The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn is a private foundation based in Washington, DC. In its 2024 filing, it reported 59 grants totaling $492,140 to organizations including arts and cultural institutions, preservation groups, a hospital foundation, a congregation, and housing and community organizations.
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn at a glance
In short: The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn gave $492K across 59 grants in 2024 (avg $8K), top state District of Columbia. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $492,140
- -9.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 59
- -9.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $8,341
- +0.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,500
- Total assets
- $6,632,659
- +1.4% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (40% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn
- How to Apply
-
Contact Bernard S Gewirz. Submit the requested organizational information; no specific form is required. The filing lists no restrictions on awards.
- Review Cycle
- None listed.
- Deadline
- None listed.
- Contact
Application contact: Bernard S Gewirz
Mailing address: 1666 K St Nw 250, Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 296-7311
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Preservation Society of Newport County ($112K). Together the top 10 received $358K.
Grant Size Distribution
197 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 184 grants of 197 (93%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, DC (40%) and Rhode Island (37%), followed by Virginia (5%), Maryland (4%), and Florida (4%). The 2024 grantee list also includes organizations in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 59 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn gives
- 68% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−18%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 84% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). 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 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $492K (2024) to $620K (2022). In 2024 it made 59 grants totaling $492K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Preservation Society of Newport County Newport, RI | Preservation/Education | $112,000 |
| John F Kennedy Center for the Arts Washington, DC | Unrestricted Grant to Support the Organization's Exempt Purpose | $74,000 |
| National Gallery of Art Washington, DC | ARTS | $50,000 |
| Sibley Memorial Hosp Foundation Washington, DC | Medical | $30,000 |
| Redwood Library Newport, RI | Education | $20,200 |
| Save the Bay Oakland, CA | Unrestricted Grant to Support the Organization's Exempt Purpose | $20,000 |
| True Ground Housing Partners Arling, VA | Unrestricted Grant to Support the Organization's Exempt Purpose | $20,000 |
| Adas Israel Congregation Washington, DC | Religious | $11,000 |
| International Tennis Hall of Fame Newport, RI | MUSEUM | $10,790 |
| Aquidneck Island Land Trust Middletown, RI | Land Preservation | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $6,632,659 | $653,498 | $562,056 | $492,140 | 59 | $495,640 | $655,076 | $586,967 |
| 2023 | $6,541,217 | $1,078,775 | $605,710 | $541,175 | 65 | $544,050 | $1,034,358 | $563,244 |
| 2022 | $6,068,652 | $577,162 | $670,016 | $619,776 | 71 | $623,276 | $548,050 | $574,801 |
| 2021 | $6,271,473 | $477,867 | $626,133 | $603,030 | 1 | — | $576,034 | $670,664 |
| 2020 | $6,419,739 | $755,008 | $608,484 | $578,600 | 1 | — | $725,124 | $618,128 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn reported a distributable amount of $587K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included awards for preservation and education, arts, medical services, religious purposes, a museum, and land preservation.
Grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of work represented. True Ground Housing Partners says it provides affordable housing and resident-centered programming. The Aquidneck Island Land Trust says it preserves and stewards open spaces on the island. The Newport Hospital Foundation says it raises funds for health care services in southern Rhode Island. Opportunity DC describes its work as advocating for changes intended to lower costs for District residents and employers, while the Woodson Center says it works with community-based leaders on solutions addressing crime, families, underserved communities, and economic enterprise.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 59 grants totaling $492,140. Grant amounts ranged from $250 to $112,000, with a median of $1,500.
The largest reported awards included $112,000 to the Preservation Society of Newport County for preservation and education; $74,000 to the John F Kennedy Center for the Arts as an unrestricted grant; $50,000 to the National Gallery of Art for arts; and $30,000 to Sibley Memorial Hospital Foundation for medical purposes. Other awards included $20,000 each to Save the Bay and True Ground Housing Partners, and $10,790 to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
The foundation’s 2023 filing states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It requires no specific application form; applications should include the organization’s name and address, information about its charitable purpose, and its status as an exempt organization. The filing lists no restrictions on awards.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Bernard S Gewirz as president, Michael K Gewirz as director and vice president, and Jonathan K Gewirz and Steven B Gewirz as directors.
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn is led by Bernard S. Gewirz, President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Bernard S. Gewirz
President
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jonathan K. Gewirz
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael K. Gewirz
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven B. Gewirz
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn
How much does The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn give each year?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn gave $492K across 59 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $541K across 65 grants.
What is The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's typical grant size?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's median grant in 2024 was $1,500, and its average grant was $8,341, across 59 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn give grants?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's top state is District of Columbia, with 40% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest state was Rhode Island (37%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (16 grants), Newport, RI (8 grants), Palm Beach, FL (3 grants) and New York, NY (3 grants).
Does The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn give general operating support?
Yes: 54% of The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (32 of 59) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Education" (12 grants), "Religious" (4 grants) and "Medical" (3 grants).
Who are The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's largest grantees?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's largest 2024 grantees include Preservation Society of Newport County ($112,000), John F Kennedy Center for the Arts ($74,000) and National Gallery of Art ($50,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn reported $6.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $496K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $587K (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.
What does The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included awards for preservation and education, arts, medical services, religious purposes, a museum, and land preservation. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn?
Contact Bernard S Gewirz. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's EIN?
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1381689. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in District of Columbia
District of Columbia Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in District of Columbia
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
NCRC Community Development Fund Inc
Washington, DC
NCRC Community Development Fund supports affordable housing and homeownership, small businesses—especially minority-owned, women-owned, and low-income businesses—and certain nonprofit programs that provide capital or services to underserved communities. Its listed awards range from $5,000 to $50,000, though typical giving is not stated; it serves communities across the U.S., with some programs focused on Illinois. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$55.6M
Grants
2,666
Total Given
$149.3M
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Washington, DC
The Greater Washington Community Foundation supports nonprofits working across areas such as economic opportunity, education, health, arts, and human services, with an emphasis on equity and economic justice. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it generally funds organizations serving DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and specified Northern Virginia communities; it offers scheduled open competitive grant rounds as well as invite-only opportunities.
Assets
$518.3M
Grants
1,417
Total Given
$116.9M
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Washington, DC
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation makes competitive grants for science-based projects that conserve or restore fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats; it does not fund advocacy or litigation. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $106,500, and it supports projects across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Applications are competitive and program-specific; whether pre-proposals are required varies by program.
Assets
$3.6B
Grants
1,286
Total Given
$464.4M
AARP
Washington, DC
AARP funds nonprofits and other organizations working on aging-related issues, including caregiving, health, research, education, and community programs. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $15,000, with amounts ranging widely, and it supports work through offices across the states and territories; whether AARP accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.1B
Grants
688
Total Given
$35.8M
Frontstream Global Fund
Washington, DC
FrontStream Global Fund distributes donations raised through workplace giving, corporate philanthropy, and other fundraising activities to donor-designated IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charities across the United States. Its 2025 grants had a median of $13,714 and ranged from $5,003 to $358,589. It distributes funds according to donor recommendations; unsolicited requests are not addressed in the information provided.
Assets
$421K
Grants
556
Total Given
$13.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in District of Columbia
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-bernard-and-sarah-gewirz-fdn-morg_f9b849226b0246b6a34737005e1740d7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521381689_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Bernard \& Sarah Gewirz Fdn funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-bernard-and-sarah-gewirz-fdn-morg_f9b849226b0246b6a34737005e1740d7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. 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 The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn'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.
The Bernard & Sarah Gewirz Fdn down — hundreds of funders to go?