The Zuschlag Family Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) family foundation based in Lafayette, Louisiana. Established in August 2002, the foundation focuses on philanthropic giving across education, human services, and religious initiatives, primarily serving communities in Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$9.8M
+513.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$483K
+28.7% YoY
Grant Count
26
-48.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$19K
+147.5% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Zuschlag Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $160K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's primary funding focuses include:
- Education
- Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking
- Human Services
- Religious and faith-based initiatives
The foundation engages in partnerships with various ministries and community organizations, including support for Catholic institutions and faith-based missions.
Grantmaking
The foundation also supports initiatives including the Kobonal Haiti Mission and the Sola Giving Day, and engages in pledges such as "Pave the Way" and "One Heart" through partnerships with organizations like Ragin Cajun Catholics.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
Primary funding areas include Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 31, 2024:
- Total Assets: $9,752,293
- Total Revenue: $8,657,922
- Total Expenses: $495,762
- Total Liabilities: $0
- Net Income: Not specified in available data
The foundation has maintained significant assets and consistent financial activity since its establishment in 2002.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $9,752,293 | $1,590,133 | $1,380,638 |
| Revenue | $8,657,922 | $592,728 | $431,694 |
| Expenses | $495,762 | $383,233 | $393,429 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $482,695 | $375,250 | $384,310 |
| Net Investment Income | $144,855 | $156,025 | $32,931 |
| Distributable Amount | $160,248 | $92,470 | $89,678 |
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
178 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Our Lady of Wisdom Church ($141,500), St Pius X Church ($60,000), Ascension Episcopal School ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 232-HELP LAFAYETTE, LA | DONATION | $5,000 |
| ACADIANA CENTER FOR THE ARTS LAFAYETTE, LA | JAZZ BRUNCH SPONSORSHIP | $2,500 |
| ASCENSION EPISCOPAL SCHOOL LAFAYETTE, LA | SCHOOL PROGRAM | $50,000 |
| BISHOP'S SERVICE APPEAL LAFAYETTE, LA | DONATION | $12,500 |
| CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN EVANGELIST LAFAYETTE, LA | DONATION | $10,000 |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ACADIANA LAFAYETTE, LA | DONATION | $35,000 |
| COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF ACADIANA LAFAYETTE, LA | FALLEN HEROES FUND | $6,500 |
| CROSS CATHOLIC OUTREACH BOCA RATON, FL | DONATION | $2,500 |
| DAY ONE FOUNDATION BROUSSARD, LA | EVENT SPONSORSHIP | $1,600 |
| DUCKS UNLIMITED MEMPHIS, TN | DONATION | $20,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Richard E. Zuschlag (Founder/Trustee) — Richard Emery Zuschlag (1947–2024) was a Pennsylvania native who moved to Lafayette in 1970 and founded Acadian Ambulance Service in 1971, building it into the country's largest privately held medical transportation company. He served as Chairman and CEO of Acadian Companies and was instrumental in the foundation's establishment and direction.
Blaise Zuschlag — Son of Richard Zuschlag, Blaise plays an integral role in the management of the Zuschlag Family Foundation. He serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Acadian Companies, overseeing corporate administrative, financial, and operational activities. Blaise joined Acadian Companies in February 2013 and holds a bachelor's degree in finance from Louisiana State University and an International MBA from Tulane University. He also serves on the LSU Board of Supervisors and numerous local nonprofit boards.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELAINE ZUSCHLAG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JOSEPH B ZUSCHLAG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ERIN E LEBLANC | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| RICHARD B ZUSCHLAG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Richard Zuschlag, the foundation's founder and longtime leader, passed away on June 5, 2024, at age 76, following complications from cancer treatment. His son Blaise Zuschlag has assumed a more active management role in the foundation's operations while continuing his responsibilities at Acadian Companies and his service on the LSU Board of Supervisors.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zuschlag Family Foundation fund?
The foundation's primary funding focuses include: • Education • Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking • Human Services • Religious and faith-based initiatives The foundation engages in partnerships with various ministries and community organizations, including support for Catholic institutions and faith-based missions.
How do I apply for a grant from Zuschlag Family Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • Total giving in 2024: $482,600 • Number of grants made in 2024: 50 grants • Typical award range: $250–$141,500 **Recent Grants (2024):** • Our Lady of Wisdom Church and Catholic Student Center: $141,500 • Dynamic Catholic Institute: $37,500 • Catholic Charities of Acadiana: $35,000 The foundation also supports initiatives including the Kobonal Haiti Mission and the Sola Giving Day, and engages in pledges such as "Pave the Way" and "One Heart" through partnerships with orga…
Where does Zuschlag Family Foundation make grants?
Primary funding areas include Louisiana, Texas, and Tennessee.
What size grants does Zuschlag Family Foundation award?
In 2024, Zuschlag Family Foundation awarded 26 grants totaling $483K — an average of about $19K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Zuschlag Family Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Zuschlag Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $160K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Zuschlag Family Foundation's EIN?
Zuschlag Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-2364513. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Zuschlag Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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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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