The Dresher Foundation Inc
The Dresher Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Abingdon, Maryland. Founded in 1989 by Jim and Virginia Dresher, it supports nonprofit organizations working to improve lives, primarily in Harford County.
The Dresher Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Dresher Foundation Inc gave $2.7M across 73 grants in 2024 (avg $38K), mostly in Maryland. 21% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,743,250
- -0.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 73
- -12.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $37,579
- +13.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $8,000
- Total assets
- $49,966,671
- +3.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (15 of 72, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Maryland (97% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Dresher Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Its website describes a process beginning with a conversation to determine fit; organizations may then be invited to submit a letter of inquiry (LOI) through an online portal. An LOI is not a full application, and only invited organizations may proceed to a full proposal. The Foundation says it will notify applicants within 60 days of an LOI submission about whether they are invited to apply. Full applications are reviewed by staff and the Board of Trustees, which may request additional information or arrange a site visit.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists July 10, 2026, as the deadline for requested LOIs and grant applications, with Board review scheduled for September 9, 2026.
- Deadline
- The website lists July 10, 2026, as the deadline for requested LOIs and grant applications, with Board review…
- Contact
Mailing address: 3465 Box Hill Corp Center Dr 400, Abingdon, MD 21009
Phone: (410) 931-9050
Website: https://dresherfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Dresher Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Community Foundation of Harford County ($1.1M). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
400 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 304 grants of 400 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation says it serves organizations primarily in Harford County, Maryland. In 2024, 97% of grant dollars went to recipients in Maryland and 2% to recipients in North Carolina; the reported shares for Delaware, Texas, and Virginia were each 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 73 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Dresher Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 72 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $46K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 69% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+18%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 96% 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 (2020–2024). 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 $2.3M (2021) to $2.7M (2023). In 2024 it made 73 grants totaling $2.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Foundation of Harford County Bel Air, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $1,147,000 |
| Harford Family House Aberdeen, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $200,000 |
| Addiction Connections Resource Inc Fallston, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $100,000 |
| Umbc Foundation Baltimore, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $100,000 |
| The Epicenter - Edgewood Community Support Center Edgewood, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $95,000 |
| Mason-Dixon Community Services Inc Street, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $76,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna Bel Air, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $75,000 |
| Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation Bel Air, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $65,000 |
| Catholic Charities of Baltimore Baltimore, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $63,000 |
| First Fruits Farm Freeland, MD | Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor | $60,000 |
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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 | $49,966,671 | $5,012,012 | $3,456,022 | $2,743,250 | 73 | $3,041,019 | $4,660,849 | $3,163,655 |
| 2023 | $48,384,999 | $1,679,881 | $3,353,199 | $2,749,498 | 83 | $3,057,872 | $1,404,326 | $2,998,039 |
| 2022 | $50,144,938 | $3,229,368 | $3,256,357 | $2,699,455 | 87 | $3,004,532 | $2,972,953 | $3,075,248 |
| 2021 | $49,859,364 | $4,195,070 | $3,016,163 | $2,317,900 | 79 | $2,589,582 | $3,855,886 | $3,037,759 |
| 2020 | $48,715,054 | $4,932,948 | $2,940,509 | $2,404,170 | 78 | — | $4,708,208 | $2,560,399 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Dresher Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $3.2M 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
The Foundation’s mission is “to provide hope in community life” by serving those who strengthen the capacities of others to help improve lives, primarily in Harford County, Maryland. Its stated values are relationships, hope, and measurable, long-term results.
Its priorities include basic services such as food, housing, and employment; health and well-being, including behavioral health, healthy lifestyles, dental care, and services for people with special needs; enrichment and opportunities for children and youth; and civic and cultural activities. Funding for public and private schools is restricted to institutions with a current relationship with the Foundation.
Examples of supported organizations illustrate the range of its giving. Harford Family House says it helps families with children and individuals experiencing homelessness become self-sufficient and productive community members. Addiction Connections Resource describes its work as bringing people together to support lifelong well-being through care, connection, and community. Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna says it creates homeownership opportunities by building, renovating, and repairing homes. First Fruits Farm says it raises and distributes fresh produce to shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 73 grants totaling $2,743,250. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $1,147,000, with a median of $8,000. The largest award was $1,147,000 to the Community Foundation of Harford County. Other large awards included $200,000 to Harford Family House, $100,000 to Addiction Connections Resource, and $100,000 to the UMBC Foundation.
