The Waterfield Foundation Inc
The Waterfield Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It makes grants for charitable and educational purposes, with a strong commitment to Fort Wayne and its surrounding community.
The Waterfield Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Waterfield Foundation Inc gave $398K across 53 grants in 2024 (avg $8K), mostly in Indiana. 28% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $398,297
- +2.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 53
- -25.4% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $7,515
- +37.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,000
- Total assets
- $1,312,543
- -15.5% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (15 of 53, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Indiana (76% 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 Waterfield Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests: it says it may contribute to worthy causes that have not submitted an application. Applicants should complete the foundation’s grant request information sheet and submit it with supporting documentation. Eligible applicants are organizations qualifying for exemption under Section 501(c)(3), political subdivisions, or the State of Indiana. The foundation does not consider applications from organizations that are private foundations under Section 509(a). It usually prefers established organizations with a track record of meeting needs in the Fort Wayne area. Government institutions and tax-supported facilities may be considered when the community would benefit significantly and private participation is necessary.
- Review Cycle
- The foundation’s 2024 filing reports no deadlines. Its website advises applicants to check for the next meeting and submission deadline; meeting dates fluctuate.
- Deadline
- The foundation’s 2024 filing reports no deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: Rebecca Teagarden
Mailing address: 7221 Engle Road Suite 250, Fort Wayne, IN 46804
Phone: (260) 434-8512
Email: beckyt@waterfieldcapital.com
Website: https://waterfieldcapital.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Waterfield Foundation Inc
Who The Waterfield Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Clear Lake TWP Land Conservancy ($166K). Together the top 10 received $301K.
Grant Size Distribution
343 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 339 grants of 343 (99%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation has a stated commitment to Fort Wayne and its surrounding community and generally does not fund services in other areas. In 2024, 76% of grant dollars went to Indiana recipients; 16% went to New York, 6% to Utah, 1% to Illinois, and less than 1% to Ohio.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 53 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Waterfield Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 53 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $2K; repeat grants $10K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 57% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 27% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 461% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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 $254K (2022) to $398K (2024). In 2024 it made 53 grants totaling $398K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Lake TWP Land Conservancy Fremont, IN | Land Preserve | $166,407 |
| Columbia University New York, NY | Endowment | $65,000 |
| Sundance Institute Park City, UT | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Com Fdn of Greater Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, IN | Book Fund | $10,000 |
| Bridge of Grace Fort Wayne, IN | General Operations | $9,750 |
| Amani Family Services Inc Fort Wayne, IN | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Blue Jacket Inc Fort Wayne, IN | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Cass Housing Inc Fort Wayne, IN | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Literary Alliance Fort Wayne, IN | General Operations | $5,000 |
| Northwestern University Evanston, IL | Scholarships | $5,000 |
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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 | $1,312,543 | $262,145 | $465,111 | $398,297 | 53 | $407,302 | $155,695 | $88,443 |
| 2023 | $1,553,617 | $800,753 | $442,856 | $387,890 | 71 | $390,893 | $190,023 | $78,423 |
| 2022 | $1,508,743 | $96,680 | $316,570 | $254,450 | 65 | $261,094 | $28,897 | $83,915 |
| 2021 | $1,728,687 | $238,185 | $376,383 | $314,724 | 76 | $318,819 | $184,032 | $105,913 |
| 2020 | $1,866,629 | $350,415 | $439,122 | $386,050 | 78 | — | $245,692 | $104,722 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Waterfield Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $88K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation states that it supports a wide range of charitable activities, including health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community development. It usually makes grants for specific purposes, programs, and general operating support, and is primarily interested in projects requiring private support.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Bridge of Grace describes its work as breaking the cycle of poverty and building sustainable neighborhoods in southeast Fort Wayne. Blue Jacket says it provides education, training, and employment opportunities to disadvantaged people seeking a second chance. Amani Family Services describes partnering with immigrant and refugee families to promote safety, personal growth, and belonging. Cass Housing says it provides housing and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Science Central describes providing hands-on science education for people of all ages.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 53 grants totaling $398,297. Grants ranged from $500 to $166,407, with a median grant of $2,000. Its largest awards included $166,407 to Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy for a land preserve, $65,000 to Columbia University for an endowment, and $25,000 to Sundance Institute for general operations. Other awards included $10,000 to the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne for a book fund and $9,750 to Bridge of Grace for general operations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Richard D. Waterfield as chair, treasurer, and director; Howard L. Chapman as president, secretary, and director; Frances W. LeMay as vice president and director; and Rebecca Teagarden as executive director.
The Waterfield Foundation Inc is led by Rebecca Teagarden, Executive Director on every filing since 2022; 1 of 4 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Rebecca Teagarden
Executive Director
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
$25K (2022) → $24K (2024)
Howard L. Chapman
President, Secretary & Director
Secretary & Director → President, Secretary & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard D. Waterfield
Chair, Treasurer & Director
Treasurer & Director → Chair, Treasurer & Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frances W. Lemay
Vice President & 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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $24K, to Rebecca Teagarden (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The Waterfield Foundation Inc
How much does The Waterfield Foundation Inc give each year?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc gave $398K across 53 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $388K across 71 grants.
What is The Waterfield Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $2,000, and its average grant was $7,515, across 53 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Waterfield Foundation Inc that year got $2K on average.
Where does The Waterfield Foundation Inc give grants?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc gives mostly in Indiana: 76% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (16%) and Utah (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Fort Wayne, IN (41 grants), Roanoke, IN (2 grants) and New Haven, IN (2 grants).
Does The Waterfield Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 89% of The Waterfield Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (47 of 53) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Waterfield Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Clear Lake TWP Land Conservancy ($166,407), Columbia University ($65,000) and Sundance Institute ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 64% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Waterfield Foundation Inc?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc reported $1.3M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $407K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $88K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Waterfield Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation states that it supports a wide range of charitable activities, including health and human services, education, arts and humanities, and community development. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Waterfield Foundation Inc?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests: it says it may contribute to worthy causes that have not submitted an application. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Waterfield Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Waterfield Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 35-1872984. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Waterfield Foundation Inc accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, 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 October 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 Waterfield Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-waterfield-foundation-inc-morg_1f7a0ddf4cc342fdb252d505a85d7e2b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_351872984_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Waterfield Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-waterfield-foundation-inc-morg_1f7a0ddf4cc342fdb252d505a85d7e2b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Waterfield 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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