Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation
The Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation is a private foundation based in Saint Louis, Missouri. It supports classical music and musical education, with grantmaking that includes musical performing arts and educational concerts.
Key facts about Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation
In short: Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation gave $430K across 35 grants in 2025 (avg $12K), mostly in New York. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 22-6359304
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $430,000
- Grants made (2025)
- 35
- Average grant
- $12,286
- Median grant
- $10,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (15 of 35, 2025)
- Total assets
- $8,989,955
- Primary geography
- New York (64% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- How to apply
- The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Full details ↓
- Deadline
- April 10 or August 15.
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 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
$9.0M
+1.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$430K
+22.9% YoY
Grant Count
35
+20.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$12K
+1.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation reported a distributable amount of $534K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 15 of 35 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $12K; repeat grants $13K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 37% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+4%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 87% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 stated purpose is to perpetuate Charlotte V. Bergen’s love of classical music and support of musical education through grants for musical performing arts and musical education. Its program description says it prioritizes projects that aid music students and promote educational concerts, and that grants aim to foster appreciation and performance of fine music.
Its 2025 grantees included organizations with a range of music-related missions. New York Youth Symphony says it inspires and educates young musicians through performance and ensemble activities; The Discovery Orchestra says it teaches listening skills to help people connect with classical music; and Binghamton Philharmonic says its mission is building community through live music. American Theatre Wing, which received a 2025 grant, describes its work as investing in creative growth and celebrating excellence through theatre.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation made 35 grants totaling $430,000. Itemized grants ranged from $10,000 to $25,000, with a median of $10,000. The foundation’s grant program lists an award range of $10,000–$50,000. Its program description says organizations that have received grants for three consecutive years are ineligible for future funding until the three-year period has passed.
Review Cycle
April 10 or August 15.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation
Ready to take the next step with Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 64% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 34% to recipients in New Jersey, and 2% to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $350K (2024) to $465K (2021). In 2025 it made 35 grants totaling $430K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was American Theatre Wing ($25K). Together the top 10 received $178K.
Grant Size Distribution
166 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 165 grants of 166 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Theatre Wing New York, NY | General Operating | $25,000 |
| New York Youth Symphony Inc New York, NY | General Operating | $20,000 |
| Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saratoga SPGS, NY | General Operating | $20,000 |
| The Discovery Orchestra Inc Summit, NJ | General Operating | $20,000 |
| New Jersey Ballet Florham Park, NJ | General Operating | $20,000 |
| The Ascap Foundation New York, NY | General Operating | $20,000 |
| Yarnwire Inc Ridgewood, NY | General Operating | $15,000 |
| Council on Arts and Humanities Staten Is Staten Island, NY | General Operating | $12,500 |
| Binghamton Philharmonic Inc Binghamton, NY | General Operating | $12,500 |
| State Theatre Regional Art Ctr New Bruns New Brunswick, NJ | General Operating | $12,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total grants | Number of grants |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $430,000 | 35 |
| 2024 | $350,000 | 29 |
| 2023 | $410,000 | 33 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,989,955 | $8,863,376 | $8,888,433 |
| Revenue | $698,743 | $441,352 | $218,328 |
| Expenses | $564,291 | $474,781 | $525,081 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $466,229 | $388,321 | $445,881 |
| Net Investment Income | $606,818 | $350,957 | $201,660 |
| Distributable Amount | $533,809 | $506,524 | $480,597 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 6, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 4, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 3, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS May 5, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 7, 2024)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. is listed as trustee.
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's only listed officer is Wells Fargo Bank N A, Trustee on every filing since 2019 (compensated).
Officers on the 2025 filing
Wells Fargo Bank N A
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
$98K (2019) → $118K (2025)
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $118K, to Wells Fargo Bank N a (Trustee).
Contact
Application contact: Wells Fargo Philanthropic Services
Mailing address: 6325 S Rainbow Blvd Ste 300, Las Vegas, NV 89118
Phone: (888) 730-4933
Frequently asked questions about Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation
How much does Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation give each year?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation gave $430K across 35 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $350K across 29 grants.
What is Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's typical grant size?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $12,286, across 35 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation that year got $12K on average.
Where does Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation give grants?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation gives mostly in New York: 64% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New Jersey (34%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (15 grants), Summit, NJ (2 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (2 grants).
Does Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (35 of 35) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's largest grantees?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include American Theatre Wing ($25,000), New York Youth Symphony Inc ($20,000) and Saratoga Performing Arts Center ($20,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 15% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation reported $9.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $466K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $534K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated purpose is to perpetuate Charlotte V. Bergen’s love of classical music and support of musical education through grants for musical performing arts and musical education. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation?
The foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's EIN?
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-6359304. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds one-time capital needs—such as construction, renovations, equipment, and furnishings—for eligible nonprofits working in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most grants are $5,000–$20,000, and it primarily serves New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey; the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
Investors Foundation Inc
Summit, NJ
Investors Foundation Inc funds community organizations working in arts, education, health and human services, youth, and affordable housing, primarily in New Jersey, New York City’s five boroughs, and Long Island. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $60,000, with a median of $2,500. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online application, with deadlines of February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Assets
$13.4M
Grants
135
Total Given
$986K
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports nonprofits and projects across arts, education, environment, health and human services, and social welfare. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $19,800, though awards varied widely; funding went to organizations in multiple states, with 32% of itemized grant dollars going to New Jersey. It accepts applications for specific opportunities, and its FAQ encourages eligible New Jersey 501(c)(3) nonprofits to apply; requirements vary by opportunity.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health-access initiatives for disproportionately affected populations, including cancer, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation, in the United States and internationally. In 2024, its median grant was $134,090, though awards varied widely; it says application materials are available upon request and advises organizations to contact it about the process, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Geraldine R Dodge Foundation Inc
Newark, NJ
The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation primarily supports work advancing economic equity and closing New Jersey’s racial wealth gap, including housing choice, homeownership, and economic security; its grants also span arts, education, the environment, and local journalism. Most funding goes to New Jersey organizations, with a typical grant of about $25,000 (2024 median). It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$349.2M
Grants
193
Total Given
$10.6M
Greater Horizons
Kansas City, MO
Greater Horizons is a donor-advised fund provider whose donor-directed grants support eligible U.S. public charities across a broad range of causes; international organizations may also qualify with additional review and fees. In 2024, grants had a median of $15,000, with itemized awards ranging from $5,001 to $10,073,050, and recipients were located across the United States, especially in California, Texas, Nebraska, New York, and Kansas. It describes a grant-request process for donors, not an application process for organizations, so unsolicited requests are not stated as accepted.
Assets
$2.8B
Grants
3,282
Total Given
$212.2M
St Louis Community Foundation Inc
St. Louis, MO
The St. Louis Community Foundation supports nonprofits through donor- and foundation-directed grants, with priorities including economic mobility and youth connections as well as education, health, arts, and culture. Its 2024 grants had a median of $20,000, though amounts ranged from $5,050 to $4 million; its regional priorities center on Greater St. Louis, especially designated high-need ZIP codes. Grant processes vary by fund, so the profile does not establish whether the Foundation accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$494.4M
Grants
839
Total Given
$63.9M
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The foundation supports a broad range of charitable organizations and community projects, with 2024 grants typically small (median $1,500) but ranging from $200 to $60,500. Most funding went to Missouri, followed by Kansas and Illinois, with smaller amounts elsewhere; it says applicants should contact the program director and provide proof of 501(c)(3) status, and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
—
Grants
645
Total Given
$2.0M
Patterson Family Foundation
Kansas City, MO
The Patterson Family Foundation funds healthcare, education, and economic opportunity, including program, operating, equipment, and capital grants for organizations serving rural communities in Kansas and western Missouri, generally in counties under 50,000 residents. Its 2021 awards ranged from $144 to $2.5 million, with a median of $6,300; it says it does not accept unsolicited funding requests and contributes only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
607
Total Given
$22.3M
Midway USA Foundation Inc
Columbia, MO
MidwayUSA Foundation funds U.S. high school, college, and other youth shooting-sports teams and activities across all shooting disciplines; it does not support adult programs or non-U.S. teams. In 2024, grants ranged from $902 to $388,797, with a median of $10,601; team cash grants are generally 5% of an eligible program’s endowment balance, and coach-training grants are $1,000–$5,000. It accepts applications through its online system from eligible programs.
Assets
$359.7M
Grants
497
Total Given
$10.1M
Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc
Springfield, MO
The Community Foundation of the Ozarks funds projects in areas including education, health, economic development, environmental sustainability, arts, and community well-being, primarily in the Springfield area and affiliate communities across the Ozarks and southern Missouri. In 2025, its 477 grants ranged from $5,065 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000. It accepts applications for eligible programs through its grant portal; criteria and deadlines vary by program.
Assets
$539.7M
Grants
477
Total Given
$21.4M
More Funders in Missouri
Frank and Lydia Bergen Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?