Sterling Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sterling Foundation is a private foundation in Pittsboro, North Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $64,000 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $8,000. 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$64,000
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$8,000
- Assets$552,557
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was down from $148,200 the year before.
56% 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 | $39,800 | 14 | $589,433 |
| 2024 | $148,200 | 21 | $543,585 |
| 2025 | $64,000 | 25 | $552,557 |
How to apply
Sterling 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 Sterling Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 12 states, the most to Missouri.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 4 | $14,500 |
| Texas | 3 | $11,000 |
| North Carolina | 5 | $9,000 |
| California | 2 | $6,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $6,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $4,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $3,000 |
| Virginia | 2 | $2,500 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $2,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SportsQuest | Donation | $8,000 |
| Concordia Theological Seminary | Donation | $6,000 |
| African Inland Mission | Donation | $6,000 |
| Assembly of God | Donation | $4,000 |
| Daily Hope | Daily broadcast messages to spread the Gospel message - worldwide operations. | $4,000 |
| One Hope | Mission organization that spreads the Gospel message internationally. | $4,000 |
| Reaching Avery Ministries | Donation | $3,000 |
| LCMS Youth Ministries | Mission support to help defray the costs of Servant Event weeks at Camp Linn Haven - Linville NC. | $2,500 |
| CoreLuv | Donation | $2,000 |
| Crossnore Communities | Donation | $2,000 |
| Samaritans Purse | Donation | $2,000 |
| Childrens Cup | Donation | $2,000 |
| Hope and Care Outreach | Supports Missionary work to orphanages in Africa. | $2,000 |
| Childrens Hunger Fund | Children focused international food ministry. | $2,000 |
| Mission of Christ Network | Lutheran organization that sends mission partners to share the Gospel message internationally. | $2,000 |
| Young Life Canada | Donation Note: Correct mailing address is 102 9440 - 202 Street Langley BC V1M 4A6 Canada address | $2,000 |
| Multiplication Network | International organization to build churches and train pastors to spread the Gospel message. | $2,000 |
| Christian Aid Mission | Christian organization that spreads the Gospel message internationally. | $1,500 |
| LINC Houston | Donation | $1,000 |
| Prison Alliance | Support ministry to incarcerated individuals. | $1,000 |
| Good Shepherd of India | Mission support to reach the people of India with the Gospel message. | $1,000 |
| Slavic Gospel Association | Mission support primarily to Eastern European countries Ukraine | $1,000 |
| Evangelical Church of America | Support Missionary work in Africa. | $1,000 |
| Mountainside Lutheran | Mission outreach for children - international. | $1,000 |
| American Bible Society | Distribution of Bibles internationally. | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Stephen Robinson
- Esther Robinson
- Rachel Hahn
- Sarah Barbera
Questions people ask
Does Sterling Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sterling Foundation give?
$64,000 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Sterling Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Stephen Robinson (Trustee), Esther Robinson (Trustee), Rachel Hahn (Trustee) and Sarah Barbera (Trustee).
What does Sterling Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, international and youth programs.