The Aksel Nielsen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Aksel Nielsen Foundation is a private foundation in Westport, Massachusetts. In tax year 2025 it gave $227,828 in 41 grants; the typical grant was $3,000 and the largest $60,000. 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$227,828
- Number of grants41
- Typical grant$3,000
- Largest grant$60,000
- Assets$5.2 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $199,780 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 | $200,475 | 37 | $4.5 million |
| 2024 | $199,780 | 37 | $7.6 million |
| 2025 | $227,828 | 41 | $5.2 million |
How to apply
The Aksel Nielsen 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 Aksel Nielsen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 28 | $146,328 |
| Colorado | 1 | $40,000 |
| New York | 3 | $12,000 |
| Alabama | 2 | $10,000 |
| California | 2 | $7,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $5,000 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $3,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $2,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Avoda | General support | $60,000 |
| National Sports Center for the Disabled | General support | $40,000 |
| Greater Boston Food Bank | General support | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | General support | $6,000 |
| Temple Beth Shalom | General support | $5,168 |
| ACLU | General support | $5,000 |
| Adl New England | General support | $5,000 |
| Casa Myrna Vazquez | General support | $5,000 |
| Equal Justice Initiative | General support | $5,000 |
| JCRC Jewish Community Relations Council | General support | $5,000 |
| Jewish Health Care Center | General support | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts Audubon Society | General support | $5,000 |
| Rosie's Place | General support | $5,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General support | $5,000 |
| The Trevor Project | General support | $5,000 |
| Trustees of the Reservation | General support | $5,000 |
| Westport Land Conservation Trust | General support | $5,000 |
| Westport River Watershed Alliance | General support | $5,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | General support | $5,000 |
| Weston Library | General support | $3,000 |
| Worcester Academy | General support | $3,000 |
| Tifereth Israel | General support | $2,700 |
| Massachusetts Assn for Mental Health | General support | $2,500 |
| USC Gould School of Law | General support | $2,500 |
| Wbur-Public Radio | General support | $2,500 |
| WGBH | General support | $2,500 |
| K-9'S for Warriors | General support | $2,000 |
| New England Innocence Project | General suport | $2,000 |
| Sandy Hook Promise | General support | $2,000 |
| Shalom Austin | General support | $2,000 |
| Veteran's Inc | General support | $2,000 |
| Town of Weston | General support | $1,460 |
| Bard College | General support | $1,000 |
| Experience Camps | General support | $1,000 |
| Land Sake Farms | General support | $1,000 |
| Weston Forest and Trail Assoc | General support | $1,000 |
| Friends of the Needham Public Library | General support | $500 |
| Needham Community Council | General support | $500 |
| Needham Observer | General support | $500 |
| Weston Observer | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Judith M Pemstein
- Alan B Pemstein
- Benjamin Pemstein
- Michael Pemstein
- Robert Pemstein
Questions people ask
Does The Aksel Nielsen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Aksel Nielsen Foundation give?
$227,828 in tax year 2025, across 41 grants, with a typical grant of $3,000.
Who runs The Aksel Nielsen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Judith M Pemstein (President), Alan B Pemstein (Secretary), Benjamin Pemstein (Trustee) and Michael Pemstein (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Aksel Nielsen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, environment and conservation and faith communities.