Other 2024 recipients included The Epicenter – Edgewood Community Support Center ($95,000), Mason-Dixon Community Services ($76,000), Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna ($75,000), Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation ($65,000), Catholic Charities of Baltimore ($63,000), First Fruits Farm ($60,000), Homecoming Project ($50,000), and Maryland Food Bank ($50,000).
Applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations under Section 509(a), and must be based in or manage significant activities in Harford County. The Foundation generally does not fund individuals or for-profit entities, fundraising campaigns, galas or special events, organizations that redistribute grants, disease-specific chapters, one-time events or workshops, or summer camps shorter than four weeks. A new request is not considered until the terms of a previous grant are met, including completion of its one-year term and submission of a final report. Organizations may apply once per 12-month period.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Melanie M. Robinson as president and Patricia Dresher as vice president. Michael Meoli is listed as treasurer. Trustees listed are Jeanne D. Butcher, James Dresher, Jeffrey Dresher, James R. Butcher, Joshua M. Dresher, Virginia Meoli, and Anthony Meoli.
The Dresher Foundation Inc is led by Melanie M. Robinson, President on every filing since 2020; 8 of 15 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Melanie M. Robinson
President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$4K (2020) → $7K (2024)
Patricia G. Sterling
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$22K (2020) → $140K (2024)
Anthony Meoli
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $0 (2024)
James R. Butcher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$1K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Jeanne D. Butcher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$1K (2020) → $4K (2024)
John W. Dresher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$2K (2020) → $0 (2024)
Susan B. Roarty
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $5K (2024)
Virginia Meoli
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$3K (2020) → $625 (2024)
Joshua M. Dresher
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
$1K (2021) → $2K (2024)
Megan Dresher Litsey
Trustee
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
$1K (2023) → $0 (2024)
James T. Dresher Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey M. Dresher
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Marcie D. Michael
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$4K (2020) → $4K (2024)
Patricia K. Dresher
Vice President
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
$500 (2020) → $0 (2024)
Michael A. Meoli
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (3)
- Former: Megan Dresher (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Josh Dresher (2020) — Trustee
- Former: Robin Platts (2020) — Executive Director
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $140K, to Patricia G Sterling (Executive Director). 8 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Dresher Foundation Inc
How much does The Dresher Foundation Inc give each year?
The Dresher Foundation Inc gave $2.7M across 73 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.7M across 83 grants.
What is The Dresher Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Dresher Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $8,000, and its average grant was $37,579, across 73 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Dresher Foundation Inc that year got $9K on average.
Where does The Dresher Foundation Inc give grants?
The Dresher Foundation Inc gives mostly in Maryland: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Bel Air, MD (15 grants), Baltimore, MD (12 grants), Aberdeen, MD (4 grants) and Edgewood, MD (4 grants).
Does The Dresher Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 73 grants with a stated purpose on The Dresher Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Supporting the Various Charitable and Civic Endeavor" (73 grants).
Who are The Dresher Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Dresher Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Community Foundation of Harford County ($1,147,000), Harford Family House ($200,000) and Addiction Connections Resource Inc ($100,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 53% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Dresher Foundation Inc?
The Dresher Foundation Inc reported $50.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.0M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $3.2M (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 Dresher Foundation Inc fund?
The Foundation’s mission is “to provide hope in community life” by serving those who strengthen the capacities of others to help improve lives, primarily in Harford County, Maryland. Its stated values are relationships, hope, and measurable, long-term results. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Dresher Foundation Inc?
The Foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Dresher Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Dresher Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1610465. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Dresher Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
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
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Dresher Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-dresher-foundation-inc-morg_979ce94071964a02b9c7bdd2adb14221
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521610465_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Dresher Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-dresher-foundation-inc-morg_979ce94071964a02b9c7bdd2adb14221},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-14. 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 Dresher Foundation Inc'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.
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