Quest for the Best
Quest for the Best is a private foundation based in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It provides project-based grants and legal services to support organizations working to strengthen the common good, with a particular geographic preference for Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Quest for the Best at a glance
In short: Quest for the Best gave $710K across 68 grants in 2025 (avg $10K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 43% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $709,744
- +10.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 68
- -20.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $10,437
- +38.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $5,000
- Total assets
- $6,950,268
- -14.5% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 43% first-time grantees (28 of 65, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (96% 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 Quest for the Best
- How to Apply
-
Submit the application form on the foundation’s website; the 2025 filing describes a letter of intent for review. Applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in the United States. Organizations may receive one grant award per year, and the website says organizations with annual revenue over $5 million or assets over $10 million are typically ineligible unless they have a longstanding funding relationship.
- Contact
Application contact: Susan Friedhofer
Mailing address: 295 E Swedesford Rd Suite 252, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: (610) 647-1481
Website: HTTPS://QFTBFOUNDATION.ORG
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Quest for the Best
Who Quest for the Best funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Lifetime Wells International ($71K). Together the top 10 received $365K.
Grant Size Distribution
300 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 290 grants of 300 (97%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Applications are accepted nationwide, with preference given to organizations serving Southeastern Pennsylvania. The foundation’s website identifies Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and Bucks Counties as preferred locations. In 2025, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania; the remaining reported shares went to Utah, Maryland, Indiana, and Delaware.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 68 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Quest for the Best open to new grantees?
43%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 28 of 65 grantees (43%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $12K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 43% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 45% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 210% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $325K (2020) to $710K (2025). In 2025 it made 68 grants totaling $710K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Wells International Aston, PA | Grant for Pumps | $70,998 |
| Ann's Heart Inc Phoenixville, PA | Grant: Long-Term Housing | $50,000 |
| Williamson College of the Trades Media, PA | Scholarships | $38,900 |
| Helping Hands Inc Bechtelsville, PA | Grant for Wheelchair Transit Van | $35,000 |
| Quest Therapeutic Services Inc West Chester, PA | Grant for Equine Therapy Scholarships | $33,000 |
| Charles a Melton Arts & Education Center West Chester, PA | Grant for Security and Safety Upgrades | $30,000 |
| Trellis for Tomorrow Phoenixville, PA | Grant Due for Seeds Program | $30,000 |
| Montgomery County Comm College Foundation Blue Bell, PA | Pledge Under Scholarship AGR for Police Academy | $27,548 |
| Greenhouse Project Chester, PA | Greenhouse 44 Basement Project | $25,000 |
| Chester County Opportunities Ind Ctr Coatesville, PA | Grant: Roof/Hvac | $23,630 |
Ready to take the next step with Quest for the Best?
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 | $6,950,268 | $729,251 | $1,141,519 | $709,744 | 68 | $1,048,557 | $636,289 | $500,360 |
| 2024 | $8,129,201 | $491,892 | $1,164,456 | $640,816 | 85 | $1,040,116 | $413,841 | $505,334 |
| 2023 | $8,800,503 | $336,918 | $1,098,687 | $550,873 | 75 | $974,423 | $267,477 | $501,668 |
| 2022 | $9,556,797 | $-464,220 | $1,101,566 | $490,777 | 48 | $987,971 | $337,548 | $564,882 |
| 2021 | $11,120,515 | $1,613,385 | $928,508 | $343,363 | 24 | $847,970 | $1,452,596 | $582,433 |
| 2020 | $10,432,444 | $259,925 | $957,013 | $324,624 | 30 | — | $191,047 | $574,789 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Quest for the Best reported a distributable amount of $500K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
Quest for the Best’s mission is to provide funds and/or services to those committed to strengthening the common good. Its stated funding priorities include educational access for underserved populations, affordable housing and housing stability, food insecurity, healthcare access, substance and alcohol use prevention and recovery, and clean water access. Its website also identifies humanitarian priorities that include homelessness prevention and hunger relief.
The foundation supports tax-exempt organizations, with a preference for organizations in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Examples of 2025 grantees include Lifetime Wells International, whose mission is to improve quality of life in the developing world through locally supported drinking-water systems; Ann’s Heart, which provides a place of welcome and human services to Phoenixville-area people; and Trellis for Tomorrow, which provides experiential programs related to life skills, food security, and sustainability. Other 2025 grantees included organizations whose missions, as they describe them, involve education and trades training, support for people with developmental disabilities, pediatric therapy, and community recreational, cultural, and social services.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, Quest for the Best reported 68 grants totaling $709,744. Grants ranged from $25 to $70,998, with a median of $5,000. Its website says first-time grants are typically $5,000 and that larger requests are generally reserved for organizations with an established relationship. The website lists a maximum award of $50,000; the 2025 filing reports one grant above that amount.
Among the largest reported 2025 grants were $70,998 to Lifetime Wells International for pumps; $50,000 to Ann’s Heart for long-term housing; $38,900 to Williamson College of the Trades for scholarships; $35,000 to Helping Hands for a wheelchair transit van; and $33,000 to Quest Therapeutic Services for equine therapy scholarships.
