The Bessie Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Bessie Family Foundation is a private foundation in Jessup, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $66,054 in 39 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $11,000. 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$66,054
- Number of grants39
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$11,000
- Assets$652,106
- New grantees49%
Giving in 2025 was up from $56,023 the year before.
49% 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 | $64,050 | 24 | $660,748 |
| 2024 | $56,023 | 30 | $651,103 |
| 2025 | $66,054 | 39 | $652,106 |
How to apply
The Bessie Family 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 The Bessie Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Utah.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 12 | $27,216 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $15,653 |
| New York | 8 | $13,860 |
| Maryland | 7 | $5,220 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $2,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $500 |
| Virginia | 1 | $500 |
| Texas | 1 | $105 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Har Shalom | General use. | $11,000 |
| Washington Hebrew Congregation | General use. | $6,262 |
| Hadassah the Women's Zionist Organization of America | General use. | $5,000 |
| Sixth and I Synagogue | General use. | $5,000 |
| United Jewish Federation of Utah | General use. | $5,000 |
| Capitol Language Services | General use. | $2,240 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation | General use. | $2,000 |
| Egyptian Theatre | General use. | $2,000 |
| Jewish Family Service | General use. | $2,000 |
| Park City Community Foundation | General use. | $2,000 |
| St Jude Internet Children's Research Hospital | General use. | $2,000 |
| The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) | General use. | $2,000 |
| UNICEF USA | General use. | $2,000 |
| Friends of JCC Budapest | General use. | $1,040 |
| 70 Faces Media | General use. | $1,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League (Adl) | General use. | $1,000 |
| Heifer International | General use. | $1,000 |
| Hias | General use. | $1,000 |
| Imadi | General use. | $1,000 |
| National Ability Center (Nac) | General use. | $1,000 |
| Peace House Inc | General use. | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | General use. | $1,000 |
| Salt Lake Community College Foundation | General use. | $1,000 |
| Summit County Clubhouse | General use. | $1,000 |
| Brent Elementary School | General use. | $756 |
| Baltimore Zionist District | General use. | $680 |
| KPCW | General use. | $516 |
| Friends of JCC Krakow | General use. | $500 |
| Habitat of Humanity of Southwest Utah | General use. | $500 |
| Hospice & Community Care | General use. | $500 |
| Maryland Food Bank Inc | General use. | $500 |
| The Chesapeake Bay Foundation | General use. | $500 |
| Weta TV & FM | General use. | $500 |
| WTMD | General use. | $500 |
| National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene | General use. | $360 |
| Theatre Washington | General use. | $200 |
| University of Utah | General use. | $200 |
| DC Way | General use. | $195 |
| Read-A-Thon Fundraiser | General use. | $105 |
Officers and trustees
- Herbert E Lichtenstein
- Barbara E Hylander
Questions people ask
Does The Bessie Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Bessie Family Foundation give?
$66,054 in tax year 2025, across 39 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Bessie Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Herbert E Lichtenstein (President) and Barbara E Hylander (Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer).
What does The Bessie Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, international and arts and culture.