The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation is a private foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $705,000 in 16 grants; the typical grant was $37,500 and the largest $100,000. 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$705,000
- Number of grants16
- Typical grant$37,500
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$16.4 million
- New grantees25%
Giving in 2025 was up from $615,000 the year before.
25% 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 | $675,000 | 10 | $13.9 million |
| 2024 | $615,000 | 14 | $15.0 million |
| 2025 | $705,000 | 16 | $16.4 million |
How to apply
The Clara E and John H Ware Jr 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 Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 7 | $330,000 |
| Massachusetts | 7 | $250,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $100,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $25,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham & Womens Hospital | Rich family research fund | $100,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Preclinical gene therapy for hearing loss program | $100,000 |
| University of Vermont Foundation | Support graduate scholarships | $100,000 |
| Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute | Support instructor position | $75,000 |
| Pennsylvania School of the Deaf | Support psd's deaf professionals in residence program | $70,000 |
| Philabundance | General support | $50,000 |
| Project Home | For the housing program | $50,000 |
| The Phoenix Multisport | Support capital campaign | $40,000 |
| Sorptimist | Support the live your deams awards program | $35,000 |
| Gloucester Education Foundation | High school - medical assisting instructional materials | $30,000 |
| Deep Vellum Publishing | Support english translation of stefano d'arrigo's horcynus orca | $25,000 |
| Theatre Exile | Support the paper wings program | $20,000 |
| Enchantment Theatre Company | General support | $5,000 |
| New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center | General support | $3,000 |
| Harvard Divinity School | General support | $1,000 |
| Harvard Catholic Center | General support | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph R Gates
- Paul W Gates
- Lisa R Rich
Questions people ask
Does The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation give?
$705,000 in tax year 2025, across 16 grants, with a typical grant of $37,500.
Who runs The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph R Gates (President), Paul W Gates (Vice-President) and Lisa R Rich (Treasurer).
What does The Clara E and John H Ware Jr Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and arts and culture.