Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc
The Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation is a public charity based in Newport News, Virginia. It financially supports the charitable works of the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, as well as work related to healthcare, education, and human-service needs on the Virginia Peninsula.
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc gave $838K across 23 grants in 2025 (avg $36K), mostly in Virginia. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $838,229
- -4.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 23
- +9.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $36,445
- -12.8% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $21,500
- Total assets
- $24,306,894
- +5.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (10 of 23, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Virginia (77% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The website provides an application for ongoing education funds and asks nonprofits seeking emergency set-aside funds to send a letter explaining the emergency and amount requested.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2 Bernardine Drive, Newport News, VA 23602
Phone: (757) 886-6025
Website: https://bfranfound.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Bernardine Sister of the Third Order of St Francis ($193K). Together the top 10 received $656K.
Grant Size Distribution
112 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 100 grants of 112 (89%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation states that it seeks to improve conditions on the Virginia Peninsula and names Newport News, Hampton, Poquoson, York County, and Gloucester County among the communities served by its grants. In filing year 2025, 77% of reported grant dollars went to recipients in Virginia and 23% to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 23 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 10 of 23 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. With only 23 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 4 points. First grants averaged $36K; repeat grants $37K. How we count
Medians: $25K first-time, $22K repeat.
- 35% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−5%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $615K (2021) to $991K (2023). In 2025 it made 23 grants totaling $838K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bernardine Sister of the Third Order of St Francis Reading, PA | To Provide Funds to Multiple Programs | $193,050 |
| Peninsula Agency on Aging Newport News, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $150,000 |
| Center for Child and Family Services Hampton, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $61,500 |
| United Way of the Virginia Peninsula Yorktown, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $55,000 |
| Catholic Charities Eastern Virginia Virginia Beach, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $41,500 |
| Mary Immaculate Hospital Newport News, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $35,100 |
| Bon Secours Hampton Roads Foundation Suffolk, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $35,000 |
| Menchville House Ministries Newport News, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $34,000 |
| Edmare Hospice for Children Portsmouth, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $25,385 |
| Natasha House Yorktown, VA | To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability | $25,070 |
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Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $24,306,894 | $1,908,784 | $1,230,038 | $838,229 | 23 | $1,904,167 |
| 2024 | $22,944,612 | $1,005,292 | $1,078,597 | $877,659 | 21 | $989,670 |
| 2023 | $21,088,820 | $499,162 | $1,161,504 | $990,872 | 38 | $497,270 |
| 2022 | $19,749,069 | $772,875 | $1,064,961 | $884,333 | 18 | $765,299 |
| 2021 | $23,586,187 | $1,526,719 | $853,432 | $615,164 | 12 | $1,525,719 |
| 2020 | $19,467,136 | $920,899 | $1,051,067 | $816,200 | 24 | $920,874 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to further the work of the Bernardine Sisters by supporting their charitable works and work related to healthcare, education, and human-service needs on the Virginia Peninsula. Its stated vision is to improve human conditions on the Peninsula by funding and assisting nonprofits addressing community needs, especially those of poor and disadvantaged people.
The foundation describes its nonprofit support as emphasizing collaboration, capacity building, initiative and creativity, community needs, and preferential options for the poor. Examples of supported organizations illustrate a range of services: Peninsula Agency on Aging says it supports the independence and quality of life of Peninsula residents primarily age 60 and older; Center for Child and Family Services says it provides counseling and support services to individuals and families; Natasha House describes itself as a residential program for homeless families; and Soundscapes says it provides music-making and performance opportunities for young people.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 23 grants totaling $838,229. Grants ranged from $5,369 to $193,050, with a median of $21,500. The largest reported awards included $193,050 to Bernardine Sister of the Third Order of St. Francis for multiple programs; $150,000 to Peninsula Agency on Aging to advance its mission and sustainability; $61,500 to Center for Child and Family Services; and $55,000 to United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. Other notable awards included $41,500 to Catholic Charities Eastern Virginia, $35,100 to Mary Immaculate Hospital, and $35,000 to Bon Secours Hampton Roads Foundation.
