Helga Marston Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Helga Marston Foundation is a private foundation in Greenville, South Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $586,264 in 40 grants; the typical grant was $2,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$586,264
- Number of grants40
- Typical grant$2,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$11.2 million
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was down from $751,237 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 | $611,114 | 30 | $10.2 million |
| 2024 | $751,237 | 43 | $10.7 million |
| 2025 | $586,264 | 40 | $11.2 million |
How to apply
Helga Marston 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 Helga Marston Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to South Carolina. It also paid $2,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 32 | $410,494 |
| Florida | 6 | $173,570 |
| Illinois | 1 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Benjamin School | STEM programs | $125,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Greenville | Low income housing opportunities | $100,000 |
| Mill Village Ministeries | Village Engagement programs | $50,596 |
| Unity Health on Main | Access to health care for low income families | $50,036 |
| Greater Good Greenville | RevUpGVL social enterprise program | $36,035 |
| Chabad of Greenville | Childrens Summer Camp | $35,246 |
| Hispanic Alliance | Dreamer programs | $30,265 |
| Conestee Foundation | Childrens camp | $25,133 |
| Live Like Jake Foundation | Swim lessons and seminars on drowning prevention | $25,000 |
| Greenville Theater | Family Day at the theater | $20,897 |
| ACLU of S Carolina | Legal rights work | $20,000 |
| The Warehouse Theatre | Playwriting program for middle schoolers | $19,579 |
| Big Dog Ranch | Dog rescue | $12,000 |
| Place of Hope | Foster care program | $5,000 |
| Redefining Refuge | Anti sex trafficking | $5,000 |
| Peace Center Foundation | Theater programs | $3,642 |
| Palmetto State Fund | Womens services | $3,000 |
| League of Women Voters of SC | Voting rights programs | $2,582 |
| Greenville Jewish Film Festival | Community film festivals | $2,500 |
| Temple of Israel | Endowment program | $2,000 |
| First Baptist Church | Hosea Fund | $2,000 |
| Upstate International | Beyond the Headlines series | $1,618 |
| Planned Parenthood | Abortion care | $1,570 |
| Scetv | Educational programming | $1,303 |
| Various | Various small donations | $1,286 |
| Carolina Adsptive Golf | Adaptive goldf clsses | $669 |
| CentreStage | Theater productions | $643 |
| Metropolitan Arts Council | Grants to local arts organizations | $500 |
| Sterling Neighborhood Association | Programs for seniors | $500 |
| Project Host | Culinary training program | $500 |
| Congregation Beth Israel | Adult education classes | $476 |
| Cherrydale Elementary PTA | Enhancement of student activities | $450 |
| Upstate Circle of Friends | Childrens programs | $293 |
| Greenville Area Parkinson Society | Parkinson programs | $250 |
| Alzheimer Association | Alzheimers Research | $200 |
| Legacy Early College | Fine arts program | $176 |
| Meals on Wheels | Meal program | $100 |
| Trees Upstate | Work force training program | $86 |
| Nicholtown Child FamilyCollaborative | Christmas programs | $80 |
| Greenville Jewish Federation | Childrens programming | $53 |
Officers and trustees
- Bernardine Atkins
Questions people ask
Does Helga Marston Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Helga Marston Foundation give?
$586,264 in tax year 2025, across 40 grants, with a typical grant of $2,000.
Who runs Helga Marston Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Bernardine Atkins (Trustee).
What does Helga Marston Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly human services, education and youth programs.