The Neel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Neel Foundation is a private foundation in Croton on Hudson, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $102,235 in 131 grants; the typical grant was $500 and the largest $5,000. 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$102,235
- Number of grants131
- Typical grant$500
- Largest grant$5,000
- Assets$3.5 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $101,110 the year before.
28% 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 | $95,115 | 142 | $2.6 million |
| 2024 | $101,110 | 120 | $3.1 million |
| 2025 | $102,235 | 131 | $3.5 million |
How to apply
The Neel 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 The Neel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 27 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 26 | $20,010 |
| Virginia | 13 | $10,050 |
| North Carolina | 14 | $9,900 |
| District of Columbia | 14 | $7,600 |
| California | 10 | $7,300 |
| Colorado | 6 | $7,000 |
| Illinois | 3 | $7,000 |
| Maine | 3 | $5,200 |
| New Hampshire | 4 | $3,525 |
| Arkansas | 4 | $3,250 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kennebec Valley Community College | Charitable contribution | $5,000 |
| Medglobal | Charitable contribution | $4,000 |
| Natures Best Foundation | Charitable contribution | $3,000 |
| Adopt-A-Native-Elder | Charitable contribution | $2,700 |
| Asheville Symphony Orchestra | Charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Briarcliff Congregational Church | Charitable contribution | $2,500 |
| Association to Benefit Children | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Compassion International | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Falcon Ridge Equine Rescue | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Irc International Rescue Committee | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Medshare | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Peppertree Dog Rescue | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Tomoka Christian Church | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Tuck Annual Giving | Charitable contribution | $2,000 |
| Beads for Education | Charitable contribution | $1,750 |
| Alliance Earth | Charitable contribution | $1,500 |
| Loudoun Free Clinic | Charitable contribution | $1,500 |
| New York Botanical Garden | Charitable contribution | $1,500 |
| New York Military Academy | Charitable contribution | $1,500 |
| Wildlife Conservation Society | Charitable contribution | $1,500 |
| Single Mothers Outreach | Charitable contribution | $1,300 |
| Jumptart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy | Charitable contribution | $1,250 |
| The Rse Foundation Inc | Charitable contribution | $1,250 |
| AAUW (Gem Fund) | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Asheville Arboretum | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Asheville Watchdog | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Backback Buddies Foundation of Loudoun | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Briarcliff Congregational Church | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Capital Area Food Bank | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Compassion International | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Foothills Animal Shelter | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Humane Society for Animals Inc | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Ies Abroad | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| National Park Foundation | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Rotary Foundation of Rotary International Saucony Valley Chapter for the K | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Samburu Youth Education Fund | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
| Squam Lakes Association | Charitable contribution | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James Neel
- Mary Neel Gilbert
- Wendy Neel Ellsworth
- Kathryn Leeds Neel
- Sophia Neel Kountz
- Amy Bowen Neel
Questions people ask
Does The Neel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Neel Foundation give?
$102,235 in tax year 2025, across 131 grants, with a typical grant of $500.
Who runs The Neel Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James Neel (President), Mary Neel Gilbert (Vice President), Wendy Neel Ellsworth (Secretary) and Kathryn Leeds Neel (Treasurer) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does The Neel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, animals and international.