Leader Family Foundation
The Leader Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In its 2025 filing, it reported 35 grants totaling $291,500 to charitable organizations, including recipients in Pennsylvania and other states.
Leader Family Foundation at a glance
In short: Leader Family Foundation gave $292K across 35 grants in 2025 (avg $8K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 40% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $291,500
- +7.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 35
- +6.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $8,329
- +1.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $4,436,781
- -1.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 40% first-time grantees (14 of 35, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (54% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Leader Family Foundation
- 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 for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Phone: (717) 533-2474
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Leader Family Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Penn State University ($50K). Together the top 10 received $187K.
Grant Size Distribution
148 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 145 grants of 148 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 54% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania. Other recipient-state shares were 15% in Washington, DC, 12% in Massachusetts, 8% in New York, and 4% in Minnesota.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 35 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Leader Family Foundation open to new grantees?
40%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 14 of 35 grantees (40%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $10K; repeat grants $7K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 46% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 65% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 116% 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.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $174K (2019) to $292K (2025). In 2025 it made 35 grants totaling $292K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Penn State University University Park, PA | General Support of Programs | $50,000 |
| Lawyers Defending American Democracy Framingham, MA | General Support of Programs | $25,000 |
| Unrwa Washington, DC | General Support of Programs | $25,000 |
| United Way of the Capitol Region Enola, PA | General Support of Programs | $20,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Keystone Warminster, PA | General Support of Programs | $15,000 |
| Central Pa Food Bank Harrisburg, PA | General Support of Programs | $11,500 |
| ACLU Foundation New York, NY | General Support of Programs | $10,000 |
| American Red Cross ( Designate Towards CA Wildfire Relief ) Boone, IA | General Support of Programs | $10,000 |
| Grassroots International Boston, MA | General Support of Programs | $10,000 |
| National Ataxia Foundation Gloden Valley, MN | General Support of Programs | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Leader Family Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $4,436,781 | $238,792 | $324,460 | $291,500 | 35 | $292,748 | $101,289 | $252,732 |
| 2024 | $4,520,579 | $562,110 | $311,565 | $271,500 | 33 | $272,982 | $535,629 | $236,832 |
| 2023 | $4,270,034 | $1,076,948 | $210,955 | $186,500 | 29 | $187,487 | $553,880 | $208,718 |
| 2022 | $3,440,406 | $125,034 | $201,839 | $176,500 | 22 | $177,425 | $101,720 | $196,434 |
| 2021 | $3,517,211 | $197,085 | $259,683 | $231,500 | 29 | $236,337 | $173,739 | $214,366 |
| 2020 | $3,579,809 | $121,461 | $281,675 | $251,500 | 24 | — | $99,836 | $178,932 |
| 2019 | $3,740,023 | $347,867 | $198,858 | $174,000 | 15 | — | $273,371 | $163,918 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Leader Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $253K for 2025 — 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 2025 grants included support for organizations working in areas such as reproductive health, education, journalism, food assistance, and international relief. These are grantees’ activities, not stated focus areas of the foundation. For example, Planned Parenthood Keystone describes its mission as providing and promoting access to reproductive health care and sexuality education; Spotlight PA describes its mission as investigative and public service journalism; and Relief International describes its work as partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 35 grants totaling $291,500. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $50,000, with a median of $5,000. The filing lists the purposes of the largest grants as “general support of programs.”
Among the larger 2025 grants were $50,000 to Penn State University; $25,000 each to Lawyers Defending American Democracy and UNRWA; $20,000 to United Way of the Capitol Region; and $15,000 to Planned Parenthood Keystone. Other reported grants included $11,500 to Central PA Food Bank and $10,000 each to the ACLU Foundation, Grassroots International, National Ataxia Foundation, Relief International, and Threefold Education Association.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists G Michael Leader III as president and director, Jane L Janeczek as secretary and director, and David C Leader as treasurer and director.
Leader Family Foundation is led by G. Michael Leader III, President & Director on every filing since 2019; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
G. Michael Leader III
President & Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
David C. Leader
Treasurer & Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jane L. Janeczek
Secretary & Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
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.
Frequently asked questions about Leader Family Foundation
How much does Leader Family Foundation give each year?
Leader Family Foundation gave $292K across 35 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $272K across 33 grants.
What is Leader Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Leader Family Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $8,329, across 35 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Leader Family Foundation that year got $10K on average.
Where does Leader Family Foundation give grants?
Leader Family Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 54% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were District of Columbia (15%) and Massachusetts (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Harrisburg, PA (6 grants), Washington, DC (5 grants), New York, NY (4 grants) and Lancaster, PA (2 grants).
Does Leader Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Leader Family 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 Leader Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Leader Family Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Penn State University ($50,000), Lawyers Defending American Democracy ($25,000) and Unrwa ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 34% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Leader Family Foundation?
Leader Family Foundation reported $4.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $293K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $253K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Leader Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants included support for organizations working in areas such as reproductive health, education, journalism, food assistance, and international relief. These are grantees’ activities, not stated focus areas of the foundation. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Leader Family Foundation?
The foundation states that it 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 Leader Family Foundation's EIN?
Leader Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 16-1720952. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Leader 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
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS September 30, 2021)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 1, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work Leader Family Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Leader Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Pennsylvania
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
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds nonprofits working in basic needs, equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, with most opportunities for organizations in Allegheny County or primarily serving its residents. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of about $18,600, though awards varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
The William Penn Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The William Penn Foundation funds arts and culture, children and families, civic participation, the environment and public spaces, and workforce training, primarily in the Philadelphia region. Its 2024 median grant was $50,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts unsolicited requests through limited open applications and invites letters of inquiry from public charities.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
1,027
Total Given
$148.8M
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation
Coraopolis, PA
DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation primarily funds youth sports participation in under-resourced communities, including equipment, registration costs and facilities, and also supports outdoor access and education. Its 2025 grants ranged from $626 to $2.5 million, with a median of $5,000, and Sports Matter funding has reached all 50 states. Sports Matter opportunities are by invitation only; the foundation says 501(c)(3) grant requests should be submitted in writing.
Assets
$34.5M
Grants
964
Total Given
$18.0M
Hillman Family Foundations
Pittsburgh, PA
The 18 independently operated foundations support projects in areas such as arts and culture, health, education, economic development, and community improvement, with a preference for Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania; each foundation has its own geographic focus. In 2024, grants ranged from $75 to $5 million, with a median of $20,000. The 2024 filing says unsolicited requests are accepted, beginning with a brief letter of intent through the online portal.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
814
Total Given
$88.8M
Pidc Financing Corporation
Philadelphia, PA
PIDC Financing Corporation administers Pennsylvania business loans for real estate, leasehold improvements, and equipment, as well as partner-funded grants for Philadelphia economic, cultural, civic, historical, storefront, and stormwater projects. Its 2024 filing reports no grants, so no typical giving level is stated; grant partners select recipients, and the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$6.7M
Grants
774
Total Given
$16.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Leader Family Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/leader-family-foundation-morg_b1f15d66e05d487393f73b882dd46c68
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_161720952_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Leader Family Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/leader-family-foundation-morg_b1f15d66e05d487393f73b882dd46c68},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-19. 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 Leader 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.
Leader Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?