The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi Family Foundation is a private, tax-exempt grantmaking foundation established in 1997 and based in Perry, New York. The foundation operates as a domestic not-for-profit corporation under New York jurisdiction, serving as a vehicle for philanthropic giving by the Serventi family.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$16.1M
+24.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$584K
+2.2% YoY
Grant Count
33
+3.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$18K
-0.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi reported a distributable amount of $717K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization focused on philanthropy and grantmaking. Primary funding areas include education, human services, and community development, with particular emphasis on supporting institutions and causes in the regions where the Serventi family has deep roots.
Grantmaking
The foundation maintains modest but consistent grantmaking activity. As of 2023, the foundation distributed $653,000 in expenses against $449,000 in revenue. Grant awards typically range from $500 to $200,000, with median grants around $5,500.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, reflecting the family's historical connections to these regions, particularly the Perry, New York area and Pennsylvania communities.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of 2023:
- Total Assets: $12.9 million
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Annual Expenses: $653,000
- Annual Revenue: $449,000
The foundation maintains a substantial asset base relative to its annual distribution levels, indicating a long-term approach to grantmaking.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $16,130,744 | $12,915,967 | $10,708,789 |
| Revenue | $591,505 | $449,463 | $299,545 |
| Expenses | $722,487 | $652,898 | $720,536 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $585,891 | $573,100 | $644,963 |
| Net Investment Income | $462,126 | $372,419 | $226,875 |
| Distributable Amount | $716,619 | $586,471 | $574,942 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
165 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Golisano Childrens Hospital ($50,000), Roswell Park Cancer Institute ($50,000), St Jude's Children's Hospital of Buffalo ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK LOUISVILLE, KY | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $5,000 |
| DELAWARE GREENWAYS TRAIL WILMINGTON, DE | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $500 |
| EQUICENTER INC HONEOYE FALLS, NY | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $4,000 |
| FREEDOM SERVICE DOGS OF AMERICA ENGLEWOOD, CO | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $10,000 |
| GOLISANO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL ROCHESTER, NY | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $50,000 |
| HOVER GREEN HOUSE-LONGMONT COMM FND LONGMONT, CO | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $20,000 |
| JARED MUSIC FOUNDATION BOULDER, CO | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $3,000 |
| MERCY FLIGHT BUFFALO, NY | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $10,000 |
| NEBRASKA BEEF INDUSTRY SCHOLARS FUND LINCOLN, NE | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $5,000 |
| NEBRASKA YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL KEARNEY, NE | GENERAL FUNDS DONATION | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation was established by Lewis J. Serventi (December 6, 1921 – April 11, 2017) and his wife Clelia "Cleo" Martinelli Serventi (April 20, 1920 – July 5, 2017). Lewis J. Serventi served as the foundation's process agent and primary contact. The couple was married for 73 years and raised two daughters.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY MICHELE RECHBERGER | PRESIDENT | 0.1 | — |
| EDWARD H RECHBERGER IV | V.P./ TREASURER | 6 | — |
Contact Information
Mailing Address: One Lincoln Avenue, P.O. Box 30 Perry, New York 14530
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi fund?
The foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization focused on philanthropy and grantmaking. Primary funding areas include education, human services, and community development, with particular emphasis on supporting institutions and causes in the regions where the Serventi family has deep roots.
How do I apply for a grant from The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi?
The foundation maintains modest but consistent grantmaking activity. As of 2023, the foundation distributed $653,000 in expenses against $449,000 in revenue. Grant awards typically range from $500 to $200,000, with median grants around $5,500. The foundation's giving reflects a commitment to education and community development, with documented support for institutional infrastructure projects and community-based initiatives.
Where does The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming, reflecting the family's historical connections to these regions, particularly the Perry, New York area and Pennsylvania communities.
What size grants does The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi award?
In 2024, The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi awarded 33 grants totaling $584K — an average of about $18K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi reported a distributable amount of $717K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi's EIN?
The Lewis J & Clelia M Serventi's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 31-1585491. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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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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