Namaste Foundation Inc
Namaste Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Watchung, New Jersey. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations and a $250,899 distribution to a donor-advised fund managed at and by Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust.
Key facts about Namaste Foundation Inc
In short: Namaste Foundation Inc gave $263K across 21 grants in 2024 (avg $13K), mostly in Indiana. 14% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 26-2541411
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $263,257
- Grants made (2024)
- 21
- Average grant
- $12,536
- Median grant
- $515
- New grantees (estimate)
- 14% first-time grantees (3 of 21, 2024)
- Total assets
- $54
- Primary geography
- Indiana (95% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- 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. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; 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 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$54
-100.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$263K
+45.7% YoY
Grant Count
21
-27.6% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$13K
+101.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Namaste Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Namaste Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
14%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 3 of 21 grantees (14%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $84K; repeat grants $649. How we count
Medians: $412 first-time, $515 repeat.
- 38% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 166% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for health, hunger relief, conservation, environmental programs, literacy, and arts, design, and science. These are areas reflected in the listed grants, not stated foundation priorities. For example, the Community FoodBank of New Jersey describes its work as addressing the root causes of hunger, while the Nature Conservancy says its mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Reading Power describes its work as literacy tutoring for elementary-school children.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 21 grants totaling $263,257. Grant amounts ranged from $25 to $250,899, with a median of $515. The largest reported distribution, $250,899, went to Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust for the Bernhaut Namaste Foundation donor-advised fund. The foundation stated in its filing that this qualifying distribution resulted in a substantial contraction of foundation assets.
Ready to take the next step with Namaste Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in Indiana. The remaining reported shares were 1% each to recipients in Virginia, New York, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $99K (2021) to $263K (2024). In 2024 it made 21 grants totaling $263K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust ($251K). Together the top 10 received $260K.
Grant Size Distribution
156 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 154 grants of 156 (99%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust Indianapolis, IN | Donor advised fund - bernhaut namaste foundation accountdonation of cash, money market funds, publicly traded securities, and us treasury billbook value of $233,104 (cost basis of assets)fair value of $250,899 (fair market value of assets)date of donation: 02/01/2024 | $250,899 |
| National Vaccine Information Center Sterling, VA | General and Rehabilitative Health Support | $2,500 |
| Community Food Bank of New Jersey Hillside, NJ | Social Programs | $1,046 |
| Hadassah the Women's Zionist Organization of America New York, NY | Support to the land, the people, and the future of israel | $1,030 |
| Children's Health Defense Peachtree City, GA | Support to End Childhood Health Epidemics | $1,000 |
| Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation New York, NY | Type 1 Diabetes Research, Community and Activist Services | $1,000 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council New York, NY | Social, Educational, Cultural and Recreational Programs | $1,000 |
| Rare Arlington, VA | Conservation Programs for Imperiled Species and Ecosystems | $528 |
| Environmental Defense Fund Washington, DC | Environmental Quality Protection & Beautification | $527 |
| Sierra Club Oakland, CA | Environmental Program Support | $515 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $54 | $397 | $265,270 | $263,257 |
| 2023 | $247,132 | $212,542 | $187,377 | $180,737 |
| 2022 | $221,967 | $83,712 | $136,012 | $129,265 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $54 | $247,132 | $221,967 |
| Revenue | $397 | $212,542 | $83,712 |
| Expenses | $265,270 | $187,377 | $136,012 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $265,104 | $184,139 | $131,921 |
| Net Investment Income | $231 | $159,947 | $79,621 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,566 | $13,172 | $19,733 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists David Bernhaut as president and treasurer, Gayle Bernhaut as vice president and secretary, and Steven Bernhaut as trustee.
Namaste Foundation Inc is led by David Bernhaut, President & Treasurer since 2022 (on filings since 2020); none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David Bernhaut
President & Treasurer
Treasurer → President & Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Steven Bernhaut
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gayle Bernhaut
Vice President & Secretary
Trustee → Vice President & Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Eric Witmondt (2020–2021) — President
- Former: Jacqueline Witmondt (2020–2021) — Vice President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: 187 Bayberry Lane, Watchung, NJ 07069
Phone: (908) 769-9501
Frequently asked questions about Namaste Foundation Inc
How much does Namaste Foundation Inc give each year?