The foundation funds specific projects, programs, and equipment rather than general operating expenses. Applicants are asked to provide project goals, budgets, timelines, and outcomes. The website says applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The 2025 filing describes an initial letter of intent, reviewed for compatibility with the foundation’s interest area and the funding request. Grants are subject to a matching requirement: the website says the foundation will grant up to 50% of the funds needed, while the filing states that cash, in-kind donations, or securities designated for the project may qualify as matching contributions. The filing says deadlines are none.
The foundation does not support individuals, election campaigns, or political activities. Its filing also says it does not fund religious organizations or institutions when a project’s impact is primarily denominational. The website says projects submitted by religious organizations must have a clear charitable purpose and directly benefit the community.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Taras M. Wochok as president, Susan Friedhofer as executive director/treasurer, and Holly Maino as chief compliance officer.
Quest for the Best is led by Susan Friedhofer, Executive Director & Treasurer since 2025 (on filings since 2020); all 3 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Susan Friedhofer
Executive Director & Treasurer
Chief Administrative Officer → Executive Director & Treasurer, 2025
On filings since 2020
37 hrs/week
$102K (2020) → $103K (2025)
Taras M. Wochok
President
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
$164K (2020) → $102K (2025)
Holly Maino
Chief Compliance Officer
On filings since 2020
15 hrs/week
$53K (2020) → $75K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: Daniel A. Czaplicki (2020–2024) — Vice President & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 $103K, to Susan Friedhofer (Executive Director/Treasurer). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Quest for the Best
How much does Quest for the Best give each year?
Quest for the Best gave $710K across 68 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $641K across 85 grants.
What is Quest for the Best's typical grant size?
Quest for the Best's median grant in 2025 was $5,000, and its average grant was $10,437, across 68 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Quest for the Best that year got $9K on average.
Where does Quest for the Best give grants?
Quest for the Best gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Phoenixville, PA (11 grants), Philadelphia, PA (10 grants), West Chester, PA (5 grants) and Norristown, PA (3 grants).
Does Quest for the Best give general operating support?
Yes: 28% of Quest for the Best's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (19 of 68) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Donation/Food Program" (3 grants).
Who are Quest for the Best's largest grantees?
Quest for the Best's largest 2025 grantees include Lifetime Wells International ($70,998), Ann's Heart Inc ($50,000) and Williamson College of the Trades ($38,900), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Quest for the Best?
Quest for the Best reported $7.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $500K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Quest for the Best fund?
Quest for the Best’s mission is to provide funds and/or services to those committed to strengthening the common good. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Quest for the Best?
Submit the application form on the foundation’s website; the 2025 filing describes a letter of intent for review. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Quest for the Best's EIN?
Quest for the Best's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-7019969. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Quest for the Best's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Foundation supports economic mobility and other community needs through grants to nonprofits, including workforce development, direct services, and initiatives addressing urgent regional challenges. In 2024, its median grant was $25,500, and its primary service area is Greater Philadelphia; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$704.6M
Grants
715
Total Given
$39.1M
Connelly Foundation
West Conshohocken, PA
The Connelly Foundation funds education, human services, arts and culture, and civic life, supporting charitable organizations serving Philadelphia and nearby Pennsylvania counties, as well as Camden, New Jersey. Its average grant was $41,000 in 2025, and awards may cover multiple years. It accepts online applications in several focus areas, but does not accept unsolicited requests of $100,000 or more.
Assets
$362.1M
Grants
305
Total Given
$15.4M
Henry Dolfinger 2 Trust Uw
Philadelphia, PA
The Henry Dolfinger 2 Trust (Dolfinger-McMahon Foundation) supports charitable and educational projects, including arts, education, and social services, primarily in Greater Philadelphia. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $30,000, with a median of $2,000. It accepts online proposal requests once per calendar year.
Assets
$16.8M
Grants
236
Total Given
$713K
Chester County Community Foundation Inc
West Chester, PA
The Chester County Community Foundation funds nonprofits in arts and culture, health, education, and human services, primarily in Chester County but also elsewhere in the U.S. Its 2025 grants had a median of $12,879, though amounts varied widely; capacity-building proposals are accepted through 2026, while general operating applications are closed until January 2027.
Assets
$136.2M
Grants
170
Total Given
$5.2M
The Gordon Charter Foundation
Wayne, PA
The Gordon Charter Foundation funds healthcare, medical research, education, human services, and some arts and culture, prioritizing programs for disadvantaged and underserved people. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,000 to $60,000, with a median of $15,000, and it focuses mainly on the Greater Philadelphia area. It accepts online letters of inquiry; applicants invited to proceed submit a full application.
Assets
$17.2M
Grants
77
Total Given
$1.2M
Genuardi Family Foundation
Blue Bell, PA
The foundation’s Core Grant Program supports direct services in food access, homelessness prevention and housing, and job training and placement, with typical grants of $10,000–$25,000 per year. It focuses on organizations serving residents of Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, or Bucks Counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It accepts requests through an open online application process; new applicants and some former grantees are asked to contact the foundation before applying.
Assets
$17.1M
Grants
82
Total Given
$2.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Quest for the Best funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/quest-for-the-best-morg_f73ef730cee94893826f152628e3110a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_357019969_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Quest for the Best funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/quest-for-the-best-morg_f73ef730cee94893826f152628e3110a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Quest for the Best'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.
Quest for the Best down — hundreds of funders to go?