Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc
CHRISTIAN J & EVA W TREFZ FAMILY is a private foundation based in Westport, Connecticut. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in several states, including Connecticut and Florida.
Key facts about Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc
In short: Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc gave $87K across 26 grants in 2025 (avg $3K), top state Florida. 15% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 46-1589126
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $87,050
- Grants made (2025)
- 26
- Average grant
- $3,348
- Median grant
- $1,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 15% first-time grantees (4 of 26, 2025)
- Total assets
- $125,021
- Primary geography
- Florida (43% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$125K
+27.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$87K
-43.3% YoY
Grant Count
26
-33.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$3K
-15.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $38K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
15%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 26 grantees (15%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $4K. How we count
Medians: $900 first-time, $1K repeat.
- 58% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving fell 54% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 228% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s listed grant purposes are “in furtherance of stated objectives of the foundation.” The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations it supported. Gulf Coast Humane Society says it provides safe refuge, medical care, and adoption services for companion pets. Aspetuck Land Trust describes its mission as protecting land and connecting people to the natural world. Simply Smiles says it works to improve the lives of impoverished people and is currently working in Oaxaca, Mexico. Happy Wheels says it visits hospitalized children and distributes toys and books.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 26 grants totaling $87,050. The grants ranged from $50 to $18,000, with a median grant of $1,000. In 2024, it reported 39 grants totaling $153,576; in 2023, it reported 32 grants totaling $180,325.
Ready to take the next step with Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Florida (43%) and Connecticut (38%). Other reported recipient-state shares were South Carolina (6%), New York (4%), and North Carolina (3%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 26 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $87K (2025) to $965K (2019). In 2025 it made 26 grants totaling $87K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Helping Ministries ($18K). Together the top 10 received $74K.
Grant Size Distribution
169 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 165 grants of 169 (98%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Helping Ministries Port Charlotte, FL | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $18,000 |
| Gulf Coast Humane Society Fort Meyers, FL | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $14,000 |
| The Westport Library Westport, CT | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $10,000 |
| Aspetuck Land Trust Westport, CT | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $6,000 |
| The Church by the Sea Fort Lauderdale, FL | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $5,000 |
| Happy Wheels Inc Lexington, SC | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $5,000 |
| Simply Smiles Westport, CT | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $5,000 |
| Red Cross of Connecticut Bridgeport, CT | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $5,000 |
| Tunnels to Towers Foundation Staten Island, NY | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $3,000 |
| ZOE Empowers Raleigh, NC | In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation | $3,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Grant total | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $87,050 | 26 |
| 2024 | $153,576 | 39 |
| 2023 | $180,325 | 32 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $125,021 | $98,153 | $66,397 |
| Revenue | $120,248 | $193,386 | $207,924 |
| Expenses | $93,380 | $161,630 | $188,970 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $87,050 | $153,576 | $180,325 |
| Net Investment Income | $116,387 | $189,430 | $201,311 |
| Distributable Amount | $38,191 | $40,233 | $46,947 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS December 3, 2019)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS October 27, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS November 6, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Lewis Cohen as secretary, treasurer, and director; Eva W Trefz as vice president and director; and Tara N Locke and James C Trefz as directors.
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's 2025 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Eva W. Trefz
Vice President & Director
On filings since 2019
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James C. Trefz
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lewis Cohen
Secretary, Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2019
No compensation reported
Tara N. Locke
Director
On filings since 2019
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Christian J. Trefz (2019–2024) — President & Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 21 Burritts Landing South, Westport, CT 06880
Phone: (203) 367-3621
Frequently asked questions about Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc
How much does Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc give each year?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc gave $87K across 26 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $154K across 39 grants.
What is Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $3,348, across 26 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc that year got $2K on average.
Where does Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc give grants?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's top state is Florida, with 43% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Connecticut (38%) and South Carolina (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Westport, CT (5 grants), Bridgeport, CT (2 grants), New Haven, CT (2 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Does Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 26 grants with a stated purpose on Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation" (26 grants).
Who are Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Helping Ministries ($18,000), Gulf Coast Humane Society ($14,000) and The Westport Library ($10,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc reported $125K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $87K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $38K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s listed grant purposes are “in furtherance of stated objectives of the foundation.” The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations it supported. Gulf Coast Humane Society says it provides safe refuge, medical care, and adoption services for companion pets. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's EIN?
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 46-1589126. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc 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.
Here's the math on researching Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in Connecticut
Americares Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Americares funds health care organizations and programs focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, access to medicines and medical supplies, and community health services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,073 to $3.86 million, with a median of about $58,700; it works in the United States and internationally, reaching an average of 80 countries each year. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$372.5M
Grants
635
Total Given
$113.3M
American Savings Foundation Inc
New Britain, CT
American Savings Foundation supports education, human services, and arts and culture, especially programs serving children, youth, and families in Connecticut, with a focus on New Britain and Waterbury. Its 2024 grants ranged from $234 to $150,000, with a median of $1,750; Community Grants are capped at $5,000. It provides application forms for Program and Community Grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
613
Total Given
$3.4M
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hartford, CT
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation funds nonprofits addressing community needs, with priorities including racial equity, economic and social mobility, wellbeing, neighborhoods, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $21,600, and it primarily serves 29 Greater Hartford towns. It accepts applications through specific requests for proposals and grant cycles; eligibility varies by opportunity.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
613
Total Given
$52.0M
Eversource Energy Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
The Eversource Energy Foundation funds U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic or workforce development. It gives in Eversource’s service territory in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire; its 2024 median grant was $2,000, though awards ranged from $250 to $700,000.
Assets
$12.5M
Grants
606
Total Given
$6.2M
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
New Haven, CT
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven funds nonprofits working in areas including civic vitality, arts and culture, health, and education, with competitive grants for organizations serving its 20-town region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,154 to $2.8 million, with a median of $15,000; it accepts applications through specific grant programs, while most donor-advised and designated fund distributions are not open to applications.
Assets
$627.4M
Grants
505
Total Given
$23.4M
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc
Norwalk, CT
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation funds equity-focused work including education and youth development, economic opportunity, women and girls’ health, housing, civic engagement, and nonprofit capacity, primarily benefiting Fairfield County residents. Its 2025 grants had a median of $24,080 and ranged from $5,194 to $2 million; it accepts applications for some programs, including rolling capacity-building and small-grant opportunities, while Strategic Partner Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
448
Total Given
$25.7M
Viking Global Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Assets
$7.1M
Grants
423
Total Given
$3.6M
Ion Bank Foundation Inc
Naugatuck, CT
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
419
Total Given
$1.0M
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Yale supports education, research, scholarship, preservation, public service, and community organizations, including through sponsored research and fellowships. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $14.3 million, with a median of about $136,000; recipients were based mainly in Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. The profile does not state whether Yale accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$58.9B
Grants
364
Total Given
$168.2M
Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund Inc
New Haven, CT
The fund supports Catholic organizations and other charities whose missions align with Catholic teachings, primarily through donor-advised grants; 2024 awards had a median of $16,250, though amounts varied widely. Its grants went to organizations across the United States, with the largest shares in Washington, DC, Ohio, Connecticut, Virginia, and California. It does not accept unsolicited grant applications.
Assets
$127.1M
Grants
358
Total Given
$77.1M
Chelsea Groton Foundation
Groton, CT
Assets
$10.4M
Grants
326
Total Given
$825K
More Funders in Connecticut
Christian J & Eva W Trefz Family Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?