Kvistad Foundation
The Kvistad Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation established in 1988 and tax-exempt since May 1989. Based in Olivebridge, New York, the foundation was created by Garry and Diane Kvistad following the establishment of Woodstock Chimes in 1979. The foundation supports humanitarian efforts and the arts through grantmaking to nonprofit organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.4M
-5.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$134K
-12.2% YoY
Grant Count
31
+14.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$4K
-23.6% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Kvistad Foundation reported a distributable amount of $68K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary purpose is giving to organizations that provide food and shelter for the poor, including the elderly and children, with a particular focus on Ulster County, New York.
Beyond this core mission, the foundation also supports:
- Education
- Philanthropy and voluntarism
- Human services
- Arts and culture, including concert series in the Hudson Valley region
- Historic buildings
- Creative writing
- Journalism
Grantmaking
The foundation has evolved its grantmaking structure over time. As the Kvistad business grew and the foundation received an increasing volume of funding requests, the founders established the Kvistad Family Designated Fund to issue predetermined grants to a select group of agencies while streamlining the overall grantmaking process.
Review Cycle
, the foundation has distributed nearly 70 grants annually
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary funding focus:
- Ulster County, New York
- New York State (Hudson Valley region)
- District of Columbia
- Pennsylvania
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total assets: $1,446,768
- Total revenue: $66,785
- Total expenses: $146,958
- Net income: -$80,173
- Total liabilities: $0
Revenue Sources (2024):
- Contributions received: $4,651
- Interest revenue: $0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,446,768 | $1,526,941 | $1,606,907 |
| Revenue | $66,785 | $82,166 | $20,450 |
| Expenses | $146,958 | $162,132 | $97,247 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $133,625 | $152,250 | $94,770 |
| Net Investment Income | $62,134 | $66,510 | $12,482 |
| Distributable Amount | $68,407 | $72,070 | $74,272 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
208 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley ($100,500), D&h Canal Historical Society ($5,000), Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York ($5,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ARTS MID-HUDSON POUGHKEEPSIE, NY | FINE ARTS | $300 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY POUGHKEEPSIE, NY | COMMUNITY CULTURE | $100,500 |
| D&H CANAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY HIGH FALLS, NY | HISTORICAL PRESERVATION | $5,000 |
| DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS ELLENVILLE, NY | HUMANITARIAN | $500 |
| HUDSY KINGSTON, NY | ARTS | $500 |
| MATAGIRI SRI AUROBINDO CENTER MOUNT TEMPER, NY | COMMUNITY CULTURE | $1,500 |
| MAVERICK CONCERTS INC WOODSTOCK, NY | PERFORMING ARTS | $3,000 |
| NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION ASSOC WASHINGTON, DC | HUMANITARIAN | $300 |
| PAUL DELISIO MEMORIAL GOLF KINGSTON, NY | COMMUNITY CULTURE | $125 |
| ROSENDALE THEATRE COLLECTIVE ROSENDALE, NY | PERFORMING ARTS | $1,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Founders:
- Garry Kvistad
- Diane Kvistad
The founders have been actively involved in monitoring and directing foundation grants. Diane Kvistad previously managed the annual grant request process directly before the foundation evolved its structure.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIANE HERRICK-KVISTAD | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| GARRY KVISTAD | TREAS/SECRETARY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has maintained active grantmaking operations through recent years. In their most recent tax filing (2024), the foundation reported significant grant distributions totaling $133,625, demonstrating continued philanthropic activity across their focus areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kvistad Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary purpose is giving to organizations that provide food and shelter for the poor, including the elderly and children, with a particular focus on Ulster County, New York. Beyond this core mission, the foundation also supports: • Education • Philanthropy and voluntarism • Human services • Arts and culture, including concert series in the Hudson Valley region • Historic buildings • Creative writing • Journalism
How do I apply for a grant from Kvistad Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Total giving in 2024: $133,625 • Typical award range: $100–$100,500 • In recent grant cycles, the foundation has distributed nearly 70 grants annually **Approach:** The foundation has evolved its grantmaking structure over time. As the Kvistad business grew and the foundation received an increasing volume of funding requests, the founders established the Kvistad Family Designated Fund to issue predetermined grants to a select group of agencies while streamlining the overal…
Where does Kvistad Foundation make grants?
Primary funding focus: • Ulster County, New York • New York State (Hudson Valley region) • District of Columbia • Pennsylvania
What size grants does Kvistad Foundation award?
In 2024, Kvistad Foundation awarded 31 grants totaling $134K — an average of about $4K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Kvistad Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Kvistad Foundation reported a distributable amount of $68K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Kvistad Foundation's EIN?
Kvistad Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 14-1702791. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Kvistad Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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