Estelle J Kelsey Foundation
Accepts applications
Estelle J Kelsey Foundation is a private foundation in Reno, Nevada. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 36 grants; the typical grant was $10,875 and the largest $250,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.3 million
- Number of grants36
- Typical grant$10,875
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$33.3 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.2 million the year before.
32% of its 2025 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 | $1.1 million | 27 | $26.3 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 36 | $30.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 36 | $33.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Estelle J Kelsey Foundation 5008 Lakeridge Terrace East, Reno, NV 89509 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (775) 826-4860 |
| What to submit | Solicitations for grants or funds must meet foundation criteria as to being of a charitable nature and for a specific project or purpose. |
| Deadlines | No specific submission deadlines are in effect at present. |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Estelle J Kelsey Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Nevada.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 35 | $1.2 million |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Renown Health Foundation | Deep brain foundation | $250,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows | Education | $200,000 |
| Nevada Museum of Art | Hands on program | $150,000 |
| University of Nevada Reno Foundation | Public health facility | $100,000 |
| University of Nevada Foundation Athletic Department | Field house construction | $90,000 |
| Nevada State Prison Preservation Society | Preservation project | $80,000 |
| Food Bank of Northern Nevada | Families in need | $32,200 |
| Food Bank of Northern Nevada | Food program | $30,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Mason Valley | Education | $25,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada | Education | $25,000 |
| Care Chest of Sierra Nevada | Family health | $20,000 |
| Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada | Family programs | $20,000 |
| Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission | Children in need | $20,000 |
| Individual | Families in need | $20,000 |
| 1701 Group | Help for children | $15,000 |
| Good Sheperd's Clothes Closet | Children | $15,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows | Health education | $14,000 |
| Nevada Women's History Fund | History projects | $11,750 |
| Artown | Promote programs | $10,000 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Northern Nevada | Youth campaign | $10,000 |
| Children's Cancer Foundation | Cure cancer | $10,000 |
| Eddy House | Homeless youth | $10,000 |
| Hopes of Northern Nevada | Family healthcare | $10,000 |
| Jimmy Olivas Athletic Foundation | Kids | $10,000 |
| NAMI Northern Nevada | Children support | $10,000 |
| Note-Able Music Therapy Services | Children therapy | $10,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House | Children aid | $10,000 |
| University of Nevada Foundation | Unr scholarships | $6,230 |
| Highfives Foundation | Preventing injuries | $5,000 |
| PBS Reno | Classroom program | $5,000 |
| Remsa Health | New airbus | $5,000 |
| Reno Philharmonic | Support rpak program | $5,000 |
| Sierra Kids Foundation | Children in need | $5,000 |
| University of Nevada Foundation | Student health | $5,000 |
| Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts | Arts | $3,380 |
| Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows | Youth services | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Donald Bernard Sr
- Carolyn Bernard
- Donald Bernard II
Questions people ask
Does Estelle J Kelsey Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: No specific submission deadlines are in effect at present.
How much does Estelle J Kelsey Foundation give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 36 grants, with a typical grant of $10,875.
Who runs Estelle J Kelsey Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Donald Bernard Sr (Trustee/Chairman/President), Carolyn Bernard (Trustee/Secretary/Treasure) and Donald Bernard II (Trustee).
What does Estelle J Kelsey Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and youth programs.