Venberg Foundation
The Venberg Foundation is a private foundation based in Easton, Connecticut. Its 2023 filing lists 12 charitable grants totaling $28,250. The foundation’s 2022 return is marked final and records a resolution to terminate the foundation; it therefore appears to have wound down or stopped grantmaking, despite the grants listed for 2023.
Venberg Foundation at a glance
In short: Venberg Foundation gave $28K across 12 grants in 2023 (avg $2K), mostly in Connecticut. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2023)
- $28,250
- +2073.1% vs 2022
- Grants made (2023)
- 12
- +500.0% vs 2022
- Average grant
- $2,354
- +262.2% vs 2022
- Median grant
- $1,500
- Primary geography
- Connecticut (73% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; updated September 2026.
How to apply to Venberg Foundation
- 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. This policy is reported on a return marked final; it should not be read as confirmation that the foundation is currently accepting applications.
- Contact
Mailing address: 260 Redding Road, Easton, CT 06612
Phone: (203) 259-8855
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Venberg Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Brown University Sports Foundation ($5K). Together the top 10 received $25K.
Grant Size Distribution
21 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 21 grants of 21 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2023 grant dollars went to recipients in Connecticut (73%), Rhode Island (18%), and Tennessee (9%). Listed Connecticut recipients included organizations in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Weston, and Easton.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
How Venberg Foundation gives
- Giving grew 104% from 2020 to 2023. Method
- In 2023 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $1K (2022) to $28K (2023). In 2023 it made 12 grants totaling $28K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brown University Sports Foundation Providence, RI | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Urban Impact Bridgeport, CT | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Adam J Lewis Academy Bridgeport, CT | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Various Various, CT | Charitable | $2,750 |
| St Jude Children's Research Hospital Memphis, TN | Charitable | $2,500 |
| Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Church Bridgeport, CT | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Black Rock Church Fairfield, CT | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts Fairfield, CT | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Friends of Lachat Inc Weston, CT | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Fairfield Theater Company Fairfield, CT | Charitable | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Venberg Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2022 return is marked as the foundation’s final return. On December 15, 2022, its trustees proposed and accepted a resolution to terminate the foundation.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | $24,752 | $28,673 | $28,250 | 12 | $28,660 | $959 | $813 |
| 2022 | $3,921 | $102 | $3,330 | $1,300 | 2 | $1,930 | — | $261 |
| 2021 | $43,314 | $1,304 | $11,170 | $11,100 | 2 | — | $1,304 | $545 |
| 2020 | $46,935 | $2,748 | $15,804 | $13,850 | 3 | — | $1,348 | $2,646 |
| 2019 | $59,991 | $62,957 | $11,770 | $11,700 | 2 | — | $457 | $1,474 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Venberg Foundation reported a distributable amount of $813 for 2023 — 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 2023 grants went to organizations with varied charitable purposes. For example, Adam J. Lewis Academy says its mission is to provide an enriching, nurturing, high-quality elementary experience for underserved children in Bridgeport. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital says it advances cures and prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Friends of Lachat says it works to restore, maintain, and improve Lachat Town Farm and offers education and enjoyment of the farm.
Grantmaking
In 2023, the foundation made 12 grants totaling $28,250. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, with a median grant of $1,500. The largest listed grants were $5,000 each to Brown University Sports Foundation, Urban Impact, and Adam J. Lewis Academy. Other listed grants included $2,750 to Various; $2,500 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; and $2,000 to Greek Orthodox Holy Trinity Church.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2023 filing lists Marc Bergschneider as trustee.
Venberg Foundation is led by Marc Bergschneider, Trustee on every filing since 2019 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Marc Bergschneider
Trustee
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2023. "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 Venberg Foundation
How much does Venberg Foundation give each year?
Venberg Foundation gave $28K across 12 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $1K across 2 grants.
What is Venberg Foundation's typical grant size?
Venberg Foundation's median grant in 2023 was $1,500, and its average grant was $2,354, across 12 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Venberg Foundation give grants?
Venberg Foundation gives mostly in Connecticut: 73% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Rhode Island (18%) and Tennessee (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Bridgeport, CT (4 grants) and Fairfield, CT (3 grants).
Does Venberg Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2023: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Venberg Foundation's 2023 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (12 grants).
Who are Venberg Foundation's largest grantees?
Venberg Foundation's largest 2023 grantees include Brown University Sports Foundation ($5,000), Urban Impact ($5,000) and Adam J Lewis Academy ($5,000), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 53% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
What does Venberg Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2023 grants went to organizations with varied charitable purposes. For example, Adam J. Lewis Academy says its mission is to provide an enriching, nurturing, high-quality elementary experience for underserved children in Bridgeport. St. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Venberg Foundation?
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 ↑
How much is Venberg Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2023, Venberg Foundation reported a distributable amount of $813 on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Venberg Foundation's EIN?
Venberg Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3171880. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2023.
Does Venberg Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 11, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Other open foundation grants in Connecticut
Connecticut Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Venberg Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Connecticut
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc
Norwalk, CT
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation funds local nonprofits addressing education and careers, economic security, health equity, housing, civic engagement, and related community needs in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Awards vary widely: capacity-building grants are up to $10,000, Community Impact Grants are $10,000–$15,000, and reported 2025 grants had a median of $24,080. It accepts unsolicited applications for some programs, including rolling capacity-building and small-grant opportunities; Strategic Partner Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
448
Total Given
$25.7M
Americares Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Americares funds health care organizations and programs focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, access to medicines and medical supplies, and community health services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,073 to $3.86 million, with a median of about $58,700; it works in the United States and internationally, reaching an average of 80 countries each year. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$372.5M
Grants
635
Total Given
$113.3M
American Savings Foundation Inc
New Britain, CT
The foundation funds education, human services, and arts and culture, especially programs serving children, youth, and families, with a primary focus on New Britain and Waterbury and grants across 64 Connecticut towns. In 2025, its grants ranged from $238 to $150,000, with a median of $1,750; it also offers Community Grants of up to $5,000.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
613
Total Given
$3.4M
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hartford, CT
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation funds nonprofits, agencies, and scholarships, with priorities including equity, social and economic mobility, community wellbeing, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $21,600, with awards ranging from about $5,000 to $2.48 million, and it primarily serves 29 towns in Greater Hartford. It offers annual, priority-aligned grant opportunities; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
613
Total Given
$52.0M
Eversource Energy Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
The Eversource Energy Foundation funds U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic or workforce development. It gives in Eversource’s service territory in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire; its 2024 median grant was $2,000, though awards ranged from $250 to $700,000.
Assets
$12.5M
Grants
606
Total Given
$6.2M
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
New Haven, CT
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven supports nonprofits working in civic vitality, arts and culture, health, and education across its 20-town Greater New Haven service area. Its 2024 grants had a median of $15,000, though amounts varied widely; it offers competitive, online application-based programs, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$627.4M
Grants
505
Total Given
$23.4M
More similar funders
More Funders in Connecticut
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Venberg Foundation'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.
Venberg Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?