Richard C von Hess Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Richard C von Hess Foundation is a private foundation in Columbia, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.4 million in 13 grants; the typical grant was $100,000 and the largest $2.0 million. 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$3.4 million
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$100,000
- Largest grant$2.0 million
- Assets$24.1 million
- New grantees46%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.7 million the year before.
46% 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 | $1.9 million | 24 | $25.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.7 million | 24 | $25.1 million |
| 2025 | $3.4 million | 13 | $24.1 million |
How to apply
Richard C von Hess 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 Richard C von Hess Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 8 | $3.0 million |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $250,000 |
| Delaware | 1 | $60,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Louise Steinman von Hess Foundation | Support transformation of the adjacent railroad building into a visitor's center, museum and library annex | $2.0 million |
| Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts | Support the richard c. Von hess foundation scholarship and travel awards, the reconfigured memorial travel award in conjunction with pafa certificate programs, the hvac replacement project for pafa's historic landmark building, and the a nation of artists exhibition | $314,600 |
| Woodmere Art Museum | Support the establishment and to secure naming rights for frances m. Maguire hall | $250,000 |
| Western Pennsylvania Conservancy | Support the preservation of the unesco world heritage site fallingwater | $200,000 |
| Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | Support the book of esther in the age of rembrandt exhibition | $150,000 |
| Historical Society of Pennsylvania | Support renovations of hsp's conservation services laboratory | $125,000 |
| Peabody Essex Museum | Support the saints, sinners, lovers and fools: 300 years of flemish masterworks exhibition | $100,000 |
| Delaware Art Museum | Renovation of galleries 15 & 16 | $60,000 |
| Demuth Foundation | Support three year strategic plan | $52,150 |
| Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens | Support the setting sail: the story of sea cloud exhibition | $50,000 |
| Landis Valley Associates | Support the gunsmiths of the early republic: lancaster's legacy in american firearms exhibition | $30,000 |
| Friends of the Maryland State Archives Inc | Support the publication of finding the maryland 400 | $25,000 |
| Longwood Gardens | Memorial donation - gary hufford | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas Hills Cook
- Warren A Reintzel Esquire
Questions people ask
Does Richard C von Hess Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Richard C von Hess Foundation give?
$3.4 million in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $100,000.
Who runs Richard C von Hess Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Thomas Hills Cook (Managing Trustee) and Warren A Reintzel Esquire (Trustee).
What does Richard C von Hess Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.