Ward Foundation
WARD FOUNDATION is a private foundation based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in Pennsylvania, including organizations classified under human services, arts, and education.
Key facts about Ward Foundation
In short: Ward Foundation gave $27K across 19 grants in 2025 (avg $1K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 42% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 25-6059159
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $27,050
- Grants made (2025)
- 19
- Average grant
- $1,424
- Median grant
- $1,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 42% first-time grantees (8 of 19, 2025)
- Total assets
- $769,092
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- 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. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$769K
+3.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$27K
-23.4% YoY
Grant Count
19
-26.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$1K
+4.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ward Foundation reported a distributable amount of $37K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is Ward Foundation open to new grantees?
42%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 8 of 19 grantees (42%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $1K; repeat grants $2K. How we count
Medians: $450 first-time, $1K repeat.
- 53% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−17%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 73% 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 (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for human services, arts, and education, as well as an educational grant to Blair County Historical Society.
Among its grantees, Operation Our Town describes its mission as facilitating community-business partnerships to fight drug use and crime through law enforcement, treatment, and prevention. Urban Impact Foundation says it runs programs intended to help at-risk youth on Pittsburgh’s North Side become contributing members of society. Blair County Arts Foundation says it serves community cultural needs and presents arts programs through the preservation and operation of the historic Mishler Theatre. Lakemont Volunteer Fire Company describes its work as volunteer firefighting and rescue services, along with fire-prevention education.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $27,050. Grants ranged from $250 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000. Larger awards included Operation Our Town ($5,000), ASO ($3,500), Mount Aloysius ($3,000), Blair County Historical Society ($2,500), Urban Impact Foundation ($2,500), Altoona Curve ($2,250), and Railroaders Memorial Museum ($2,000).
Ready to take the next step with Ward Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for 2025 went to recipients in Pennsylvania. Listed recipients include organizations in Altoona, Cresson, Hollidaysburg, and Pittsburgh.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 19 itemized 2025 grant dollars.
Cities
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
122 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| OPERATION OUR TOWN Altoona, PA | HUMAN SERVICES | $5,000 |
| ASO Altoona, PA | ARTS | $3,500 |
| MOUNT ALOYSIUS Cresson, PA | EDUCATION | $3,000 |
| BLAIR COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Altoona, PA | EDUCATIONAL | $2,500 |
| URBAN IMPACT FOUNDATION Pittsburgh, PA | HUMAN SERVICES | $2,500 |
| ALTOONA CURVE Altoona, PA | HUMAN SERVICES | $2,250 |
| RAILROADERS MEMORIAL MUSEUM Altoona, PA | ARTS | $2,000 |
| ALTOONA AMBUCS Altoona, PA | HUMAN SERVICES | $1,000 |
| BLAIR COUNTY ARTS FOUNDATION Altoona, PA | ARTS | $1,000 |
| ST VINCENT DE PAUL MONASTERY GARDENS Hollidaysburg, PA | HUMAN SERVICES | $1,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $769,092 | $34,113 | $30,474 | $27,050 |
| 2024 | $742,986 | $23,769 | $39,894 | $35,325 |
| 2023 | $707,301 | $24,912 | $45,890 | $42,750 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $769,092 | $742,986 | $707,301 |
| Revenue | $34,113 | $23,769 | $24,912 |
| Expenses | $30,474 | $39,894 | $45,890 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $27,050 | $35,325 | $42,750 |
| Net Investment Income | $34,113 | $26,563 | $27,742 |
| Distributable Amount | $37,006 | $36,093 | $33,328 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists G William Ward, Michael Ward, and William T Ward as directors.
Ward Foundation's 2025 filing lists 3 officers; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
G. William Ward
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Ward
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William T. Ward
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 1553, Altoona, PA 16603
Phone: (814) 944-0803
Frequently asked questions about Ward Foundation
How much does Ward Foundation give each year?
Ward Foundation gave $27K across 19 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $35K across 26 grants.
What is Ward Foundation's typical grant size?
Ward Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $1,000, and its average grant was $1,424, across 19 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ward Foundation that year got $1K on average.
Where does Ward Foundation give grants?
Ward Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Altoona, PA (14 grants) and Hollidaysburg, PA (2 grants).
Does Ward Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 19 grants with a stated purpose on Ward Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Human Services" (12 grants), "Arts" (3 grants) and "Education" (3 grants).
Who are Ward Foundation's largest grantees?
Ward Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Operation Our Town ($5,000), Aso ($3,500) and Mount Aloysius ($3,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ward Foundation?
