The Vela Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Vela Foundation is a private foundation in Osterville, Massachusetts. In tax year 2024 it gave $351,844 in 17 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $81,844. 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$351,844
- Number of grants17
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$81,844
- Assets$12.1 million
- New grantees24%
Giving in 2024 was down from $356,000 the year before.
24% 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 | $356,000 | 29 | $11.3 million |
| 2024 | $351,844 | 17 | $12.1 million |
How to apply
The Vela 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What The Vela Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 14 | $225,000 |
| New York | 1 | $81,844 |
| Florida | 1 | $25,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $20,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus High School | General use | $81,844 |
| Adopt-A-Family | General use | $25,000 |
| Boston Medical Center | General use | $25,000 |
| Cape Cod Council of Churches | General use | $25,000 |
| Community Servings | General use | $25,000 |
| Wide Horizons for Children | General use | $25,000 |
| Coastal Foodshed | General use | $20,000 |
| Family Pantry of Cape Cod | General use | $20,000 |
| Homeless Prevention Council | General use | $20,000 |
| Pennsylvania State University | General purpose | $20,000 |
| Calmer Choice | General use | $15,000 |
| Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall River | General use | $15,000 |
| Mercy Meals and More | General use | $10,000 |
| My Brothers Keeper | General use | $10,000 |
| Hundred Club of Ma | General use | $5,000 |
| Hyannisport Scholarship Fund | General use | $5,000 |
| Youth Opportunities Unlimited | General purpose | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Bernadette T Rehnert
Questions people ask
Does The Vela Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Vela Foundation give?
$351,844 in tax year 2024, across 17 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Vela Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Bernadette T Rehnert (Trustee).
What does The Vela Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and food and hunger.