Namaste Foundation Inc gave $263K across 21 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $181K across 29 grants.
What is Namaste Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Namaste Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $515, and its average grant was $12,536, across 21 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Namaste Foundation Inc that year got $84K on average.
Where does Namaste Foundation Inc give grants?
Namaste Foundation Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (4 grants), New York, NY (3 grants), Newark, NJ (3 grants) and Arlington, VA (2 grants).
Does Namaste Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 14% of Namaste Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 21) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Namaste Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Namaste Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Morgan Stanley Global Impact Funding Trust ($250,899), National Vaccine Information Center ($2,500) and Community Food Bank of New Jersey ($1,046), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 97% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Namaste Foundation Inc?
Namaste Foundation Inc reported $54 in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $265K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Namaste Foundation Inc fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for health, hunger relief, conservation, environmental programs, literacy, and arts, design, and science. These are areas reflected in the listed grants, not stated foundation priorities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Namaste Foundation Inc?
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 Namaste Foundation Inc's EIN?
Namaste Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-2541411. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Namaste Foundation Inc 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.
Here's the math on researching Namaste Foundation Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Namaste Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Jersey
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds work to improve health and health equity in the United States, including health policy, community health, prevention, and social justice. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to recipients across multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
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
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports local charities, agencies, and schools addressing needs such as food insecurity, housing, education, health, environmental protection, and animal welfare in communities where Crane Company operates or its associates have connections. In 2024, grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds organizations in multiple states. The fund contributes only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
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
Princeton Area Community Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
Princeton Area Community Foundation funds nonprofits working in education, basic needs, health, housing, arts, the environment, and nonprofit capacity, with priorities including poverty and the needs of children, families, and communities. Its 2024 median grant was $15,000, and its discretionary programs focus on Greater Mercer County and central New Jersey, though donor-recommended grants may support nonprofits elsewhere. Eligible regional nonprofits may apply through competitive programs such as the Community Impact Grants.
Assets
$279.6M
Grants
515
Total Given
$31.3M
Oceanfirst Foundation
Toms River, NJ
OceanFirst Foundation funds nonprofits working in economic stability, youth development, health and wellness, housing, education, and community quality of life, including scholarships, summer camps, and flexible support. It serves communities in OceanFirst Bank’s New Jersey footprint; 2025 grants ranged from $50 to $55,000, with a median of $2,200. It accepts unsolicited requests, and deadlines vary by program.
Assets
$6.1M
Grants
425
Total Given
$1.6M
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Metrowest NJ
Whippany, NJ
The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater MetroWest NJ supports Jewish and broader-community causes, including local Jewish education, older-adult services, synagogue engagement, and specified needs in Israel; it also makes grants nationally and internationally. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,400, while its local program offers up to $15,000–$20,000 depending on category. It accepts applications from eligible agencies and synagogues for its local program during a stated application period, and from qualifying organizations for Israel grants each spring.
Assets
$648.3M
Grants
407
Total Given
$29.3M
KPMG US Foundation Inc
Montvale, NJ
KPMG US Foundation supports education, mental health, community vitality, and community relief and resilience, with grants distributed across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts ranged from about $5,000 to $2.2 million. The available information does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$12.4M
Grants
387
Total Given
$33.5M
United Way of Bergen County
Paramus, NJ
United Way of Bergen County focuses on developing affordable housing for seniors, veterans, working families, and adults with disabilities, and connecting New Jersey residents with health and human-service resources through NJ211. In 2025, its 377 reported grants ranged from $5,001 to $1,847,204, with a median of $9,010; many were donor-designated, and recipients were located in multiple states. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$31.9M
Grants
377
Total Given
$7.0M
American Water Charitable Foundationinc
Camden, NJ
The American Water Charitable Foundation funds water and environmental projects, as well as work in education, workforce readiness, and community support; its 2025 grants had a median of $5,000 and ranged from $500 to $614,954. Applicants must operate in or directly benefit an American Water service territory, and giving is not restricted to preselected organizations; some programs are invitation-only.
Assets
$81.8M
Grants
374
Total Given
$5.5M
More Funders in New Jersey
Namaste Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?