The Ceres Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The Ceres Foundation Inc is a private foundation in Charleston, South Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 45 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $200,000. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants45
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$200,000
- Assets$28.9 million
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $961,000 the year before.
20% 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 | $1.0 million | 72 | $27.4 million |
| 2024 | $961,000 | 59 | $27.2 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 45 | $28.9 million |
How to apply
The Ceres Foundation Inc 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 Ceres Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to South Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 14 | $532,000 |
| Virginia | 8 | $225,000 |
| Connecticut | 11 | $210,000 |
| Georgia | 9 | $55,000 |
| California | 1 | $10,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $10,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Conservancy of SC | chelsea plantation | $200,000 |
| Gibbes Museum of Art | honor of angela mack | $185,000 |
| Community School | challenge met | $100,000 |
| Nuvance Health Network | general fund and endowment/john murphy | $100,000 |
| Hotchkiss School | honor of 1st girls | $50,000 |
| Nemours Wildlife Foundation | cattle study | $50,000 |
| GrowFood Carolina | packing boxes | $35,000 |
| Blue Ridge Literacy | general fund | $30,000 |
| Fare | challenge met | $25,000 |
| Roanoke Symphony Orchestra | challenge met | $25,000 |
| Science Museum of Western VA | general fund | $15,000 |
| St Francis Service Dogs | general fund | $15,000 |
| Davis Love III Foundation | general fund | $10,000 |
| Foxfield FARMS | general fund | $10,000 |
| Friends of Caroline Hospice | general fund | $10,000 |
| Friends of Drayton Hall | general fund | $10,000 |
| Golden Opportunities | general fund | $10,000 |
| Grace House of Brunswick | general fund | $10,000 |
| International Medical Corps | general fund | $10,000 |
| Mill Mountain Theatre | general fund | $10,000 |
| Southern Environmental Law Center | sc office | $10,000 |
| University of Texas at Austin | morgantina fund | $10,000 |
| Westminster School | general fund | $10,000 |
| Ability Beyond Disability | general fund | $5,000 |
| Ann's Place The Home of I Can | general fund | $5,000 |
| Best Pets | general fund | $5,000 |
| Boys Farm Inc | ag programs | $5,000 |
| Centerpoint Church at Remount | general fund | $5,000 |
| Connecticut Burn Care Foundation | general fund | $5,000 |
| Exceptional Sidekick | general fund | $5,000 |
| Fennell Elementary Magnet School | general fund | $5,000 |
| Glynn Community Crisis Center | general fund | $5,000 |
| Golden Isle Veterans Village Initiative | general fund | $5,000 |
| Green Heart Project | general fund | $5,000 |
| Humane Society of South Coastal GA | general fund | $5,000 |
| LVA School | general fund | $5,000 |
| Morningstar Childrens and Family Services | general fund | $5,000 |
| Operation Bedspread | general fund | $5,000 |
| Preservation Society of Charleston | general fund | $5,000 |
| Safe Harbor Center Inc | general fund | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Stephen L Gavel
- Frank Gavel Jr
- Linda Gavel Webb
Questions people ask
Does The Ceres Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Ceres Foundation Inc give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 45 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Ceres Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists Stephen L Gavel (President/Exec. Director), Frank Gavel Jr (Secretary/Vice President) and Linda Gavel Webb (Treasurer/Vice President).
What does The Ceres Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and education.