The Chester Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Chester Family Foundation is a private foundation in Columbus, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $100,500 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $3,500 and the largest $20,000. 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$100,500
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$3,500
- Largest grant$20,000
- Assets$2.2 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was up from $87,055 the year before.
35% 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 | $84,350 | 16 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $87,055 | 17 | $2.1 million |
| 2025 | $100,500 | 20 | $2.2 million |
How to apply
The Chester 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 The Chester Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 17 | $82,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $10,000 |
| Michigan | 1 | $7,500 |
| Wyoming | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide Children's Hospital Foundation | Medical care of children | $20,000 |
| Ohio Health Foundation | Health care, cancer research & patient support | $12,500 |
| Give Neurohealth Inc | Improve lives for those living with neurological conditions | $10,000 |
| Psi Upsilon Foundation | Education | $10,000 |
| Friends of Drummond Island Fire | Support first responder organization | $7,500 |
| Mid Ohio Food Collective | Feeding the poor and homeless | $7,000 |
| Columbus Academy | Education | $5,000 |
| Columbus School for Girls | Education | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio | Reproductive healthcare for women | $5,000 |
| Families Flourish | Affordable housing opportunity & career guidance | $4,000 |
| Upper Arlington Lutheran Church | Church operations | $3,000 |
| The Wellington School | Education | $2,500 |
| Oakstone Academy | Education | $2,000 |
| Charity Newsies | Clothe needy children | $1,000 |
| Ohio History Center | Historical preservation | $1,000 |
| The Columbus Foundation | Community improvement | $1,000 |
| The Yellowill Foundation | Ewing sarcoma research | $1,000 |
| TVRC Education Foundation | Education | $1,000 |
| Upper Arlington Community Foundation | Community outreach | $1,000 |
| Upper Arlington Historical Society | Historical preservation | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Cecily C Alexander
- James J Chester
- John J Chester Jr
Questions people ask
Does The Chester Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Chester Family Foundation give?
$100,500 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $3,500.
Who runs The Chester Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cecily C Alexander (Vice-President), James J Chester (Secretary) and John J Chester Jr (Treasurer).
What does The Chester Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly health, youth programs and education.