Ward Foundation reported $769K in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $27K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $37K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Ward Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grants show support for human services, arts, and education, as well as an educational grant to Blair County Historical Society. Among its grantees, Operation Our Town describes its mission as facilitating community-business partnerships to fight drug use and crime through law enforcement, treatment, and prevention. Urban Impact Foundation says it runs programs intended to help at-risk youth on Pittsburgh’s North Side become contribu…
How do I apply for a grant from Ward 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 ↑
What is Ward Foundation's EIN?
Ward Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-6059159. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does Ward 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.
Here's the math on researching Ward Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ward Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Central Pennsylvania Community
Altoona, PA
Central Pennsylvania Community funds education, arts and culture, health, human services, and other community needs, with competitive grants for eligible nonprofits located in or serving Blair County, Pennsylvania. Its competitive grants typically range from $500 to $2,500; the profile says organizations submit proposals through an annual competitive process but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$31.7M
Grants
47
Total Given
$925K
The Bruno & Lena Degol Family Found
Altoona, PA
The foundation supports community organizations, schools, churches, and charitable work addressing health and hardship, primarily in Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $20,000, with a median award of $250. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.2M
Grants
247
Total Given
$262K
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds basic needs, racial equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, primarily for organizations located in or serving Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Its 2024 grants had a median of $18,576, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
Albemarle Foundation
Charlotte, NC
Albemarle Foundation’s Impact Grants support workforce development, economic vitality, and inclusive communities through local nonprofit programs near Albemarle Corporation locations. Awards are up to $15,000; U.S. applicants generally must serve within 50 miles of a listed company location. It does not limit giving to preselected organizations and directs applicants to its website for application details.
Assets
$30.2M
Grants
147
Total Given
$3.7M
Upmc Group
Pittsburgh, PA
UPMC GROUP supports healthcare, education, and research, including medical research, community health, and general support for universities and health-related organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,180 to $176.2 million, with a median of $12,500; nearly all grant dollars went to Pennsylvania recipients. UPMC in Central Pa. accepts event sponsorship applications, but the profile does not state whether UPMC GROUP accepts unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$14.5B
Grants
395
Total Given
$189.8M
Pennsylvania Automotive Association
Harrisburg, PA
The Pennsylvania Automotive Association Foundation supports community outreach and scholarships, with a focus on charitable work connected to Pennsylvania’s new car and truck dealers and educational opportunities for their families; it grants to 501(c)(3) public charities in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the U.S. Its 2025 grants had a median of $17,500, though awards ranged from $5,128 to over $1 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$84.7M
Grants
227
Total Given
$13.1M
Shell USA Company Foundation
Houston, TX
In 2024, the foundation supported health and medical research, human services, education, and community organizations, with the largest share of grants going to Texas, followed by Louisiana. Grants ranged from $15 to $290,782, with a median of $1,000; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$52.3M
Grants
4,650
Total Given
$16.0M
Firstenergy Foundation
Akron, OH
The FirstEnergy Foundation funds eligible nonprofits in FirstEnergy’s operating area, prioritizing housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM, alongside education, health and human services, arts, and community development. Its 2024 grants had a median of $1,375, though awards varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$124.9M
Grants
151
Total Given
$7.2M
The Cigna Group Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Cigna Group Foundation funds nonprofits advancing health and vitality, with priorities including youth and veteran mental health, health equity, and disaster relief. Current program awards range from $100,000–$150,000 for veteran mental health to up to $250,000 for health equity; its work includes selected U.S. cities such as Hartford, St. Louis, and Houston, as well as local, national, and international efforts. The information provided does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$127.2M
Grants
4,075
Total Given
$14.1M
Chubb Charitable Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Chubb Charitable Foundation supports youth development through education, mentorship, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community programs, as well as organizations working in areas such as humanitarian aid, health, and disability services. Its 2024 grants ranged from $50 to $1 million, with a median of $200; funding was concentrated in New York, Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The foundation directs applicants to its proposal guidelines and states that it does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$74.9M
Grants
3,719
Total Given
$6.3M
Lincoln Financial Foundation Inc
Radnor, PA
Lincoln Financial Foundation funds nonprofits focused on financial wellness and workforce development, youth education, and human services such as housing, homelessness, and food insecurity, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3 to $250,000, with a median of $100, and it supports eligible organizations serving listed communities where Lincoln Financial has a significant presence, including Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, and Omaha. It does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$5.8M
Grants
3,159
Total Given
$8.8M
Verizon Foundation
Basking Ridge, NJ
The Verizon Foundation funds digital inclusion, climate protection, human prosperity, K–12 literacy and STEM, and domestic violence education and prevention, with an emphasis on underserved and diverse communities. It gives nationally, with priority in California, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia, and also supports work in India and Israel; 2024 grants ranged from $25 to $1 million, with a $500 median. It does not accept unsolicited requests; applications are by invitation only.
Assets
$23.8M
Grants
5,464
Total Given
$7.0M
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Ward Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?