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Bellwether Foundation Inc. is a private corporation based in SAINT LOUIS, MO. The foundation received its IRS ruling in 1985. It holds total assets of $73M. Annual income is reported at $53.1M. The foundation is governed by 5 officers and trustees. To promote the ideals and aspirations of its founders by improving the quality of life for all people, primarily in St. Louis, through the support of innovative programs that make a positive impact for present and future generations. According to its most recent filing, the foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations. Tax records are available from 2018 to 2023. The foundation primarily funds organizations in St. Louis, Missouri and St. Louis Metro Area. According to available records, Bellwether Foundation Inc. has made 101 grants totaling $12.1M, with a median grant of $10K. Annual giving has grown from $4.8M in 2022 to $7.3M in 2023. Individual grants have ranged from $103 to $2.9M, with an average award of $119K. The foundation has supported 85 unique organizations. The foundation primarily supports organizations in Missouri, Illinois, Connecticut, which account for 98% of all grants. Grantmaking reaches organizations across 4 states. Contributions to this foundation are tax-deductible.
Grants supporting arts and sciences programs in the St. Louis area, with preference for programmatic support, general operations, capital and endowment support.
Funding for educational programs in the St. Louis area that support under-resourced or under-represented communities with measurable impact.
Grants for environmental programs and initiatives in the St. Louis region implementing innovative solutions.
Funding for St. Louis cultural institutions including museums, orchestras, botanical gardens, and other cultural organizations.
To promote the ideals and aspirations of its founders by improving the quality of life for all people, primarily in St. Louis, through the support of innovative programs that make a positive impact for present and future generations. Based on available records, the foundation has funded 101 grants. Its grantmaking reaches organizations primarily in MO, IL, CT.
Bellwether Foundation Inc. has distributed a total of $12.1M across 101 grants. The median grant size is $10K, with an average of $119K. Individual grants have ranged from $103 to $2.9M.
Bellwether Foundation Inc. typically selects its grantees rather than accepting unsolicited proposals. The application deadline is By invitation only for 2026; check back early 2027 for 2027 cycle.
Bellwether Foundation Inc. is headquartered in SAINT LOUIS, MO. While based in MO, the foundation distributes grants to organizations across 4 states.
| Name | Title | Compensation | Benefits | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia V Smith | PRESIDENT/SECRETARY | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Robert B Smith Iii | CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Sally Duffield | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Carrie D Pittenger | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| John J Wolfe | TRUSTEE | $0 | $0 | N/A |
Total Giving
$8.4M
Total Assets
$70M
Fair Market Value
$112.4M
Net Worth
$70M
Grants Paid
$7.3M
Contributions
N/A
Net Investment Income
$7.1M
Distribution Amount
$5.2M
Total: $66.4M
Total Grants
101
Total Giving
$12.1M
Average Grant
$119K
Median Grant
$10K
Unique Recipients
85
Most Common Grant
$10K
of 2023 grantees were first-time recipients
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room At The InnTO PROVIDE EMERGENCY SHELTER AND A STABILIZING SUPPORT SYSTEM TO LOCAL WOMEN AND FAMILIES | Bridgeton, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| International InstituteTO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES TO THRIVE IN OUR REGION | St Louis, MO | $4K | 2023 |
| Saint Louis Zoo AssociationTO CONSERVE ANIMALS AND THEIR HABITATS THROUGH ANIMAL MANAGEMENT, RESEARCH AND PROGRAMS | St Louis, MO | $2.2M | 2023 |
| St Louis Symphony OrchestraTO ENRICH PEOPLE'S LIVES THROUGH THE POWER OF MUSIC | St Louis, MO | $2M | 2023 |
| Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterTO IMPROVE THE HUMAN CONDITION THROUGH PLANT SCIENCE | St Louis, MO | $1M | 2023 |
| St Louis Mercantile Library At UmslTO MAKE ITS COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE TO THE WIDEST NUMBER OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL USERS | St Louis, MO | $700K | 2023 |
| Great Rivers Greenway FoundationTO DEVELOP A NETWORK OF GREENWAYS TO MAKE THE ST. LOUIS REGION A MORE VIBRANT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY | St Louis, MO | $603K | 2023 |
| Sheldon Arts FoundationTO ENRICH THE ST. LOUIS REGION WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC, VISUAL ARTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS | St Louis, MO | $70K | 2023 |
| City AcademyTO OFFER AFFORDABLE EDUCATION TO PROMISING CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY | St Louis, MO | $61K | 2023 |
| Ready ReadersTO EXPAND LITERACY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IN LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES THROUGH LITERACY EXPERIENCES | St Louis, MO | $50K | 2023 |
| Loyola Academy Of St LouisTO BREAK THE CYCLE OF POVERTY THROUGH EDUCATION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS | St Louis, MO | $50K | 2023 |
| The Magic HouseTO ENGAGE ALL CHILDREN WITH HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES TO PROMOTE IMAGINATION, CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY | St Louis, MO | $32K | 2023 |
| The Green House VentureTO EDUCATE, EXCITE, AND EQUIP AN INCLUSIVE POPULATION OF ELEMENTARY STUDENTS | St Louis, MO | $30K | 2023 |
