The Deck Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Deck Foundation is a private foundation in Bethesda, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 58 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants58
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$23.9 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $972,500 the year before.
29% 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 | $1.0 million | 44 | $21.8 million |
| 2024 | $972,500 | 47 | $23.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 58 | $23.9 million |
How to apply
The Deck 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 Deck Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 21 | $325,000 |
| Maryland | 20 | $310,000 |
| New York | 2 | $125,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $100,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $95,000 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $90,000 |
| California | 2 | $20,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $20,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $15,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Charitable | $100,000 |
| The Carter Center | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Jills House | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Yiddish Book Center | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Just Tryan It Inc | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Cambridge Camping Association | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Bread for the City | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Manna Food Center | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Anacostia Watershed Foundation | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Visiting Nurse Services of Ny | Charitable | $25,000 |
| An Open Book Foundation | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Wamu | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Voices for A Second Chance | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Providence Presbyterian Church | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Metro DC | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Free Minds Book Club | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Mid Atlantic Innocence Project | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Every Library | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Kids Gardening | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Lost Dog Rescue Foundation | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $10,000 |
| 826 DC | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $10,000 |
| National Park Trust | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Interplay Orchestra | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Un Prison Project | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Washington Youth Garden | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Every 1 Can Work | Charitable | $10,000 |
| DC Family Youth Initiative | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Little Friends for Peace | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Pads 4 Refugees | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David Elkes
- Elizabeth Carroll
- Katharine Elkes
Questions people ask
Does The Deck Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Deck Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 58 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Deck Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David Elkes (Trustee), Elizabeth Carroll (Trustee) and Katharine Elkes (Trustee).
What does The Deck Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, environment and conservation and arts and culture.