The Shepard Family Private Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Shepard Family Private Foundation is a private foundation in Baltimore, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $252,481. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$252,481
- Assets$22.6 million
- New grantees29%
Giving in 2025 was up from $889,371 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 | $751,771 | 25 | $18.1 million |
| 2024 | $889,371 | 33 | $20.9 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 31 | $22.6 million |
How to apply
The Shepard Family Private 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 Shepard Family Private Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 15 states, the most to Texas.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | 12 | $632,629 |
| New York | 3 | $135,558 |
| Maryland | 2 | $134,018 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $104,850 |
| Washington | 1 | $50,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $30,000 |
| Georgia | 2 | $20,000 |
| West Virginia | 2 | $15,000 |
| Arizona | 1 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Hermann Foundation | General fund | $252,481 |
| Texas Public Policy Foundation | General fund | $130,162 |
| Catholic Charities | General fund | $112,205 |
| Tunnels to Towers | General fund | $104,850 |
| US Chamber of Commerce | Hiring our heros program | $104,850 |
| Frontera Healthcare Network | General fund | $103,987 |
| Friends of Mason County Sheriff | General fund | $50,000 |
| San Angelo Area Foundation | General fund | $50,000 |
| Rural Health Initiative | General fund | $30,000 |
| UT MD Anderson Cancer Center | General fund | $25,999 |
| Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Ctr | general fund | $21,813 |
| Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation | General fund | $20,708 |
| George W Bush Presidential Center | General fund | $15,000 |
| American Junior Golf Association | General fund | $10,000 |
| Angel Reach | General fund | $10,000 |
| At&t Performance Arts Centre | General fund | $10,000 |
| Borderlands Research Institute | General fund | $10,000 |
| Cynthia Woods Pavilion | General fund | $10,000 |
| Gloucester Institute | General fund | $10,000 |
| Mason Food Bank | General support | $10,000 |
| Mason Volunteer Fire Dept | General fund | $10,000 |
| National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction | General fund | $10,000 |
| Savannah Wildlife Rescue Center | General fund | $10,000 |
| Shriners Hospital for Children | General fund | $10,000 |
| St Jude Children's Research | General fund | $10,000 |
| Sunshine Acres Childrens Home | General fund | $10,000 |
| The Jensen Project | General fund | $10,000 |
| Marion School Foundation | General fund | $5,000 |
| Mason Booster Club | General fund | $5,000 |
| Mason Tennis Association | General fund | $5,000 |
| University of Chicago Booth School | General fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Marianne Schmitt Hellauer
Questions people ask
Does The Shepard Family Private Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Shepard Family Private Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Shepard Family Private Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Marianne Schmitt Hellauer (Trustee).
What does The Shepard Family Private Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, community development and environment and conservation.