Fromstein Foundation Ltd
Fromstein Foundation Ltd is a private foundation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Its 2020 filing reports 12 grants totaling $2,038,848. A 2019 filing is marked as the organization’s final return and refers to a plan of complete liquidation and dissolution, so the foundation appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking; the 2020 filing nevertheless reports grant activity for that year.
Fromstein Foundation Ltd at a glance
In short: Fromstein Foundation Ltd gave $2.0M across 12 grants in 2020 (avg $170K), top state Ohio. Source: 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2020)
- $2,038,848
- Grants made (2020)
- 12
- Average grant
- $169,904
- Median grant
- $1,650
- Primary geography
- Ohio (49% of itemized 2020 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2020 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2020; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Fromstein Foundation Ltd
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. This policy is reported in a filing marked as the organization’s final return and should not be taken as current application guidance.
- Contact
Mailing address: 833 E Michigan St No 1800, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 273-3500
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Fromstein Foundation Ltd funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2020
The largest 2020 recipient was American Endowment Foundation ($998K). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
12 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 10 grants of 12 (83%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2020 filing reports grant-dollar shares by recipient state of Ohio 49%, Pennsylvania 48%, Florida 2%, Illinois 1%, and New York 0%. These figures describe the reported distribution of 2020 grants, not a stated geographic focus.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2020 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
In 2020 it made 12 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| American Endowment Foundation Hudson, OH | Funding of the john and elizabeth fromstein charitable fund | $997,899 |
| National Philanthropic Trust Jenkintown, PA | Funding of the Henley Family Donor Advised Fund | $979,649 |
| The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County West Palm Beach, FL | Charitable | $39,000 |
| Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago Chicago, IL | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Ravinia Festival Highland Park, IL | Charitable | $5,000 |
| B'nai Vail Congregation Vail, CO | Charitable | $1,800 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc New York, NY | Charitable | $1,500 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation Madison, WI | Charitable | $1,250 |
| Congregation Rodeph Shalom New York, NY | Charitable | $1,000 |
| The Bridge Santa Rosa, CA | Charitable | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Fromstein Foundation Ltd?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $254,609 | $2,071,941 | $2,038,848 | 12 | $245,631 | $90,946 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Fromstein Foundation Ltd reported a distributable amount of $91K for 2020 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2020 grants went to charitable organizations and to organizations administering donor-advised funds. For example, American Endowment Foundation describes its mission as expanding the capacity of American philanthropy, while National Philanthropic Trust describes its work as administering donor-advised funds and helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals.
Other recipients describe missions that include strengthening Jewish identity and meeting community needs (Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County), building stronger neighborhoods and equitable opportunities (United Way of Metro Chicago), providing reproductive and complementary health care and advocating public policies (Planned Parenthood Federation of America), and advancing the University of Wisconsin–Madison through alumni, donor, and community support (University of Wisconsin Foundation). These are the grantees’ stated missions, not the foundation’s.
Grantmaking
In 2020, the foundation made 12 grants totaling $2,038,848. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $997,899, with a median grant of $1,650. The two largest grants were $997,899 to American Endowment Foundation for the John and Elizabeth Fromstein Charitable Fund and $979,649 to National Philanthropic Trust for the Henley Family Donor Advised Fund. Other grants included $39,000 to Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, $10,000 to Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, and $5,000 to Ravinia Festival.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2020 filing lists Jane F. Henley as president and director; John L. Fromstein as vice president, secretary, and director; and J. Gardner Govan as treasurer and director.
Fromstein Foundation Ltd is led by Jane F. Henley, President & Director on the 2020 filing; none of the 3 officers listed in 2020 report compensation.
Officers on the 2020 filing
Jane F. Henley
President & Director
New on the 2020 filing
No compensation reported
J. Gardner Govan
Treasurer & Director
New on the 2020 filing
No compensation reported
John L. Fromstein
Vice President, Secretary & Director
New on the 2020 filing
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020. "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 Fromstein Foundation Ltd
How much does Fromstein Foundation Ltd give each year?
Fromstein Foundation Ltd gave $2.0M across 12 grants in 2020, according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
What is Fromstein Foundation Ltd's typical grant size?
Fromstein Foundation Ltd's median grant in 2020 was $1,650, and its average grant was $169,904, across 12 grants on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Fromstein Foundation Ltd give grants?
Fromstein Foundation Ltd's top state is Ohio, with 49% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest state was Pennsylvania (48%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (2 grants).
Does Fromstein Foundation Ltd give general operating support?
Not in 2020: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Fromstein Foundation Ltd's 2020 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (10 grants).
Who are Fromstein Foundation Ltd's largest grantees?
Fromstein Foundation Ltd's largest 2020 grantees include American Endowment Foundation ($997,899), National Philanthropic Trust ($979,649) and The Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County ($39,000), according to its 2020 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 99% of its itemized 2020 grant dollars.
What does Fromstein Foundation Ltd fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2020 grants went to charitable organizations and to organizations administering donor-advised funds. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Fromstein Foundation Ltd?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
How much is Fromstein Foundation Ltd required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2020, Fromstein Foundation Ltd reported a distributable amount of $91K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Fromstein Foundation Ltd's EIN?
Fromstein Foundation Ltd's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 39-1287508. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020.
Does Fromstein Foundation Ltd accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS September 5, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal year 2020
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Fromstein Foundation Ltd's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Wisconsin
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, IL
The Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago funds human services, Jewish education and community programs, crisis response, and support for Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, primarily through Chicago-area agencies and initiatives. In 2025, its grants had a median of about $20,000, though awards ranged widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.1B
Grants
896
Total Given
$166.6M
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
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports a broad range of causes, including arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, through donor-directed and other charitable funds. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $19,759, with awards ranging widely; its current health grant opportunity serves Morris and Somerset counties. Eligible New Jersey nonprofits may apply to specific grant opportunities, subject to each opportunity’s guidelines.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
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
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing
Appleton, WI
Thrivent Charitable Impact & Investing distributes donor-directed and program donations to a broad range of causes and organizations in local, national, and global communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $11,520 and ranged from $5,006 to $5 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$939.7M
Grants
2,565
Total Given
$84.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Fromstein Foundation Ltd'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.
Fromstein Foundation Ltd down — hundreds of funders to go?