The Chester Foundation
Accepts applications
The Chester Foundation is a private foundation in Chester, South Carolina. In tax year 2025 it gave $730,000 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $440,560. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$730,000
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$440,560
- Assets$117,594
- New grantees8%
Giving in 2025 was up from $728,750 the year before.
8% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $720,000 | 22 | $246,338 |
| 2024 | $728,750 | 20 | $76,912 |
| 2025 | $730,000 | 13 | $117,594 |
How to apply
| Contact | Joseph M McElwee Jr P O Box 832, Chester, SC 29706-0832 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (803) 581-9198 |
| What to submit | The organization accepts requests for assistance from 501 (c)3 organizations, governmental organizations and churches located in or for the benefit of chester county, sc. The organization will also accept requests from educational organizations qualifying as 501(c)3 organizations, primarily higher educations, where the organizations benefit needy individulas residing in chester county, sc, with financial requirements of attending the organization. No assistance can be provided, however, for any family members of any officers or trustees of the foundation. The trustees review requests and determine which organizations will be suppoted and at what level. |
| Deadlines | Requests will be considered when received. There are no deadlines. |
| Restrictions | None, except geographic parameters shown in the applications format. |
What The Chester Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in South Carolina.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 13 | $730,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Academy for Teaching and Learni | Public education | $440,560 |
| Clemson Univ Foundation | Public education | $120,000 |
| Edgemoor Community Action Assoc | Public charity | $39,000 |
| Chester Area United Way | Public charity | $25,000 |
| Christ Central Center of Hope | Public charity | $20,000 |
| Grasp | Public charty | $20,000 |
| Hospice Community Care | Public charity | $15,000 |
| Chester County Historical Society | Public charity | $13,440 |
| Chester County DSS | Municipal entity | $10,000 |
| Fort Lawn Community Center | Public charity | $10,000 |
| Individual | Church - food pantry | $10,000 |
| Palmetto Council | Public charity | $5,000 |
| Great Falls Dwntwn Assoc | Municipal entity | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ladson F Stringfellow
- Joseph M McElwee Jr
- Linda Sudol
- Janice T Dahnke
- Ann M McCrorey
- Dwight W Pearson
- J Brian Singleton
Questions people ask
Does The Chester Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: Requests will be considered when received. There are no deadlines.
How much does The Chester Foundation give?
$730,000 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Chester Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ladson F Stringfellow (Trustee), Joseph M McElwee Jr (Trustee), Linda Sudol (Trustee) and Janice T Dahnke (Trustee) among 7 officers and trustees.
What does The Chester Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.