The Bessemer Giving Fund
The Bessemer Giving Fund is a public charity based in Woodbridge, New Jersey, that receives charitable contributions and makes grants to qualified charitable organizations. It administers donor-advised fund accounts available exclusively to Bessemer Trust clients.
The Bessemer Giving Fund at a glance
In short: The Bessemer Giving Fund gave $138.5M across 1,653 grants in 2024 (avg $84K), top state New York. 32% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $138,508,537
- +10.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 1,653
- +22.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $83,792
- -9.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $22,000
- Total assets
- $948,240,809
- +28.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (532 of 1,646, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (14% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Bessemer Giving Fund
- Contact
Mailing address: 100 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Phone: (732) 855-0800
Website: https://bessemertrust.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Bessemer Giving Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund ($8.1M). Together the top 10 received $29.2M.
Organizations only. It also paid 3 individual scholarships ($80,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
7,470 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 5,548 grants of 7,470 (74%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant distribution by recipient state included New York and California at 14% each, Pennsylvania at 7%, and Virginia and Kentucky at 6% each. These figures describe the locations of recipients, not stated geographic restrictions.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 1,653 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Bessemer Giving Fund open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 532 of 1,646 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $63K; repeat grants $94K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 53% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+16%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). 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 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $90.8M (2020) to $138.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 1,653 grants totaling $138.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund Cincinnati, KY | Charitable Purpose | $8,132,111 |
| Abilene Heritage Square Inc Abilene, TX | General Support | $4,000,000 |
| Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund Albany, NY | General Support | $3,263,416 |
| Potomac School McLean, VA | Capital Campaign | $3,000,000 |
| Engineering Tomorrow CO Fairfax Station, VA | General Support | $2,000,000 |
| Best Friends Animal Society Kanab, UT | General Support | $1,975,500 |
| California Institute of the Arts Valencia, CA | General Operating Support | $1,869,600 |
| Terra Naam Retreat Charitable Trust Worcester, VT | General Support | $1,800,000 |
| Pennsylvania State University Philanthropic Fund University Park, PA | General Support | $1,600,000 |
| Stanford University Board of Trustees Stanford, CA | Unrestricted Gift | $1,599,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Bessemer Giving Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $948,240,809 | $311,603,090 | $144,860,872 | $138,508,537 | 1,653 | $56,106,914 |
| 2023 | $736,215,121 | $145,374,907 | $130,980,367 | $125,564,660 | 1,352 | $13,192,503 |
| 2022 | $638,749,745 | $111,261,443 | $109,632,842 | $104,823,523 | 1,181 | $-3,633,177 |
| 2021 | $757,899,558 | $291,598,256 | $126,231,468 | $119,617,448 | 1,214 | $43,176,470 |
| 2020 | $574,514,115 | $215,208,816 | $96,940,931 | $90,790,673 | 2,070 | $16,239,559 |
| 2019 | $409,066,331 | $210,062,584 | $123,597,084 | $120,285,503 | 794 | $17,501,015 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization states that its mission is to receive public contributions and make grants to qualified charitable organizations. Its program description says it makes grants to charitable organizations and projects for charitable purposes in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Examples of 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Abilene Heritage Square says it aims to provide a home for the main branch of the Abilene Public Library, expand educational opportunities, contribute to neighborhood revival, and provide community gathering space. The Potomac School describes its goals as intellectual development, love of learning, and strength of character. Best Friends Animal Society says it works to end the killing of dogs and cats in U.S. shelters. California Institute of the Arts describes itself as a multidisciplinary community of artists grounded in experimentation, critical engagement, and creative freedom.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the Fund reported 1,653 grants totaling $138,508,537. Grants ranged from $5,100 to $8,132,111, with a median grant of $22,000.
Among the largest reported grants were $8,132,111 to Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund for charitable purposes; $4,000,000 to Abilene Heritage Square for general support; $3,263,416 to Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund for general support; $3,000,000 to Potomac School for a capital campaign; and $2,000,000 to Engineering Tomorrow Co for general support. Other large grants included $1,975,500 to Best Friends Animal Society for general support and $1,869,600 to California Institute of the Arts for general operating support.