Separately, the foundation’s website reports that in FY 2025–26 it awarded $533,000 to 35 local nonprofits: 24 for core operating support and 11 for program initiatives. It also reports an additional $224,250 to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and Mary Immaculate Hospital for continuation of their missions.
The foundation says its Grantmaking Committee identifies a focus for each year, subject to a vote by the full Board of Directors. It also offers ongoing education funds of up to $1,500 per nonprofit per year for staff training, professional development, related travel, and nonprofit memberships. For emergency requests, nonprofits are asked to submit a letter explaining the emergency and the amount requested. The foundation’s 2024 filing says grant recipients must provide financial reports showing use of grant funds; the executive director and board may also conduct site visits to review progress.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists the following trustees/directors: David Burley, Michelle Ferebee, James Gray, Sister Madonna Marie Harvath, Joan Peterson, Sister John Ann Proach, Robert Schrock, Brittney Slay, and Elizabeth Wash. Bo Garner is listed as secretary/treasurer.
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc is led by Sister David Ann Niski, Executive Director on the 2025 filing; none of the 13 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Sister David Ann Niski
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
20 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nhu Yeargin
Chairperson
Trustee & Director → Vice Chairperson, 2023
Vice Chairperson → Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elizabeth Wash
Trustee & Director
Director → Trustee & Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Trustee & Director
Director → Trustee & Director, 2023
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michelle Ferebee
Trustee & Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David Burley
Trustee & Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Gray
Trustee & Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert Schrock
Trustee & Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sister John Ann Proach
Trustee & Director
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brittney Slay
Trustee & Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joan Peterson
Trustee & Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gene Jordan
Vice Chairperson
Director → Trustee & Director, 2023
Trustee & Director → Vice Chairperson, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Bo Garner
Secretary & Treasurer
Trustee & Director → Secretary, 2023
Secretary → Secretary & Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2021
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Jeffrey Verhoef (2020–2024) — Chairperson
- Former: Elizabeth Schley (2022–2024) — Trustee & Director
- Former: Gabriel Morgan (2020–2022) — Chair
- Former: Jonathan Guy Buck (2020–2022) — Secretary
- Former: Sister Marilisa Da Silva (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Linda Duggan Curtis (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Che Henderson (2020) — Director
- Former: John Denver (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc
How much does Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc give each year?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc gave $838K across 23 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $878K across 21 grants.
What is Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $21,500, and its average grant was $36,445, across 23 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc that year got $36K on average.
Where does Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc give grants?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc gives mostly in Virginia: 77% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The next largest state was Pennsylvania (23%). The most frequent recipient cities were Newport News, VA (7 grants), Hampton, VA (5 grants) and Yorktown, VA (2 grants).
Does Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 23 grants with a stated purpose on Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Advance Its Mission and Further Its Sustainability" (22 grants).
Who are Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Bernardine Sister of the Third Order of St Francis ($193,050), Peninsula Agency on Aging ($150,000) and Center for Child and Family Services ($61,500), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc reported $24.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $1.9M.
What does Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s mission is to further the work of the Bernardine Sisters by supporting their charitable works and work related to healthcare, education, and human-service needs on the Virginia Peninsula. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc?
The website provides an application for ongoing education funds and asks nonprofits seeking emergency set-aside funds to send a letter explaining the emergency and amount requested. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's EIN?
Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 54-1822675. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 30, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 11, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 14, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/bernardine-franciscan-sisters-foundation-inc-morg_d28c3cd78ae54809bd7f4d565e81c2c1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_541822675_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/bernardine-franciscan-sisters-foundation-inc-morg_d28c3cd78ae54809bd7f4d565e81c2c1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Bernardine Franciscan Sisters Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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