Well Told Grants

Foundations / Wyoming

James D & Bess S Polis Foundation

Preselected recipients only Laramie, Wyoming · EIN 656016835

James D & Bess S Polis Foundation is a private foundation in Laramie, Wyoming. In tax year 2025 it gave $35,000 in 8 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $5,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.

From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.

Giving in 2025 was down from $55,000 the year before.

13% 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 yearGrants paidNumber of grantsAssets
2023$50,0007$1.1 million
2024$55,0008$1.1 million
2025$35,0008$1.2 million

How to apply

James D & Bess S Polis 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.

IRS filings on ProPublica

Where it gives

Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to Wyoming.

StateGrantsAmount
Wyoming7$30,000
New York1$5,000

Grants paid in 2025

All 8 grants
RecipientPurposeAmount
St Paul's Newman Center
Laramie, WY
General fund$5,000
Climb Wyoming
Cheyenne, WY
Single mother traing & support$5,000
Downtown Clinic
Laramie, WY
General fund$5,000
Laramie Interfaith
Laramie, WY
General fund$5,000
Saint Joseph's Children's Home
Torrington, WY
General fund$5,000
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
Yorktown Heights, NY
Training for guide dogs$5,000
Eppson Center for Seniors
Laramie, WY
General fund$2,500
Laramie Connections
Laramie, WY
General fund$2,500

Officers and trustees

As listed in Part VIII of the 2025 filing.

Questions people ask

Does James D & Bess S Polis Foundation accept grant applications?

No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.

How much does James D & Bess S Polis Foundation give?

$35,000 in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.

Who runs James D & Bess S Polis Foundation?

Its 2025 filing lists Adrienne Polis (President).

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