Bear-Sontz Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Bear-Sontz Family Foundation is a private foundation in Charlottesville, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $150,000 in 48 grants; the typical grant was $1,500 and the largest $25,000. 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$150,000
- Number of grants48
- Typical grant$1,500
- Largest grant$25,000
- Assets$2.0 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $122,050 the year before.
28% 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 | $110,000 | 43 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $122,050 | 45 | $1.8 million |
| 2025 | $150,000 | 48 | $2.0 million |
How to apply
Bear-Sontz Family 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 Bear-Sontz Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 15 | $66,000 |
| Florida | 13 | $49,250 |
| New York | 10 | $20,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $4,000 |
| California | 2 | $3,000 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $2,250 |
| Oregon | 1 | $2,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University Tanglewood | General | $25,000 |
| Turnout Activism Inc | General | $14,500 |
| Jewish Federation of South Palm | General | $12,000 |
| Boston Symphony Orchestra | General | $10,000 |
| Milagro Center | General | $8,500 |
| Lynn Women's Health Institute | General | $6,500 |
| Anti Defamation League | General | $5,500 |
| American Jewish Committee | General | $5,000 |
| Grace Church School | General | $4,000 |
| St Jude Children's Hospital | General | $4,000 |
| C-Cap | General | $3,000 |
| Jewish Family Children Services | General | $3,000 |
| Jewish Family Services | General | $3,000 |
| Cros Ministries - DB Food Pantry | General | $2,500 |
| Delray Beach Library | General | $2,500 |
| Individual | General | $2,250 |
| Direct Relief | General | $2,000 |
| Hand in Hand Schools - Israel | General | $2,000 |
| Harvard Medical School | General | $2,000 |
| Hillel of Broward Palm Beach Cnty | General | $2,000 |
| Impact 100 Palm Beach County | General | $2,000 |
| Union of Concerned Scientists | General | $2,000 |
| Dress for Success | General | $1,500 |
| Massachusetts Audubon Society | General | $1,500 |
| The Trustees | General | $1,500 |
| K9 for Warriors | General | $1,250 |
| Shaterproof | General | $1,250 |
| Wildlife Conservation Society | General | $1,250 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foun | General | $1,000 |
| Americares | General | $1,000 |
| Big Dog Ranch Rescue | General | $1,000 |
| Carter Center | General | $1,000 |
| Individual | General | $1,000 |
| Environmental Defense Fund | General | $1,000 |
| Everyone for Gun Safety Support FD | General | $1,000 |
| Greater Boston Food Bank | General | $1,000 |
| Human Relations Service Inc | General | $1,000 |
| Lappin Foundation | General | $1,000 |
| McGill University | General | $1,000 |
| McLean Hospital | General | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- David Bear
- Risa Sontz
Questions people ask
Does Bear-Sontz Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Bear-Sontz Family Foundation give?
$150,000 in tax year 2025, across 48 grants, with a typical grant of $1,500.
Who runs Bear-Sontz Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists David Bear (Trustee) and Risa Sontz (Trustee).
What does Bear-Sontz Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and health.