Chris Hess Foundation
Accepts applications
Chris Hess Foundation is a private foundation in Wheeling, West Virginia. In tax year 2025 it gave $582,000 in 14 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $220,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$582,000
- Number of grants14
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$220,000
- Assets$15.8 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was up from $301,000 the year before.
50% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $310,000 | 9 | $13.4 million |
| 2024 | $301,000 | 9 | $14.5 million |
| 2025 | $582,000 | 14 | $15.8 million |
How to apply
| Contact | Joseph N Gompers 117 Edgington Lane, Wheeling, WV 26003-1534 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (304) 242-9300 |
| What to submit | Written form with description of charitable purposes and evidence of charitable/exempt status under internal revenue code section 501(c)(3). |
| Restrictions | Limited to distributions for charitable purposes under 501(c)(3). |
What Chris Hess Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to West Virginia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 13 | $580,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $2,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Oglebay Foundation Inc | Charitable | $220,000 |
| YMCA of Wheeling | Charitable | $110,000 |
| Wheeling Central | Charitable | $75,000 |
| The Linsly School | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Think Pink | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Oglebay Institute | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Faith in Action | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Orchard Park Hospital | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Moundsville Veterans Honor Guard | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Ohio Valley Wellnes Coalition | Charitable | $10,000 |
| King's Daughters | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Newbridge Academy for Kids | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Holy Family Child Care & Development Center | Charitable | $10,000 |
| American Heart Association | Charitable | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Joseph N Gompers
- Security National Trust Company
- John E Gompers
- William V Busick
- Kelly A Gompers
Questions people ask
Does Chris Hess Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Chris Hess Foundation give?
$582,000 in tax year 2025, across 14 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs Chris Hess Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Joseph N Gompers (Trustee), Security National Trust Company (Trustee), John E Gompers (Trustee) and William V Busick (Trustee) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Chris Hess Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and health.