Elster Forbes Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Elster Forbes Foundation is a private foundation in Ballwin, Missouri. In tax year 2025 it gave $342,000 in 12 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $82,000. 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$342,000
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$82,000
- Assets$8.4 million
- New grantees42%
Giving in 2025 was down from $350,500 the year before.
42% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $287,500 | 8 | $7.1 million |
| 2024 | $350,500 | 10 | $7.6 million |
| 2025 | $342,000 | 12 | $8.4 million |
How to apply
Elster Forbes 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 Elster Forbes Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 2 | $100,000 |
| New York | 1 | $82,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $50,000 |
| North Carolina | 2 | $30,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $10,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $5,000 |
| South Carolina | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Michael J Fox Foundation | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $82,000 |
| Cure Alzheimer Fund | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Recovery Institute of MGH | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Feeding America | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Mental Health America | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $50,000 |
| Babies Need Bottoms | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $25,000 |
| Not One More Vet | To advance organizations charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| SCVets Care Foundation | to promote animal welfare and the human-animal-veterinary bond in South Carolina. | $5,000 |
| Asheville Buncombe Com Christ Minis | To further medical mission | $5,000 |
| NAMI Central Texas | To support mental health initiatives | $5,000 |
| Calebs Closet | To further organizations charitable purpose | $5,000 |
| Rock Steady Boxing Inc | To help people with Parkinsons disease | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jeanine J Elster
- Patricia Forbes
- Allen D Elster
Questions people ask
Does Elster Forbes Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Elster Forbes Foundation give?
$342,000 in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs Elster Forbes Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jeanine J Elster (Director), Patricia Forbes (Vice Chair) and Allen D Elster (Secretary Treasurer).
What does Elster Forbes Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health.