Bear Foundation- Tr
Preselected recipients only
Bear Foundation- Tr is a private foundation in Pennington, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $183,000 in 7 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 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$183,000
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$1.7 million
- New grantees71%
Giving in 2025 was up from $59,000 the year before.
71% 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 | $72,000 | 7 | $1.6 million |
| 2024 | $59,000 | 6 | $1.7 million |
| 2025 | $183,000 | 7 | $1.7 million |
How to apply
Bear Foundation- Tr 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 Bear Foundation- Tr funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Illinois.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 1 | $100,000 |
| New Hampshire | 4 | $73,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $5,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern University | Scholarships | $100,000 |
| Media Power Youth | Unrestricted general | $38,000 |
| YMCA of Greater Nashua | Unrestricted general | $30,000 |
| Lincoln Nursery School Inc | Unrestricted general | $5,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club of Collier County | Unrestricted general | $5,000 |
| Chase Home for Children | Unrestricted general | $2,500 |
| Seacoast Women's Giving Circle | Unrestricted general | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Donna Karwoski
- Lauren Weddleton
- Gina Cherco
- Nicholas Karwoski
- Alexander Karwoski
- Timothy Weddleton
- Clint Cherco
Questions people ask
Does Bear Foundation- Tr accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bear Foundation- Tr give?
$183,000 in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Bear Foundation- Tr?
Its 2025 filing lists Donna Karwoski (Trustee), Lauren Weddleton (Trustee), Gina Cherco (Trustee) and Nicholas Karwoski (Trustee) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does Bear Foundation- Tr fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and youth programs.