Schlessman Foundation Inc
Schlessman Foundation Inc is a private family foundation based in Denver, Colorado, established in 1956 by Gerald L. and Florence M. Schlessman. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is now steered by next-generation family members. With total assets of $84.4 million, the foundation has contributed over $100 million to more than 1,000 charities since its inception.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$84.4M
-0.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.2M
+8.9% YoY
Grant Count
112
-19.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$55K
+35.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Schlessman Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $6.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to support strong nonprofits that provide programs and support to vulnerable Denver Metro area residents, and institutions that contribute to the enrichment and sustainability of the Denver community.
Primary funding areas include:
- Education — including support for educational institutions and programs
- Disadvantaged youth programs and services — particularly those that foster initiative and a positive work ethic
- Elderly/senior programs — assistance in providing necessities of life
- Special needs groups — including people who are handicapped, homeless families, and people who are mentally ill
- Established cultural institutions — museums, libraries, and zoos
The foundation was originally established to provide charitable support for children and adults hindered by economic status, physical or mental challenges, or requiring additional educational opportunities, with the intent to enable them to become self-sufficient, productive members of their communities.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
** $1,500 to $250,000, with a median grant of approximately $8,000
Grant Types
How to Apply
** The foundation has paused its open Letter of Intent (LOI) and new applicant process to focus support on existing relationships. All organizations applying must have received a grant from the foundation within the most recent three years, or be specifically invited by a Trustee to apply.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation focuses on the seven-county Metro Denver area, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending March 2024:
- Total Assets: $84,366,246
- Total Revenue: $6,575,232
- Total Expenses: $7,149,722
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Number of Employees: 1
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $84,366,246 | $84,940,736 | $82,645,895 |
| Revenue | $6,575,232 | $9,105,926 | $9,127,697 |
| Expenses | $7,149,722 | $6,811,085 | $9,901,908 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,350,611 | $5,925,200 | $8,707,511 |
| Net Investment Income | $5,796,197 | $4,881,054 | $6,065,633 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,959,706 | $5,810,756 | $6,481,762 |
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
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Highline Canal ($300,000), Adams County Emergency Food Bank ($20,000), Craig Hospital ($20,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ABILITY CONNECTION COLORADO DENVER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $12,500 |
| ADAMS COUNTY EMERGENCY FOOD BANK COMMERCE CITY, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $20,000 |
| AMERICAN RED CROSS DENVER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $17,500 |
| ANCHOR CENTER FOR BLIND CHILDREN DENVER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $12,000 |
| ARCHWAY HOUSING AND SERVICES LAKEWOOD, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $10,000 |
| AUDIO INFORMATION NETWORK OF COLORADO BOULDER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $10,000 |
| AUGIES QUEST TO CURE ALS DENVER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $10,000 |
| BAYAUD ENTERPRISES DENVER, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $10,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS ENGLEWOOD, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $6,250 |
| BLIND INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY THORNTON, CO | GENERAL OPERATIONS | $12,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Gloria Price — Executive Director (as of 2024)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERIC BENNETT | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| JENNIFER BONICELLI | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| GARY SCHLESSMAN | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| LAUREN WATEL | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| MARGARET SCHLESSMAN EMMERICH | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL D FREDERICKS | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| AARON GARNETT | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| BENJAMIN GARNETT | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| COLIN GARNETT | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| SANDRA GARNETT | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| DOLORES J SCHLESSMAN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| GLORIA PRICE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $145,800 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has gradually increased funding in recent years. The foundation supports several "legacy" organizations through multi-year grants and has become more selective in its grantmaking, focusing on deepening relationships with existing grantees rather than expanding to new applicants.
Schlessman Family Foundation donates largest gift in FLC historySubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Schlessman Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission is to support strong nonprofits that provide programs and support to vulnerable Denver Metro area residents, and institutions that contribute to the enrichment and sustainability of the Denver community. Primary funding areas include: 1. **Education** — including support for educational institutions and programs 2. **Disadvantaged youth programs and services** — particularly those that foster initiative and a positive work ethic 3. **Elderly/senior programs** — assistan…
How do I apply for a grant from Schlessman Foundation Inc?
**Grant Range:** $1,500 to $250,000, with a median grant of approximately $8,000 **Annual Giving:** Approximately $6.4 million (2024) **Number of Grants:** Approximately 112-139 grants per year **Grant Types:** The foundation prioritizes grants for capital projects, specific programs, and joint ventures with other funders. **Recent Grant Examples (2024):** • Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) — $600,000 for Enduring Tradition, Inspired Future - A Campaign for Camp Chief Ouray's Second Cen…
Where does Schlessman Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation focuses on the seven-county Metro Denver area, including Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties.
What size grants does Schlessman Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Schlessman Foundation Inc awarded 112 grants totaling $6.2M — an average of about $55K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Schlessman Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Schlessman Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $6.0M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Schlessman Foundation Inc's EIN?
Schlessman Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 84-6030309. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Schlessman Foundation Inc'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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