The Chester Foundation
Historical FunderChester, South Carolina · EIN 57-6056810 · Private foundation
Half of its grants to organizations were between $10,000 and $39,000.
How to apply
The foundation filed the following application information (Form 990-PF Part XV, tax year 2025):
| Contact | JOSEPH M MCELWEE JR |
|---|---|
| Address | P O BOX 832, CHESTER SC 297060832 |
| Phone | 8035819198 |
| Form and materials | THE ORGANIZATION ACCEPTS REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM 501 (C)3 ORGANIZATIONS, GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CHURCHES LOCATED IN OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF CHESTER COUNTY, SC. THE ORGANIZATION WILL ALSO ACCEPT REQUESTS FROM EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS QUALIFYING AS 501(C)3 ORGANIZATIONS, PRIMARILY HIGHER EDUCATIONS, WHERE THE ORGANIZATIONS BENEFIT NEEDY INDIVIDULAS RESIDING IN CHESTER COUNTY, SC, WITH FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS OF ATTENDING THE ORGANIZATION. NO ASSISTANCE CAN BE PROVIDED, HOWEVER, FOR ANY FAMILY MEMBERS OF ANY OFFICERS OR TRUSTEES OF THE FOUNDATION. THE TRUSTEES REVIEW REQUESTS AND DETERMINE WHICH ORGANIZATIONS WILL BE SUPPOTED AND AT WHAT LEVEL. |
| Deadlines | REQUESTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WHEN RECEIVED. THERE ARE NO DEADLINES. |
| Restrictions | NONE, EXCEPT GEOGRAPHIC PARAMETERS SHOWN IN THE APPLICATIONS FORMAT. |
Copied as filed. Deadlines on a tax return describe the foundation's usual process; they are not confirmation of a current open cycle.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
0% of grants went outside South Carolina.
Grants paid in tax year 2025
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Academy for Teaching and Learni | Chester, SC | Public education | $440,560 |
| Clemson Univ Foundation | Clemson, SC | Public education | $120,000 |
| Edgemoor Community Action Assoc | Edgemoor, SC | Public charity | $39,000 |
| Chester Area United Way | Chester, SC | Public charity | $25,000 |
| Christ Central Center of Hope | Chester, SC | Public charity | $20,000 |
| Hospice Community Care | Rock Hill, SC | Public charity | $15,000 |
| Chester County Historical Society | Chester, SC | Public charity | $13,440 |
| Chester County Dss | Chester, SC | Municipal entity | $10,000 |
| Fort Lawn Community Center | Fort Lawn, SC | Public charity | $10,000 |
| Palmetto Council | Spartanburg, SC | Public charity | $5,000 |
The return also lists 3 grants to individuals ($32,000). We do not publish the names of individual recipients.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $730,000 | 13 |
| 2024 | $728,750 | 20 |
| 2023 | $720,000 | 22 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2025, filed Jul 23, 2026 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202602049349100420
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 57-6056810
- Profile updated Nov 5, 2026
Facts on this page come from the foundation's own IRS Form 990-PF filings as published by the IRS. Grantvello does not know whether a foundation is accepting proposals right now: a past grant is not an open opportunity. Always confirm current guidelines with the funder before applying.