Petters Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Petters Family Foundation is a private foundation in Newport News, Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $3.2 million in 29 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $1.0 million. 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$3.2 million
- Number of grants29
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$1.0 million
- Assets$71.8 million
- New grantees21%
Giving in 2025 was up from $2.7 million the year before.
21% 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 | $2.6 million | 22 | $63.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.7 million | 29 | $58.8 million |
| 2025 | $3.2 million | 29 | $71.8 million |
How to apply
Petters 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 Petters Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 24 | $2.5 million |
| Maryland | 1 | $250,000 |
| Louisiana | 2 | $225,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $150,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| William & Mary Foundation | Sponsorship of camp launch program and general support | $1.0 million |
| Soundscapes | General support | $366,990 |
| US Naval Academy Foundation | Support of naval academy annual fund, STEM and minority outreach for admissions. | $250,000 |
| Virginia Living Museum | General support | $250,000 |
| Son of A Saint | Improving the lives of fatherless boys in new orlelans | $210,000 |
| An Achievable Dream | General fund support | $205,000 |
| Peake Childhood Center | General support for low income early childhood education | $202,500 |
| Virginia Foundation for Community College Education | General support | $200,000 |
| Bearings Bike Shop | Capital and operational support | $150,000 |
| Jesuit High School | General support | $100,000 |
| Mariner's Museum and Park | General support | $100,000 |
| Whro | General support of public broadcasting | $75,000 |
| Firstspark | Education | $20,000 |
| United Way of the Virginia Peninsula | General support | $20,000 |
| Love Your Neighbor Nola | General fund support | $15,000 |
| Degood Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Riverside Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| Thrive Peninsula | General support | $10,000 |
| Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities | General support | $10,000 |
| Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula | General support | $5,000 |
| Cnu Education Foundation | General fund support | $5,000 |
| Hampton Education Foundation | General support | $5,000 |
| Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center | General support | $5,000 |
| William & Mary Business School Foundation | General fund support | $5,000 |
| YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas | General support | $5,000 |
| Bayport Foundation | General fund support | $2,500 |
| Edmarc Inc | General support | $2,500 |
| Hilton Presbyterian Church Preschool | Hilton presbyterian preschool ministry | $2,500 |
| Holy Trinity Lutheran Church | General fund support | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- C Michael Petters
- Nancy B Petters
- Sarah Fletcher
- Caroline G Sauer
Questions people ask
Does Petters Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Petters Family Foundation give?
$3.2 million in tax year 2025, across 29 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Petters Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists C Michael Petters (Secretary/Treasurer), Nancy B Petters (President), Sarah Fletcher (Vice President) and Caroline G Sauer (Vice President).
What does Petters Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and arts and culture.