The Ward Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Ward Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Gretna, Louisiana. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 34 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $157,819. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants34
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$157,819
- Assets$15.3 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $986,459 the year before.
15% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $695,900 | 30 | $10.2 million |
| 2024 | $986,459 | 37 | $12.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 34 | $15.3 million |
How to apply
The Ward Foundation Inc 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 The Ward Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Louisiana.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 10 | $193,200 |
| Illinois | 2 | $192,819 |
| Texas | 3 | $180,000 |
| California | 2 | $133,839 |
| Washington | 1 | $80,250 |
| New York | 2 | $63,896 |
| Missouri | 1 | $46,170 |
| Maine | 2 | $31,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $24,000 |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $21,200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maia | Unrestricted | $157,819 |
| The Sparks Foundation | Unrestricted | $110,000 |
| International Community Foundation | Unrestricted | $103,839 |
| Amigos de Santa Cruz Foundation | Unrestricted | $80,250 |
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Boys Hope Girls Hope Network | Unrestricted | $46,170 |
| She's the First | Unrestricted | $38,896 |
| Live Oak Wilderness Camp | Unrestricted | $36,000 |
| Planting Seeds International | Unrestricted | $35,000 |
| Cremos Norte | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Limitless Horizons | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| Bard Early College | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| College Beyond | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Success at Thurgood Marshall | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| The Population Council | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Natik Esperanza | Unrestricted | $24,000 |
| Be Loud Studios | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Peronia Adolescente | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| The 18th Ward Sports Club | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Casasito | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| The Bright School for the Deaf | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| Believe in U | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Global Fund for Children | Unrestricted | $15,000 |
| Antigua International Education Foundation | Unresricted | $6,000 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum | Unrestricted | $3,000 |
| Global Giving | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| The Carter Center | Unrestricted | $1,500 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Unrestricted | $1,200 |
| Compassion & Choices | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Preservation Hall Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Naral Pro-Choice America Foundation | Unrestricted | $700 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | Unrestricted | $500 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | Unrestricted | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Albert James Ward Jr
- Christopher van Dervort
- Elizabeth Heebe-Russo
- Travis Ning
- Sarah Heebe
- Anna Heebe
Questions people ask
Does The Ward Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ward Foundation Inc give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 34 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Ward Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Albert James Ward Jr (Director - President), Christopher van Dervort (Director - Secretary), Elizabeth Heebe-Russo (Director - Treasurer) and Travis Ning (Program Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Ward Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, youth programs and education.