Bell Schaefer Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bell Schaefer Family Foundation is a private foundation in Raleigh, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $318,625 in 60 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $112,000. 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$318,625
- Number of grants60
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$112,000
- Assets$7.0 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $216,580 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 | $149,676 | 51 | $5.2 million |
| 2024 | $216,580 | 53 | $7.3 million |
| 2025 | $318,625 | 60 | $7.0 million |
How to apply
Bell Schaefer Family 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 Bell Schaefer Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to North Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 53 | $313,575 |
| California | 1 | $2,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Minnesota | 2 | $550 |
| Illinois | 1 | $500 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $500 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Health Foundation | Endowments and cancer center | $112,000 |
| North Carolina Art Museum | General support | $50,000 |
| White Memorial Presbyterian Church | General support | $35,000 |
| Ncsu Foundation | General support | $28,000 |
| North Carolina Museum of History | General support | $25,000 |
| The Great Raleigh Cleanup | General support | $10,000 |
| Haven House Services | General support | $6,000 |
| Dix Park Conservancy | General support | $5,000 |
| YMCA of the Triangle | General support | $3,550 |
| Wolfpack Investors Network | General support | $3,000 |
| Healing Transitions | General support | $2,500 |
| St Baldrick's Foundation | General support | $2,000 |
| Wake Med Foundation | General support | $1,750 |
| Helene Foundation | General support | $1,475 |
| Habitat for Humanity Wake County | General support | $1,050 |
| Meals on Wheels of Wake County | General support | $1,050 |
| A Place at the Table | General support | $1,000 |
| Abilities Tennis of North Carolina | General support | $1,000 |
| Alliance Medical Ministry | General support | $1,000 |
| American Red Cross | General support | $1,000 |
| Appalachian State University Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Blood Cancer United | General support | $1,000 |
| Campbell University | General support | $1,000 |
| Community of Hope Ministries | General support | $1,000 |
| Dress for Success Triangle NC | Endowment and general support | $1,000 |
| Duke University Health Systems | General support | $1,000 |
| Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC | General support | $1,000 |
| Foundation of Hope | General support | $1,000 |
| Interfaith Food Shuttle | General support | $1,000 |
| NAMI NC | General support | $1,000 |
| NC Agricultural Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| North Raleigh Ministries | General support | $1,000 |
| Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle | General support | $1,000 |
| SPCA of Wake County | General support | $1,000 |
| Stepup Ministry | General support | $1,000 |
| Transitions Lifecare | General support | $1,000 |
| Triangle Family Services | General support | $1,000 |
| Boys & Girls Club | General support | $650 |
| Advance Community Health Services | General support | $500 |
| Alzheimers Association | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- John McNair Bell
- Laura Schaefer Bell
Questions people ask
Does Bell Schaefer Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bell Schaefer Family Foundation give?
$318,625 in tax year 2025, across 60 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs Bell Schaefer Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John McNair Bell (President & Treasurer) and Laura Schaefer Bell (Vice President & Secretary).
What does Bell Schaefer Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, arts and culture and faith communities.