Ruffo Family Foundation Inc
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Racine, Wisconsin. It makes grants to charitable organizations working in education; arts and culture; healthcare; cancer prevention, treatment and research; and local community improvement.
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Ruffo Family Foundation Inc gave $331K across 36 grants in 2025 (avg $9K), mostly in Wisconsin. 17% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $330,500
- +17.4% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 36
- +16.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $9,181
- +1.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $3,000
- Total assets
- $3,247,595
- +4.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 17% first-time grantees (6 of 36, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Wisconsin (70% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ruffo Family Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 44656, Racine, WI 53404-7014
Phone: (262) 994-5550
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Ruffo Family Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Racine Zoological Society ($88K). Together the top 10 received $252K.
Grant Size Distribution
152 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 149 grants of 152 (98%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, Wisconsin recipients received 70% of grant dollars. New York received 11%, Massachusetts 8%, Virginia 4%, and Texas 2%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 36 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ruffo Family Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
17%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 6 of 36 grantees (17%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $11K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $5K repeat.
- 78% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 130% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 110% 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 $91K (2019) to $331K (2025). In 2025 it made 36 grants totaling $331K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Racine Zoological Society Racine, WI | $85,000 to support the capital campaign and $3,000 in general operating support | $88,000 |
| The Prairie School Wind Point, WI | $17,500 to support the prairie fund, $5,000 for the prairie premiere scholarship program, $25,000 for the ruffo family scholarship fund, and $2,500 to sponsor the golf outing. | $50,000 |
| Mount Holyoke College South Hadley, MA | Support the Mount Holyoke Fund | $27,000 |
| Racine Art Museum Association Racine, WI | $2,000 for savor artist stipend and $20,000 in general operating support | $22,000 |
| Cornell University Ithaca, NY | Support the samuel curtis johnson graduate school of management | $20,000 |
| Racine Community Foundation Racine, WI | Support the Ruffo Family Fund | $15,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation Madison, WI | Support the Great People Scholarship Fund | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Inc Milwaukee, WI | General Operating Support | $7,500 |
| Foundation for the Advancement of Human Systems Alexandria, VA | General Operating Support | $6,000 |
| Susan G Komen Cancer Foundation Inc Dallas, TX | General Operating Support | $6,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ruffo Family Foundation Inc?
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 | $3,247,595 | $477,014 | $348,271 | $330,500 | 36 | $334,708 | $469,667 | $304,883 |
| 2024 | $3,118,867 | $389,908 | $297,234 | $281,500 | 31 | $286,375 | $388,572 | $301,717 |
| 2023 | $3,026,193 | $336,091 | $213,147 | $199,965 | 30 | $204,373 | $340,171 | $247,107 |
| 2022 | $2,903,249 | $284,172 | $155,452 | $143,905 | 31 | $148,072 | $276,863 | $217,862 |
| 2021 | $2,778,046 | $255,135 | $127,220 | $90,700 | 24 | $95,444 | $252,914 | $136,172 |
| 2020 | $2,647,514 | $1,489,404 | $860,630 | $94,950 | 24 | — | $5,409 | — |
| 2019 | $2,035,251 | $228,064 | $160,065 | $90,650 | 21 | — | $15,145 | $76,903 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ruffo Family Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $305K 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
The foundation states that its grantmaking supports education, arts and culture, healthcare, cancer prevention, treatment and research, and organizations seeking to improve local communities.
Its 2025 grantees include organizations whose own missions span these areas. The Racine Zoological Society describes its work as fostering an affordable wildlife experience that strengthens the bond between people and nature, while providing recreation and education, conserving wildlife and wild places, and advancing science. The Prairie School describes its mission as K–12 education in a private school setting. The Racine Art Museum Association says it exhibits, collects, preserves, and educates in contemporary visual arts.
Other grantees describe work in community funding and student support, university advancement, sexual and reproductive health services and education, and support for girls and young women in Africa. The foundation’s 2025 grants also included general operating support for healthcare and cancer-related organizations.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 36 grants totaling $330,500. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $88,000, with a median of $3,000. Its filing states that grants were provided to 35 exempt organizations.
