Elaine Stern Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Elaine Stern Foundation is a private foundation in Southfield, Michigan. In tax year 2025 it gave $750,000 in 15 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 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$750,000
- Number of grants15
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$16.9 million
- New grantees7%
Giving in 2025 was up from $730,550 the year before.
7% 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 | $685,000 | 14 | $15.5 million |
| 2024 | $730,550 | 16 | $15.9 million |
| 2025 | $750,000 | 15 | $16.9 million |
How to apply
Elaine Stern 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 Elaine Stern Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Michigan.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 15 | $750,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alternatives for Girls | College and career readiness program support. | $100,000 |
| Brilliant Detroit | Operations support at dexter-linwood neighborhood hub. | $75,000 |
| Detroit Public Media | Capital campaign and pbs kids programming support for the milwaukee junction neighborhood hub. | $75,000 |
| Humble Design Inc | Program support for the detroit metro area operations, with a focus on supporting military veterans. | $65,000 |
| Detroit Horse Power | Capital commitment for development of urban equestrian center. | $60,000 |
| Beyond Basics | Summer literacy program support. | $50,000 |
| College Career and Beyond | College access and success program support. | $50,000 |
| Michigan State University - Hillel | Leadership development program support. | $50,000 |
| Regents of the University of Michigan - Student Life Development | Blavins scholars program support. | $50,000 |
| Winning Futures | Workforce prep mentoring program support. | $45,000 |
| Gesher Human Services | Support for the clubhouse for the common good operations. | $40,000 |
| Racquet Up Detroit | Pathways to success program support. | $30,000 |
| Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan | General support under the elaine stern foundation fund at the community foundation for southeast michigan. | $25,000 |
| Motown Museum | Hitsville next program support for the studio recording and engineering pods. | $25,000 |
| Beds 4 Kids | Materials cost support. | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- R Christopher Cataldo
- Sheri Cataldo
- James M Reinhart
Questions people ask
Does Elaine Stern Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Elaine Stern Foundation give?
$750,000 in tax year 2025, across 15 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Elaine Stern Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists R Christopher Cataldo (President, Director, Trustee), Sheri Cataldo (Secretary, Director, Trustee) and James M Reinhart (Director, Trustee).
What does Elaine Stern Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and community development.