Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr is a private foundation, based in Pittsburgh, PA. IRS filing data is available from 2021 through 2025. As of 2025, the organization holds $594K in total assets. In 2025, it awarded 1 grant totaling $28K. Net investment income was $23K.
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr at a glance
In short: Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr gave $28K across 1 grant in 2025 (avg $28K), mostly in Indiana. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $28,402
- +8.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 1
- +0.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $28,402
- +8.3% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $28,402
- Total assets
- $594,478
- -1.6% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- Indiana (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
Who Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top recipient in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Indianapolis Public Schools ($28K).
Grant Size Distribution
5 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 5 grants of 5 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Grant Distribution by State
Share of the 2025 grant dollars on its one itemized grant.
States
Cities
How Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr gives
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+2%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 93% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $26K (2024) to $30K (2023). In 2025 it made 1 grant totaling $28K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis Public Schools Indianapolis, IN | Scholarships | $28,402 |
Ready to take the next step with Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr?
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 | $594,478 | $28,947 | $38,799 | $28,402 | 1 | $32,381 | $22,710 | $34,729 |
| 2024 | $604,392 | $19,423 | $35,480 | $26,218 | 1 | $29,869 | $13,508 | $32,053 |
| 2023 | $620,755 | $-32,755 | $39,035 | $29,990 | 1 | $34,372 | $11,019 | $30,600 |
| 2022 | $693,199 | $40,267 | $41,534 | $27,825 | 1 | $33,174 | $34,749 | $35,339 |
| 2021 | $693,982 | $122,432 | $37,781 | $27,598 | 1 | — | $116,889 | $32,645 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr reported a distributable amount of $35K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr's only listed officer is PNC Bank N A, Trustee on every filing since 2024 (compensated).
Officers on the 2025 filing
PNC Bank N A
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
$9K (2024) → $10K (2025)
Former officers (1)
- Former: PNC Bank NA (2021–2023) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "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 $10K, to PNC Bank N a (Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr
How much does Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr give each year?
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr gave $28K across 1 grant in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $26K across 1 grant.
How large is Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr?
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr reported $594K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $32K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $35K (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
Where does Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr operate?
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr has awarded grants in Indiana.
What is Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr's EIN?
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-6465740. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Similar funders in Pennsylvania
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
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
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr'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.
Starling W James and Bessie L James Charitable Tr down — hundreds of funders to go?