Saunders Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Saunders Foundation is a private foundation in Rochester, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $6.8 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $5.4 million. 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$6.8 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$5.4 million
- Assets$7.4 million
- New grantees41%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
41% of its 2024 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 | $1.4 million | 31 | $8.1 million |
| 2024 | $6.8 million | 31 | $7.4 million |
How to apply
Saunders 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 Saunders Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 29 | $6.7 million |
| Connecticut | 1 | $2,500 |
| Georgia | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Rochester | value of donated stocks to UofR | $5.4 million |
| Saunders Museum | value of donated stocks to Saunders Museum | $997,611 |
| Hope Hall School | program funding-Dolce Method | $55,000 |
| St John Fisher College | White Coat Scholarship-School of Pharmacy | $50,000 |
| Education Success Foundation | annual program funding | $50,000 |
| Saranac Lake Civic Center | roof recondition | $50,000 |
| The Healing Connection Residential Trtmt | startup cash flow and building costs | $50,000 |
| Bivona Child Advocacy Center | program funding | $10,000 |
| United Way of Greater Rochester | annual giving-direct to Livingston County | $10,000 |
| Nativity Preparatory Academy of Rochester | fund continuation of academic programs | $10,000 |
| monroe community college foundation | STAR Power Scholarship annual | $10,000 |
| Kiwanis Club of York-Leicester Foundation | program funding | $10,000 |
| Youth for Christ | program funding | $10,000 |
| monroe community college foundation | annual fund | $10,000 |
| Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester | program funding | $10,000 |
| Girls on the Run of Greater Rochester | program funding | $10,000 |
| Adirondack Health Foundation | Cornerstone Campaign medication room | $10,000 |
| Town of Ossian Historical Society | rebuild & repair historical Ossian School House | $10,000 |
| Genesee Country Village & Museum | program funding | $5,000 |
| Avon Central Schools | program funding for The "Closet" | $5,000 |
| Our Lady of Mercy School | program funding | $5,000 |
| McQuaid Jesuit | program funding | $5,000 |
| Friends of Livonia | new Livonia Bulldog Mascot suit | $3,000 |
| Rett Syndrome Research Trust | Hope Sponsor NY Fall Festival 2024 | $2,500 |
| Al Sigl Community of Agencies | Just One Campaign annual | $2,500 |
| Town of Ossian Historical Society | rebuild historical Ossian School House | $1,500 |
| Rochester Museum & Science Center | for Cumming Nature Center | $1,000 |
| Five Rivers Council--BSA | annual giving-Dansville Troop in ThunderBird District of Five Rivers Council | $1,000 |
| American Legion Post 87 | Project Christmas annual | $500 |
| Footin' It For Family | program sponsor | $200 |
| American Cancer Society | program funding-breast cancer walk Sheri L | $200 |
Officers and trustees
- E Philip Saunders
- Patricia Redding
- Robert Jr Sant
- Sheri LeFrois
Questions people ask
Does Saunders Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Saunders Foundation give?
$6.8 million in tax year 2024, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs Saunders Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists E Philip Saunders (Chairman Emeritus), Patricia Redding (President and Chief Executive Officer), Robert Jr Sant (Secretary and General Counsel) and Sheri LeFrois (Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer).
What does Saunders Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and youth programs.