The Fund’s website describes donor-advised accounts as a giving vehicle for Bessemer clients. It says contributions may include cash and publicly traded securities, and that certain illiquid assets may be considered case by case. Contributions are invested in a diversified, balanced portfolio, and donors may choose whether to be recognized or remain anonymous.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Bessemer Trust Company as trustee.
The Bessemer Giving Fund's only listed officer is Bessemer Trust Company, Trustee on every filing since 2019 (compensated).
Officers on the 2024 filing
Bessemer Trust Company
Trustee
On filings since 2019
20 hrs/week
$10K (2019) → $45K (2024)
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $45K, to Bessemer Trust Company (Trustee).
Frequently asked questions about The Bessemer Giving Fund
How much does The Bessemer Giving Fund give each year?
The Bessemer Giving Fund gave $138.5M across 1,653 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. In 2023 it gave $125.6M across 1,352 grants.
What is The Bessemer Giving Fund's typical grant size?
The Bessemer Giving Fund's median grant in 2024 was $22,000, and its average grant was $83,792, across 1,653 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Bessemer Giving Fund that year got $63K on average.
Where does The Bessemer Giving Fund give grants?
The Bessemer Giving Fund's top state is New York, with 14% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were California (14%) and Pennsylvania (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (140 grants), Washington, DC (82 grants), Los Angeles, CA (34 grants) and San Francisco, CA (29 grants).
Does The Bessemer Giving Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 93% of The Bessemer Giving Fund's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1,541 of 1,653) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990. Recurring purposes include "Capital Campaign" (37 grants), "Scholarship Fund" (36 grants) and "Medical Research" (12 grants).
Who are The Bessemer Giving Fund's largest grantees?
The Bessemer Giving Fund's largest 2024 grantees include Fidelity Investments Charitable Gift Fund ($8,132,111), Abilene Heritage Square Inc ($4,000,000) and Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund ($3,263,416), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990. It also paid 3 individual scholarships ($80,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 11% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Bessemer Giving Fund?
The Bessemer Giving Fund reported $948.2M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $311.6M.
What does The Bessemer Giving Fund fund?
The organization states that its mission is to receive public contributions and make grants to qualified charitable organizations. Its program description says it makes grants to charitable organizations and projects for charitable purposes in accordance with applicable law and regulations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Bessemer Giving Fund?
The Bessemer Giving Fund has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check bessemertrust.com for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Bessemer Giving Fund's EIN?
The Bessemer Giving Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-7111099. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS November 16, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 11, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 13, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Bessemer Giving Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New Jersey
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
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
Community Foundation of New Jersey
Morristown, NJ
The Community Foundation of New Jersey supports a broad range of causes, including arts, education, health, human services, and the environment, through donor-directed and other charitable funds. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of $19,759, with awards ranging widely; its current health grant opportunity serves Morris and Somerset counties. Eligible New Jersey nonprofits may apply to specific grant opportunities, subject to each opportunity’s guidelines.
Assets
$1.0B
Grants
1,321
Total Given
$93.8M
Crane Fund for Widows and Children
Englewood Cliffs, NJ
The Crane Fund for Widows and Children supports charitable organizations, including those working in healthcare and social services, children’s services, recreation, and basic needs, with grants across multiple states. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $45,000, with a median of $4,500; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
985
Total Given
$4.5M
The Hyde and Watson Foundation
Warren Township, NJ
The Hyde and Watson Foundation funds capital projects in human services, education, health, arts and culture, and the environment. Most awards are $5,000–$20,000, with a 2024 median of $10,000, for eligible nonprofits in New York City and Essex, Morris, and Union counties in New Jersey. It accepts applications through an online portal during its stated application periods; the profile does not say whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$88.2M
Grants
611
Total Given
$6.1M
More similar funders
More Funders in New Jersey
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Bessemer Giving Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-bessemer-giving-fund-morg_743a48a23a0546e58b77c9c0ec0a0b22
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_137111099_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Bessemer Giving Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-bessemer-giving-fund-morg_743a48a23a0546e58b77c9c0ec0a0b22},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 Bessemer Giving Fund'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 Bessemer Giving Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?