The Gess Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Gess Foundation is a private foundation in Wellesley, Massachusetts. In tax year 2024 it gave $182,630 in 26 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $60,500. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$182,630
- Number of grants26
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$60,500
- Assets$4.5 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2024 was up from $126,861 the year before.
35% of its 2024 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 | $126,861 | 25 | $4.1 million |
| 2024 | $182,630 | 26 | $4.5 million |
How to apply
The Gess 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 Gess Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 10 | $89,800 |
| California | 6 | $37,750 |
| Maine | 6 | $36,080 |
| Maryland | 1 | $10,000 |
| New York | 3 | $9,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| From the Top | General support | $60,500 |
| 30 Mile River Watershed Association | General support | $25,000 |
| La Jolla Music Society | General support | $13,000 |
| Jewish Grandparents Network | General support | $10,000 |
| North Coast Repertory Theater | General support | $10,000 |
| Vanguard Culture | General support | $10,000 |
| West Newton Cinema Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Temple Beth Elohim | General support | $8,600 |
| Illustration Institute | General support | $7,500 |
| Anti-Defamation League | General support | $5,000 |
| Maine Defamation League | General support | $3,500 |
| The Old Globe | General support | $3,000 |
| Hebrew Senior Life | General support | $2,500 |
| House on the Moon | General support | $2,500 |
| Wbur | General support | $2,000 |
| Mt Vernon Fire Department | General support | $1,550 |
| WQXR | General support | $1,500 |
| Friends of Wellesley Library | General support | $1,000 |
| KPBS | General support | $1,000 |
| Neighbors Driving Neighbors | General support | $1,000 |
| Portland Chamber Music Festival | General support | $1,000 |
| WGBH | General support | $1,000 |
| Challenged Athlete Foundation | General support | $750 |
| National Center for Jewish Film | General support | $500 |
| Francis Parker School | General support | $200 |
| Parker Pond Association | General support | $30 |
Officers and trustees
- Gerald Slavet
- Susan F Slavet
Questions people ask
Does The Gess Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Gess Foundation give?
$182,630 in tax year 2024, across 26 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs The Gess Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Gerald Slavet (Trustee) and Susan F Slavet (Trustee).
What does The Gess Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, faith communities and education.