The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn
The 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation is a private foundation established in 1994 by Charles B. Degenstein, a former executive at Weis Markets, Inc. Based in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, the foundation provides charitable grants to 501(c)(3) approved nonprofit organizations. It is one of three namesake foundations created by Degenstein during his lifetime.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$91.7M
-3.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$7.0M
+49.5% YoY
Grant Count
1
+0.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$7.0M
+49.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn reported a distributable amount of $5.3M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports the following priority areas:
- Educational programs and services
- Healthcare programs and services
- Strategic regional and local needs
- Environmental conservation and protection
- Projects of strategic interest to the region
The foundation provides special consideration to unique, innovative, and creative projects that benefit children, promote education, improve healthcare, encourage business and culture, and support conservation of natural resources and environmental protection.
Grantmaking
Applicants must complete the foundation's grant application form and submit it by email or U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail. Cover letters may accompany the application but are limited to two pages. The foundation reviews submissions and makes initial determinations to fund, deny, or request additional information. Applicants may be asked to provide statements on future funding for project sustainability and further clarification of budget items and funding sources.
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation awards grants to projects within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, serving the immediate region surrounding Sunbury and the central Susquehanna Valley.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
- Total Assets: $91.7 million
- Annual Income: $30.1 million
- Total Giving: $6.97 million (most recent filing)
- Annual Distribution: Between $3.5 million and $6.8 million annually from 2020 to 2023, with the highest grantmaking activity in 2022 at $6.8 million
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $91,709,330 | $94,636,020 | $99,082,259 |
| Revenue | $4,139,679 | $1,301,450 | $5,598,293 |
| Expenses | $7,631,919 | $5,374,487 | $7,754,461 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $7,278,650 | $4,917,696 | $7,020,571 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,399,868 | $2,150,854 | $4,877,267 |
| Distributable Amount | $5,328,602 | $5,020,978 | $5,781,807 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 1 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
103 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Various Organizations ($6,974,703).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| VARIOUS ORGANIZATIONS STATEMENT, PA | SEE ATTACHED | $6,974,703 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The principal officer is BNY Mellon NA Ttee. The foundation is governed by three officers and trustees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRIANNA APFELBAUM KULA | CO-TRUSTEE | 40 | $15,000 |
| BENJAMIN APFELBAUM | CO-TRUSTEE | 20 | $15,000 |
| BNY MELLON NA | CO-TRUSTEE | 1 | $485,815 |
| MALCOLM DERK | COMMITTEE ME | 1 | — |
| NANCY LAWTON-KLUCK | COMMITTEE ME | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**Susquehanna University Campus Center Expansion (2024)**
The foundation awarded a $10 million grant to Susquehanna University to support the expansion of the Charles B. Degenstein Campus Center into a premier event space. The project includes the addition of a multipurpose banquet and event space (the Degenstein Event Center, accommodating 400-600 people), renovation of existing meeting and dining rooms, and expansion of the main kitchen. Facility enhancements are scheduled to begin in summer 2024. This grant reflects the foundation's long-standing relationship with Susquehanna University, which has benefited from Degenstein family philanthropy for 45 years.
Susquehanna University awarded $10 million grant from Degenstein Foundation**The Miller Center Childcare Facility (2023)**
The foundation awarded a $2 million grant to The Miller Center through its joint venture with Evangelical Community Hospital and Geisinger, in partnership with the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA. The grant supports construction of a childcare center designed to make childcare in the region more affordable and accessible. The expansion includes plans for the west side of the facility, with operational details under development.
Susquehanna University awarded $10 million grant from Degenstein FoundationSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn fund?
The foundation supports the following priority areas: • Educational programs and services • Healthcare programs and services • Strategic regional and local needs • Environmental conservation and protection • Projects of strategic interest to the region The foundation provides special consideration to unique, innovative, and creative projects that benefit children, promote education, improve healthcare, encourage business and culture, and support conservation of natural resources and environment…
How do I apply for a grant from The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn?
**Grant Characteristics:** • Grants are rarely expected to cover all project costs • Typical awards range from $4.7 million to $7.0 million • Median grant amount: $10,000 • The foundation has made 183 grants totaling $18.9 million according to available records **Application Process:** Applicants must complete the foundation's grant application form and submit it by email or U.S. Postal Service First Class Mail. Cover letters may accompany the application but are limited to two pages. The found…
Where does The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn make grants?
The foundation awards grants to projects within a 75-mile radius of Sunbury, Pennsylvania, serving the immediate region surrounding Sunbury and the central Susquehanna Valley.
What size grants does The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn award?
In 2024, The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn awarded 1 grants totaling $7.0M — an average of about $7.0M per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn reported a distributable amount of $5.3M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn's EIN?
The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7792979. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The 1994 Charles B Degenstein Fdn'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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