasurer).
What does The Helis Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, youth programs and environment and conservation.