Bleser Family Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,960,000
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation only)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: $30,000 - $250,000
• Geographic Focus: Wisconsin (primary), Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico

Contact Details

• Phone: 715-754-5579
• Address: 1511 Golf Course Dr, Windsor, CA 95492
• Website: None available
• Email: Not publicly available

Overview

Established in 1986, the Bleser Family Foundation Inc is a private family foundation with total assets of $35,091,118 that distributes approximately $1.96 million annually through 43 grants. The foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis, supporting preselected charitable organizations primarily in Wisconsin, Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico. With a strong focus on education (41% of giving), healthcare (30%), and religious institutions (12%), the foundation maintains long-term relationships with recipient organizations, particularly those with Catholic affiliations. Despite being headquartered in Windsor, California, the foundation maintains deep ties to Wisconsin communities, especially in Appleton, Milwaukee, and Shawano areas.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through trustee-discretion grants only:

• General Support Grants: $30,000 - $250,000 (invitation only, no application process)
• Average grant size: $45,581

Priority Areas

• Education (41% of giving): Universities, K-12 schools, scholarship programs
• Healthcare (30% of giving): Hospitals, medical research centers, children's health
• Religion (12% of giving): Churches, parishes, religious institutions
• Social Services: Community support programs, rehabilitation facilities

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests from any organization, regardless of mission alignment or geographic location.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by three volunteer trustees who serve without compensation:

• Mary B. Hayes - President and Director
• James E. Bleser - Vice President and Director
• Christa Schoenhofen - Secretary/Treasurer

All grant decisions are made at the discretion of these trustees, who identify and select recipient organizations based on existing relationships and strategic priorities.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation only makes contributions to preselected charitable organizations and explicitly does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. All grants are made by invitation only through trustee discretion.

Getting on Their Radar

The foundation appears to identify beneficiaries through:

• Existing relationships with organizations in Wisconsin where the foundation has historical ties
• Connections through Catholic educational and religious networks
• Board member relationships and community connections in target geographic areas
• Long-standing partnerships with institutions that have received recurring support

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - organizations cannot apply unless specifically invited by trustees.

Application Success Factors

Since this is an invitation-only funder, traditional application strategies do not apply. However, patterns in their giving suggest:

• The foundation favors organizations with established track records and strong community reputations
• Catholic institutions receive significant support, including Marquette University ($250,000), Sacred Heart School ($122,000), and various parishes
• Healthcare organizations focusing on children and rehabilitation receive major grants (Children's Hospital $200,000, Craig Hospital $125,000)
• The foundation maintains multi-year relationships with recipients rather than making one-time grants
• Geographic ties to Wisconsin remain strongest despite California headquarters
• Average of 43 grants annually suggests selective but consistent support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis - do not submit unsolicited proposals
• Focus areas include education (41%), healthcare (30%), and religious institutions (12%)
• Strong preference for Wisconsin-based organizations, particularly in Appleton, Milwaukee, and Shawano
• Catholic institutions and affiliations appear to be a significant factor in grant decisions
• The foundation maintains long-term relationships with recipient organizations
• With $35 million in assets and $1.96 million in annual giving, they are a substantial but inaccessible funder
• Building visibility and relationships within Wisconsin Catholic and educational networks may lead to future consideration

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990-PF filings for Bleser Family Foundation Inc (EIN: 39-1585269). Accessed March 2026. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/391585269
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - Foundation profile and grant data. Accessed March 2026. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BLES004
• Instrumentl 990 Report - Digitized 990 data and grant information. Accessed March 2026. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/bleser-family-foundation-inc
• Grantmakers.io - Foundation profile with trustee and grantee information. Accessed March 2026. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/391585269-bleser-family-foundation-inc/
• CauseIQ - Nonprofit database profile. Accessed March 2026. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/bleser-family-foundation,391585269/
• Grantable.co - Foundation profile and grant history. Accessed March 2026. https://www.grantable.co/search/funders/profile/bleser-family-foundation-inc-us-foundation-391585269
• Here-4-You Consulting Directory - Foundation application policy information. Accessed March 2026. https://npfunds.com/directory/bleser-family-foundation-inc/