BESS Family Foundation
The BESS Family Foundation is a private family foundation that supports organizations using mindfulness and meditation practices to help people engage with ecological and climate-related challenges. Its website describes it as founded in 2008 and based in Massachusetts; its IRS filing lists Wilmington, Delaware.
BESS Family Foundation at a glance
In short: BESS Family Foundation gave $1.3M across 52 grants in 2024 (avg $26K), top state California. 37% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $1,348,832
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 52
- +44.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $25,939
- -30.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $1,964,625
- +36.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 37% first-time grantees (16 of 43, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (31% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to BESS Family Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://bessfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who BESS Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Inquiring Systems Inc ($160K across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $709K.
Grant Size Distribution
149 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 114 grants of 149 (77%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in California (31%), Massachusetts (22%), New York (13%), Colorado (8%), and Wisconsin (7%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 52 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is BESS Family Foundation open to new grantees?
37%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 16 of 43 grantees (37%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $19K; repeat grants $39K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 51% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 87% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2024). 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 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $721K (2021) to $1.3M (2024). In 2024 it made 52 grants totaling $1.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Inquiring Systems Inc Santa Rosa, CA | One Earth Sangha | $100,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Green Bay, WI | the Loka Initiative | $100,000 |
| Garrison Institute Garrison, NY | a project to map and grow the field of interconnected people and organizations leading Earth-based mindfulness and meditation practices | $50,000 |
| Insight Meditation Society Inc Barre, MA | integrating earth awareness practices into new and existing programs | $50,000 |
| Inward Bound Mindfulness Education Inc Attleboro, MA | integration of earth awareness practices into existing programs | $50,000 |
| Our Lady of the Resurrection Monastery Inc C O Ben Cold Springs, NY | Capital improvements fund | $50,000 |
| Sati Center for Buddist Studies Redwood City, CA | the Buddhist Eco-Chaplaincy Program | $50,000 |
| University of California San Francisco Foundation San Francisco, CA | Climate Resilience course/Epel | $50,000 |
| Beloved Community Circles Belmont, MA | General & Unrestricted | $40,000 |
| Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Inc Barre, MA | General & Unrestricted | $35,000 |
Ready to take the next step with BESS Family Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation’s 2024 filing states that distributions from sources other than current income totaled $1,348,832 and resulted in a substantial contraction of assets. It also states that the foundation has no plans for dissolution.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,964,625 | $2,055,524 | $1,534,299 | $1,348,832 | 52 | $1,514,057 | $1,496,560 | $68,005 |
| 2023 | $1,443,400 | $433,080 | $1,443,785 | $1,348,749 | 36 | $1,441,849 | $44,150 | $92,328 |
| 2022 | $2,454,105 | $73,848 | $1,282,072 | $1,150,019 | 34 | $1,241,230 | $32,632 | $150,065 |
| 2021 | $3,662,329 | $2,635,609 | $859,684 | $721,000 | 27 | $848,575 | $1,846,401 | $120,211 |
| 2020 | $1,907,963 | $62,569 | $17,945 | — | — | — | $42,719 | $98,477 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, BESS Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $68K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s mission is to foster kindness and caring for the Earth and all beings through mindfulness and meditation practices. It focuses on work at the intersection of mindfulness and meditation and the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, with stated attention to ecological crisis and environmental justice.
Its website describes support for programs such as eco-dharma and climate-grief courses, nature-connection and earth-awareness retreats, climate-responsive retreat-center improvements, and contemplative practice integrated with environmental activism or community-based climate education. It also lists Tribal Nations mindfulness among examples of supported work.
Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations supported. Inward Bound Mindfulness Education says it provides in-depth mindfulness programming for youth and the adults who support them. The Barre Center for Buddhist Studies describes its work as combining Buddhist study and practice through onsite and online programs. Sati Center for Buddhist Studies says it supports the study of Buddhist teachings, ethics, and psychology.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 52 grants totaling $1,348,832. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $100,000, with a median of $25,000.
Among the largest grants were $100,000 to Inquiring Systems Inc. for One Earth Sangha and $100,000 to the University of Wisconsin for the Loka Initiative. Other notable awards included $50,000 to Garrison Institute for a project mapping and growing the field of Earth-based mindfulness and meditation; $50,000 to Insight Meditation Society to integrate earth-awareness practices into programs; and $50,000 to Inward Bound Mindfulness Education for integrating earth-awareness practices into existing programs. Barre Center for Buddhist Studies received two listed grants: $35,000 for general and unrestricted support and $33,333 for ecodharma retreats.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Benjamin Chigier and Shelly D. Chigier as trustees. The foundation’s website identifies Shelly Dews Chigier as a trustee and Jodi Castallo as the coordinator of grants and programs.
BESS Family Foundation's 2024 filing lists 2 officers; none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Benjamin Chigier
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Shelly D Chigier
Trustee
On filings since 2020
16 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Lalita Badinehal (2021–2022) — Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 BESS Family Foundation
How much does BESS Family Foundation give each year?
BESS Family Foundation gave $1.3M across 52 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.3M across 36 grants.
What is BESS Family Foundation's typical grant size?
BESS Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $25,939, across 52 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from BESS Family Foundation that year got $19K on average.
Where does BESS Family Foundation give grants?
BESS Family Foundation's top state is California, with 31% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Massachusetts (22%) and New York (13%). The most frequent recipient cities were Santa Rosa, CA (4 grants), Barre, MA (4 grants), Santa Fe, NM (3 grants) and San Francisco, CA (3 grants).
Does BESS Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 21% of BESS Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 52) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are BESS Family Foundation's largest grantees?
BESS Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Inquiring Systems Inc ($160,000 across 4 grants), University of Wisconsin ($100,000) and Barre Center for Buddhist Studies Inc ($90,333 across 3 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 26% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is BESS Family Foundation?
BESS Family Foundation reported $2.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $68K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does BESS Family Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is to foster kindness and caring for the Earth and all beings through mindfulness and meditation practices. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from BESS Family Foundation?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is BESS Family Foundation's EIN?
BESS Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-0284495. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does BESS Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in BESS Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Frederick P Lenz Foundation for American Buddhism
Los Angeles, CA
The Frederick P. Lenz Foundation supports U.S. 501(c)(3) public charities advancing American Buddhism, Buddhist studies, meditation and mindfulness, and related work in areas such as education, health care, and social services. Recent grants were typically about $3,500–$42,000, though its Pay it Forward Program offers recoverable grants up to $100,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$15.1M
Grants
2
Total Given
$45K
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Boston Foundation Inc
Boston, MA
The Boston Foundation funds nonprofits and community initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, including child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer amounts such as $50,000; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$2.1B
Grants
2,375
Total Given
$228.4M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
More similar funders
More Funders in Delaware
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). BESS Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 13, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/bess-family-foundation-morg_d005a4e732c84c21b48f149c4a2c1f5d
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_270284495_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{BESS Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/bess-family-foundation-morg_d005a4e732c84c21b48f149c4a2c1f5d},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-13. 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 BESS Family Foundation'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.
BESS Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?