The Rust Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Rust Foundation is a private foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $381,252 in 109 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $30,500. 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$381,252
- Number of grants109
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$30,500
- Assets$5.8 million
- New grantees45%
Giving in 2025 was up from $305,000 the year before.
45% 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 | $304,000 | 88 | $6.0 million |
| 2024 | $305,000 | 95 | $6.9 million |
| 2025 | $381,252 | 109 | $5.8 million |
How to apply
The Rust 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 Rust Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 26 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 23 | $98,500 |
| Virginia | 15 | $55,200 |
| New York | 10 | $49,500 |
| Tennessee | 8 | $35,500 |
| Ohio | 7 | $30,750 |
| Michigan | 4 | $22,000 |
| California | 6 | $14,000 |
| Maryland | 3 | $13,552 |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $11,000 |
| Connecticut | 4 | $9,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fields for Kids | General purpose | $30,500 |
| Woodberry Forest School | General purpose | $28,500 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | General purpose | $27,500 |
| Chatham University | General purpose | $26,000 |
| Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh | General purpose | $16,000 |
| Save A Warrior | General purpose | $15,000 |
| St Anthony School Programs | General purpose | $12,500 |
| Oncue Theatre Incorporated | General purpose | $11,052 |
| Fox Families Care | General purpose | $11,000 |
| Genesis of Ann Arbor | General purpose | $10,000 |
| The Salvation Army of Loudoun County | General purpose | $10,000 |
| St Clare's Episcopal Church | General purpose | $9,000 |
| New Canaan County School | General purpose | $7,500 |
| Carlow University | General purpose | $6,500 |
| Sweet Briar College | General purpose | $6,500 |
| Murray Avenue PTA SCH00L 18-164 | General purpose | $6,000 |
| St Andrews Episcopal Church | General purpose | $5,500 |
| California Community Foundation | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Dream Center Foundation | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Southern Poverty Law Center | General purpose | $5,000 |
| St Philip's by the Sea Episcopal Chapel | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Standing Up to Stigma | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Calvary Episcopal Church | General purpose | $4,000 |
| Drake University | General purpose | $3,500 |
| National Ms Society | General purpose | $3,500 |
| Autism Society Central Ohio | General purpose | $3,250 |
| Poshard Foundation for Abused Children | General purpose | $3,250 |
| American Whitewater | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Capital Area Food Bank | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Food Bank for New York City | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Hilliard Food Pantry Plus | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Central & Western Ny | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Theta Chi at Drake University HHF | General purpose | $3,000 |
| Hillsdale College | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Middle Tennessee State University Fdn | General purpose | $2,500 |
| Carleton College | General purpose | $2,000 |
| Cripple Creek Presbyterian Church | General purpose | $2,000 |
| Fairbanks Community Hospital Foundation | General purpose | $2,000 |
| Listen Community Services | General purpose | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thatcher O Montgomery
- Coburn J Gillies
- R Bruce Rust
- Molly R Montgomery
- James O Rust
- David C Gilles
- Nancy L Gillies
Questions people ask
Does The Rust Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Rust Foundation give?
$381,252 in tax year 2025, across 109 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Rust Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Thatcher O Montgomery (President), Coburn J Gillies (Trustee), R Bruce Rust (Trustee) and Molly R Montgomery (Treasurer) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The Rust Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, food and hunger and youth programs.