Private foundation · EIN 20-8117214 · Osterville, Massachusetts · Philanthropy & grantmaking

The Vela Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2024 Form 990-PF: 17 grants paid, $352K total, median $20K. 82% of grants stayed in Massachusetts.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2024
17
$352K
Median grant
$20K
Stays in MA
82%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$12M

Grants paid in 2024

17 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Albertus Magnus High SchoolBardonia, NYGeneral use$82K
Adopt-A-FamilyLake Worth, FLGeneral use$25K
Boston Medical CenterBoston, MAGeneral use$25K
Cape Cod Council of ChurchesHyannis, MAGeneral use$25K
Community ServingsJamaica Plain, MAGeneral use$25K
Wide Horizons for ChildrenWaltham, MAGeneral use$25K
Coastal FoodshedNew Bedford, MAGeneral use$20K
Family Pantry of Cape CodHarwich, MAGeneral use$20K
Homeless Prevention CouncilOrleans, MAGeneral use$20K
Pennsylvania State UniversityUniversity Park, PAGeneral purpose$20K
Calmer ChoiceOsterville, MAGeneral use$15K
Catholic Charities Diocese of Fall RiverFall River, MAGeneral use$15K
Mercy Meals and MoreNew Bedford, MAGeneral use$10K
My Brothers KeeperEaston, MAGeneral use$10K
Hundred Club of MaBraintree, MAGeneral use$5,000
Hyannisport Scholarship FundHyannis Port, MAGeneral use$5,000
Youth Opportunities UnlimitedNew Bedford, MAGeneral purpose$5,000

By state: Massachusetts 14 · New York 1 · Florida 1 · Pennsylvania 1

About this foundation

The Vela Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Osterville, Massachusetts, administered in care of Bernadette T Rehnert Ttee, tax-exempt since 2008. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

Foundation websiteAll filings on ProPublica

Does The Vela Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2024 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does The Vela Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2024 it paid $352K across 17 grants, a median of $20K.

Where does The Vela Foundation give?

Massachusetts (14 grants), New York (1 grants), Florida (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Osterville that accept applications

All in Massachusetts
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
John L McGraw and Marjorie P McGraw Charitable Foundationsince 2023 Osterville, MA $635K12 grants · 2025 $9,000Preselected only $5.3M
Ahn Family Foundation Tr Ua 112497since 1998 Osterville, MA $511K1 grants · 2024 $511KPreselected only $4.2M
The Nicholas and Marion Madonna Foundationsince 2007 Osterville, MA $212K12 grants · 2024 $7,629Preselected only $4.1M
Pemberton Family Foundation Incsince 1998 Osterville, MA $275K22 grants · 2024 $7,500Preselected only $2.3M
Fidelity Foundationsince 1992 Boston, MA $156M4,430 grants · 2024 $400Yes $4.2B
Barr Foundationsince 1988 Boston, MA $123M903 grants · 2024 $80KPreselected only $2.6B
Klarman Family Foundationsince 1991 Boston, MA $82M260 grants · 2024 $100KYes $982M
The Patrick J McGovern Foundation Incsince 1990 Boston, MA $66M165 grants · 2024 $395KPreselected only $1.5B
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