Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $7.67 million (2024)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Not publicly specified
- Geographic Focus: Primarily San Antonio, Texas region
Contact Details
- Website: Not available
- Phone: Not available
- Email: Not available
- Address: San Antonio, TX
Overview
The Klesse Foundation is a private independent foundation established in 2005 by William R. (Bill) Klesse and Margaret A. Klesse. With total assets of approximately $5.73 million as of 2024, the foundation distributes nearly all of its annual revenue through charitable grants, with charitable disbursements representing 98-99% of total expenses. The foundation operates as a family-led philanthropic entity with annual giving that has ranged from $5.78 million to $7.67 million in recent years. The foundation's revenue comes from a combination of contributions and sales of assets, suggesting active management of their philanthropic resources.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available. The foundation distributed $7,670,971 in charitable disbursements in 2024.
Priority Areas
Specific priority areas are not publicly disclosed.
What They Don't Fund
No public information available regarding funding exclusions.
Governance and Leadership
The foundation is governed by a family board of directors:
- William R. Klesse - President/Director
- Margaret A. Klesse - Secretary/Director
- Laura Klesse - Vice President/Director
- Julie Klesse Linderman - Vice President/Director
- Allison Klesse Smith - Vice President/Director
All board members serve without compensation, demonstrating a commitment to maximizing charitable impact.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
This funder does not have a public application process. Grants appear to be awarded through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships.
Getting on Their Radar
Due to the private nature of this foundation and lack of publicly available information about their giving patterns, building relationships with board members or organizations they have previously supported may be necessary for consideration.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available.
Success Rates
Not publicly available.
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly available.
Application Success Factors
Without public information about the foundation's specific focus areas or recent grant recipients, it is difficult to provide specific guidance. Organizations seeking support should:
- Research connections to the Klesse family or their known interests
- Consider the foundation's San Antonio, Texas location as a potential geographic preference
- Note the foundation's substantial giving capacity ($7.67 million in 2024)
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- The Klesse Foundation is a private family foundation with no public application process
- Annual charitable disbursements exceed $7 million
- Foundation operates with an all-volunteer family board
- Limited public information suggests grants are made through trustee discretion
- San Antonio, Texas location may indicate regional giving preference
- Building relationships may be essential for grant consideration
References
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Klesse Foundation profile (accessed January 2026)
- GuideStar profile for Klesse Foundation, EIN 20-2666212 (accessed January 2026)
- IRS records showing 501(c)(3) status since June 2005