The Gess Foundation
Invitation OnlyWellesley, Massachusetts · EIN 04-3539095 · Private foundation
Grants paid (2024)$183K
Organizations funded26
Typical grant$2,500
Total assets$4.5M
Half of its grants to organizations were between $1,000 and $10,000.
From the return
How to apply
On its return for tax year 2024 the foundation checked the box saying it only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
What it funds
Share of grant lines on the latest return, classified from the purpose each grant states.
Where it gives
61% of grants went outside Massachusetts.
Grants paid in tax year 2024
| Recipient | Location | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| From the Top | Boston, MA | General support | $60,500 |
| 30 Mile River Watershed Association | Mt Vernon, ME | General support | $25,000 |
| LA Jolla Music Society | LA Jolla, CA | General support | $13,000 |
| Jewish Grandparents Network | Stevenson, MD | General support | $10,000 |
| North Coast Repertory Theater | Solana Beach, CA | General support | $10,000 |
| Vanguard Culture | San Diego, CA | General support | $10,000 |
| West Newton Cinema Foundation | West Newton, MA | General support | $10,000 |
| Temple Beth Elohim | Wellesley, MA | General support | $8,600 |
| Illustration Institute | Portland, ME | General support | $7,500 |
| Anti-Defamation League | New York, NY | General support | $5,000 |
| Maine Defamation League | Boston, MA | General support | $3,500 |
| The Old Globe | San Diego, CA | General support | $3,000 |
| Hebrew Senior Life | Roslindale, MA | General support | $2,500 |
| House on the Moon | New York, NY | General support | $2,500 |
| Wbur | Boston, MA | General support | $2,000 |
| Mt Vernon Fire Department | Mount Vernon, ME | General support | $1,550 |
| Wqxr | New York, NY | General support | $1,500 |
| Friends of Wellesley Library | Wellesley, MA | General support | $1,000 |
| Kpbs | San Diego, CA | General support | $1,000 |
| Neighbors Driving Neighbors | Mt Vernon, ME | General support | $1,000 |
| Portland Chamber Music Festival | Portland, ME | General support | $1,000 |
| Wgbh | Boston, MA | General support | $1,000 |
| Challenged Athlete Foundation | San Diego, CA | General support | $750 |
| National Center for Jewish Film | Waltham, MA | General support | $500 |
| Francis Parker School | Devens, MA | General support | $200 |
| Parker Pond Association | Vienna, ME | General support | $30 |
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Grant lines |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $182,630 | 26 |
| 2023 | $126,861 | 25 |
Sources
- IRS Form 990-PF, tax year 2024, filed May 15, 2025 - IRS e-file batch, object ID 202531359349102963
- IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for EIN 04-3539095
- 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.