Among the largest 2025 grants were $88,000 to the Racine Zoological Society, including $85,000 for its capital campaign and $3,000 in general operating support; $50,000 to The Prairie School for its Prairie Fund, scholarship programs, and golf outing; and $27,000 to Mount Holyoke College for the Mount Holyoke Fund. Other notable grants included $22,000 to the Racine Art Museum Association, $20,000 to Cornell University, $15,000 to the Racine Community Foundation, and $10,000 to the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
The foundation says its grants to The Prairie School will provide post-primary school scholarships for attendance at the school. These are grants to the school, not an application process for outside grantseekers.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Richard Ruffo as president and treasurer, Diane Ruffo as vice president and secretary, and Elena Ruffo and Nicholas Ruffo as board members.
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc is led by Richard Ruffo, President & Treasurer on every filing since 2019; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Richard Ruffo
President & Treasurer
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Diane Ruffo
Vice President & Secretary
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Elena Ruffo
Board Member
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nicholas Ruffo
Board Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/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 Ruffo Family Foundation Inc
How much does Ruffo Family Foundation Inc give each year?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc gave $331K across 36 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $282K across 31 grants.
What is Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's median grant in 2025 was $3,000, and its average grant was $9,181, across 36 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ruffo Family Foundation Inc that year got $2K on average.
Where does Ruffo Family Foundation Inc give grants?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc gives mostly in Wisconsin: 70% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (11%) and Massachusetts (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Racine, WI (12 grants), New York, NY (4 grants), Alexandria, VA (3 grants) and Milwaukee, WI (3 grants).
Does Ruffo Family Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 86% of Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (31 of 36) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Racine Zoological Society ($88,000), The Prairie School ($50,000) and Mount Holyoke College ($27,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ruffo Family Foundation Inc?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc reported $3.2M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $335K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $305K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Ruffo Family Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation states that its grantmaking supports education, arts and culture, healthcare, cancer prevention, treatment and research, and organizations seeking to improve local communities. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ruffo Family Foundation Inc?
The foundation 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 Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's EIN?
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-5171174. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does Ruffo Family 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.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 13, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 6, 2026)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS June 18, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS August 3, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 19, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 9, 2024)
Live grants for the work Ruffo Family Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ruffo Family Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Lang Family Foundation Inc
Punta Gorda, FL
The Lang Family Foundation supports Wisconsin organizations in areas including basic needs, health care, education, senior services, community development, conservation, and wildlife. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $37,333, with a median award of $2,000; the profile says applicants should apply directly, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$395K
Grants
25
Total Given
$83K
Racine Community Foundation Inc
Racine, WI
Racine Community Foundation supports nonprofits strengthening Racine County in areas including arts and culture, education, healthcare, human services, community development, and the environment. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median award of $24,500, with grants ranging from $5,336 to $133,266. It accepts requests through an annual Letter of Intent process; only organizations whose LOIs are accepted are invited to apply.
Assets
$95.6M
Grants
88
Total Given
$2.9M
AbbVie Foundation
North Chicago, IL
The AbbVie Foundation funds health equity, access to care, cancer care, community health, and related community-led programs through partnerships and employee initiatives. Its 2025 grants ranged from $8,000 to $15 million, with a median of $25,000; it supports work worldwide, with the largest share of recent grants going to Illinois. It makes grants only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$265.6M
Grants
65
Total Given
$47.1M
Johnson Family Foundation
Racine, WI
The Johnson Family Foundation supports education, human services, community programs, arts, and related work, primarily in Wisconsin. Its 2025 grants had a median of $10,000, though amounts ranged from $1,000 to $1,467,500. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected organizations.
Assets
$67.6M
Grants
47
Total Given
$3.5M
United Way of Racine County Inc
Racine, WI
United Way of Racine County funds nonprofit programs and community initiatives focused on healthy communities, youth opportunity, financial security, and related local needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $7,209 to $242,115, with a median award of about $25,000, and supported recipients in Wisconsin, including programs serving Racine County residents. The profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$10.6M
Grants
42
Total Given
$2.0M
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
More similar funders
More Funders in Wisconsin
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ruffo Family Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ruffo-family-foundation-inc-morg_5003abc077ab49c389e80e0f357fe36a
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_825171174_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ruffo Family Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ruffo-family-foundation-inc-morg_5003abc077ab49c389e80e0f357fe36a},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-20. 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 Ruffo Family Foundation Inc'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.
Ruffo Family Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?