The Kustel Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Kustel Fund is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.2 million in 37 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $333,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants37
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$333,000
- Assets$20.6 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.2 million the year before.
14% 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 | $990,000 | 39 | $18.1 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 36 | $19.3 million |
| 2025 | $1.2 million | 37 | $20.6 million |
How to apply
The Kustel Fund 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 The Kustel Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 24 | $938,000 |
| New York | 2 | $70,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $50,000 |
| Virginia | 3 | $40,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $25,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Stinson Beach Volunteer Fire Assn | For the use of the donee organization | $333,000 |
| Canal Alliance of Marin County | For the use of the donee organization | $125,000 |
| Glide Foundation | For the use of the donee organization | $125,000 |
| Homeward Bound of Marin | For the use of the donee organization | $50,000 |
| House of Blue Hope | For the use of the donee organization | $50,000 |
| San Francisco-Marin Food Bank | For the use of the donee organization | $50,000 |
| The Kitchen | For the use of the donee organization | $50,000 |
| Seeds of Learning | For the use of the donee organization | $40,000 |
| Jewish Family and Childrens Service of Marin | For the use of the donee organization | $35,000 |
| Project Open Hand | For the use of the donee organization | $35,000 |
| Alameda Food Bank | For the use of the donee organization | $25,000 |
| American India Foundation | For the use of the donee organization | $20,000 |
| Carpenters Shelter | For the use of the donee organization | $20,000 |
| Play Marin | For the use of the donee organization | $15,000 |
| Boys to Men Mentoring | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Campaign for the Fair Sentencing of Youth | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Ceres Community Project | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Child & Family Center of Alexandria | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Cots | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Louisiana Parole Project | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Operation Hope | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Ready Willing and Working | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Solutions for Change | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Strong Hearted Native Woman | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Undocufund | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Vivalon Healthy Aging Center | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| Volunteers of America | For the use of the donee organization | $10,000 |
| 10000 Degrees | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Bridge the Gap | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| California Pacific Medical Center | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Jewish Community Federation | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Marin Health Foundation | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Nonhuman Teachers | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Phoenix Project Marin | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| The Boma Foundation | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| The Mega Lab | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
| Women Helping All People | For the use of the donee organization | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Karen Kustel
- Robert Kustel
Questions people ask
Does The Kustel Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Kustel Fund give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2025, across 37 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Kustel Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Karen Kustel (Co-Trustee) and Robert Kustel (Co-Trustee).
What does The Kustel Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, youth programs and education.