Private foundation · EIN 46-2659091 · New York, New York · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Mary Jane Wahl Gearns 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 2025 Form 990-PF: 23 grants paid, $785K total, median $25K. 39% of grants stayed in New York.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
23
$785K
Median grant
$25K
Stays in NY
39%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$12M

Grants paid in 2025

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

RecipientPurposeAmount
Cornell UniversityIthaca, NYSupport educational programs, including scholarship aid$189K
Lowcountry Food BankCharleston, SCProvide food and other aid to people suffering financial hardship$75K
Legal MomentumNew York, NYSupport programs to protect the legal rights of women$60K
Catholic Relief ServicesBaltimore, MDSupport programs to provide humanitarian assistance to needy individuals$50K
The Interfaith Nutrition NetworkHempstead, NYSupport programs to provide meals to needy individuals$50K
Both Ends BelievingPlano, TXSupport programs to provide assistance to foster children and their families$33K
Chances for ChildrenScottsdale, AZSupport programs to provide medical and educational assistance to impoverished$33K
AmericaresStamford, CTSupport programs to provide humanitarian assistance to victims of poverty, war and natural disasters$25K
Carnegie HallNew York, NYSupport musical programming offered at carnegie hall$25K
Coastal Conservation LeagueCharleston, SCSupport environmental protection programs, including natural areas preservation$25K
Doctors Without BordersNew York, NYSupport programs to provide medical treatment to needy individuals$25K
St Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphis, TNSupport programs for medical research and to provide medical care for needy individuals$25K
The Sharing FoundationConcord, MASupport programs to aid orphaned and other disadvantaged children in cambodia$25K
Water MissionNorth Charleston, SCSupport programs to increase access to clean drinking water$25K
RethinknycNew York, NYSupport programs for architectural restoration and preservation$25K
Island Harvest LtdMelville, NYProvide food and other aid to people suffering financial hardship$20K
New Ground IncLevittown, NYSupport programs to provide humanitarian assistance to homeless families$20K
The Arts Campus at WillitsBasalt, COSupport musical programming offered at tacaw$16K
Equal Justice InitiativeMontgomery, ALSupport programs to end mass incarceration and challenge racial and economic injustice$15K
Roaring Fork ConservancyBasalt, COSupport environmental protection and education in the roaring fork valley$10K
Dravet Syndrome FoundationCherry Hill, NJSupport medical research programs$5,000
Mountain Rescue AspenAspen, COSupport search and rescue operations in the colorado backcountry$5,000
The National Jazz Museum in HarlemNew York, NYSupport musical programming and education$5,000

By state: New York 9 · South Carolina 3 · Maryland 1 · Texas 1 · Arizona 1 · Colorado 3

About this foundation

Mary Jane Wahl Gearns Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in New York, New York, administered in care of Mary Gail Gearns, tax-exempt since 2013. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Mary Jane Wahl Gearns Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 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 Mary Jane Wahl Gearns Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $785K across 23 grants, a median of $25K.

Where does Mary Jane Wahl Gearns Foundation give?

New York (9 grants), South Carolina (3 grants), Maryland (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

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