| Chads Coalition For Mental HealthTO SAVE YOUNG LIVES BY ADVANCING THE AWARENESS OF DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE | St Louis, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| St Louis Shakespeare FestivalTO CELEBRATE SHAKESPEARE'S LANGUAGE AND THE ARTISTS HE INSPIRED | St Louis, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| Kids Vision For Life St LouisTO ELIMINATE POOR VISION AS A BARRIER TO LEARNING IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE HIGHER OUTCOMES | Maryland Heights, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| Lifewise StlTO PROVIDE SOCIAL SERVICES TO RESIDENTS OF SOUTH SIDE ST. LOUIS | St Louis, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| St Louis HelpTO SECURE AND PROVIDE THE HEALTH EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO HELP PEOPLE IN NEED | St Louis, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| City Garden Montessori SchoolTO PROVIDE A HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATION TO A DIVERSE STUDENT POPULATION | St Louis, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| Urban SproutsTO HONOR AND EMPOWER EACH YOUNG SCHOLAR TO DEVELOP INTO SOCIALLY CAPABLE, CREATIVE, AND INSPIRED CITIZENS | University City, MO | $25K | 2023 |
| North Side Community SchoolTO IMPROVE EACH STUDENT'S OPPORTUNITIES IN EDUCATION AND IN LIFE | St Louis, MO | $20K | 2023 |
| Operation Food SearchTO NOURISH AND EDUCATE OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED TO HEAL THE HURT OF HUNGER | St Louis, MO | $15K | 2023 |
| Pianos For PeopleTO PROVIDE FREE ACCESS TO THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF THE PIANO | St Louis, MO | $15K | 2023 |
| Cornerstone Center For Early Learning IncTO PROVIDE THE FINEST CARE AND EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Cultural LeadershipTO EMPOWER SOCIAL CHANGE IN GREATER ST. LOUIS THROUGH IMMERSIVE LEARNING AND EMPATHY BUILDING | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Flance Early Learning CenterTO PROVIDE QUALITY CARE AND EDUCATION TO A DIVERSE POPULATION OF CHILDREN | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Foster Care Coalition Of Greater St Louis IncTO RECRUIT AND SUPPORT FOSTER AND ADOPTIVE FAMILIES IN THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS REGION | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Gene Slay'S Girls & Boys Club Of St LouisTO EMPOWER GIRLS AND BOYS IN THE ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AREA | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Immigrant & Refugee Women'S ProgramTO CHAMPION MIGRANT AND RURAL WOMEN'S RIGHTS TO LIVE AND WORK WITH DIGNITY | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Kids In The MiddleTO EMPOWER CHILDREN, PARENTS AND FAMILIES DURING AND AFTER DIVORCE | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Delmar Divine Charitable FoundationTO SUPPORT AND STIMULATE THE WORK OF SOME OF THE BEST SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES IN ST. LOUIS | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Forest Releaf Of MissouriTO PROVIDE TREES FOR PUBLIC AND NONPROFIT PLANTINGS | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| LitshopTO PROVIDE AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMMING | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Audubon Center At RiverlandsTO CONNECT PEOPLE TO THE BEAUTY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER AND THE GREAT RIVERS | West Alton, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Bilingual International Assistant ServicesTO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE, MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR ALL | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Marygrove Child CenterTO PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA | Florissant, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| River Relief IncTO ENGAGE INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES ALONG THE MISSOURI RIVER | Columbia, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Teach For America St LouisTO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT EQUITY-ORIENTED LEADERS TO EXPAND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CHILDREN | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| PreventedTO REDUCE OR PREVENT THE HARMS OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG USE | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| St Louis County Library FoundationTO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE ST. LOUIS COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Gateway To The Great OutdoorsTO EMPOWER STUDENTS BY IGNITING CURIOSITY THROUGH OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES | Chicago, IL | $10K | 2023 |
| Circus HarmonyTO BUILD CHARACTER AND EXPAND COMMUNITY FOR YOUTH OF ALL AGES, CULTURES, ABILITIES AND BACKGROUNDS | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Eye ThriveTO GIVE CHILDREN THE ABILITY TO THRIVE THROUGH ACCESS TO ESSENTIAL VISION SERVICES | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Miriam FoundationTO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| National Blues MuseumTO PRESERVE THE LEGACY AND HONOR THE HISTORY OF THE MUSIC THAT GAVE VOICE TO GENERATIONS | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Unleashing PotentialTO CLOSE THE OPPORTUNITY GAP FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH BY BUILDING ON THEIR STRENGTHS | St Louis, MO | $10K | 2023 |
| Visitation AcademyTO EDUCATE CHILDREN AND YOUNG WOMEN | St Louis, MO | $5K | 2023 |
| Saint Louis Art Museum FoundationTO SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE SUPPORT OF THE ST. LOUIS ART MUSEUM | St Louis, MO | $4K | 2023 |
| Tower Grove Park FoundationTO PROVIDE IMPORTANT RECREATIONAL, EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC | St Louis, MO | $3K | 2023 |
| Dream Builders 4equityFOR LOW-INCOME YOUTH TO RECEIVE TRAINING IN REHABBING PROPERTY | St Louis, MO | $3K | 2023 |