The Afognak Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Afognak Fund is a private foundation in Fox Point, Wisconsin. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.1 million in 50 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $132,575. 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$2.1 million
- Number of grants50
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$132,575
- Assets$37.6 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.9 million 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 | $1.9 million | 50 | $37.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.9 million | 48 | $41.8 million |
| 2025 | $2.1 million | 50 | $37.6 million |
How to apply
The Afognak Fund 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 Afognak Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 19 states, the most to Massachusetts.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 12 | $475,000 |
| Wisconsin | 11 | $327,500 |
| California | 3 | $212,575 |
| New York | 4 | $130,000 |
| Indiana | 1 | $125,000 |
| Montana | 1 | $125,000 |
| Wyoming | 3 | $105,000 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $105,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $100,000 |
| Michigan | 3 | $82,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Seacology | General Operating Support | $132,575 |
| Blessings in a Backpack | General Operating Support | $125,000 |
| Yellowstone Forever | Trails and boardwalk maintenance | $125,000 |
| Remote Area Medical | General Operating Support | $105,000 |
| Greater Boston Food Bank Inc | General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund Inc | Rhino protection and conservation | $100,000 |
| NourishMKE Inc | Friedens Community Ministries | $85,000 |
| Acts Community Development Corp (dba Acts Housing) | General Operating Support | $60,000 |
| Climb | General Operating Support | $60,000 |
| Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| Buzzards Bay Coalition Inc | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| Community Musicworks | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| Little Traverse Conservancy | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| National Audubon Society | $20,000 Seabird Institute's Project Puffin; $30,000 Audubon Rockies | $50,000 |
| Reach Out and Read Inc | General Operating Support | $50,000 |
| Room To Read | Girls' education programs | $50,000 |
| Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity | Feeding Chittenden program | $45,000 |
| Immigrant Learning Center Inc | Esol | $45,000 |
| YMCA of Greater Boston | General Operating Support | $45,000 |
| Billion Oyster Project | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| Center for Puppetry Arts | Community tickets | $40,000 |
| Kinship MKE Inc | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust USA Inc | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| Hole in the Wall Gang Fund Inc | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| Milwaukee Repertory Theater | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| Tailored for Education Inc | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| The Neighborhood Developers Inc | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| Law Forward Inc | General Operating Support | $27,500 |
| American Bird Conservancy | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| Jackson Hole Public Art | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| Ozaukee Washington Land Trust Inc | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| Radio Milwaukee Inc | Story telling projects | $25,000 |
| Watuppa Rowing Center Inc | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| WI Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts Inc | Educational programming | $25,000 |
| Boston Landmarks Orchestra Inc | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Friends of Pathways | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Innocence Project | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Plan A Health Inc | General Operating Support | $20,000 |
| Shelburne Museum Inc | First Free Fridays program | $20,000 |
| All Hands Boatworks Inc | General Operating Support | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Anne Symchych
- Stephen Symchych
- Catherine Symchych
- Christine Symchych
Questions people ask
Does The Afognak Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Afognak Fund give?
$2.1 million in tax year 2025, across 50 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs The Afognak Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Anne Symchych (Trustee), Stephen Symchych (Trustee), Catherine Symchych (Trustee) and Christine Symchych (Trustee).
What does The Afognak Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and education.