What the Helen Close Charitable Foundation Funds in Nevada

If you run a nonprofit in Nevada, one low-key funder worth getting to know is the Helen Close Charitable Foundation. Though this funder lacks transparency, it is an accessible one that organizations can contact directly for various types of support throughout the state.

In a state with only a limited number of grantmakers focused specifically on local nonprofits, here are the top things to know about the Helen Close Charitable Foundation.

Nevada is the top priority

The Helen Close Charitable Foundation is based in Reno, Nevada and prioritizes the needs of Nevada-based nonprofits. Other than Nevada, the funder typically only considers supporting the adjacent California counties just over the Nevada border. Recent grantees are based in the Nevada towns of Carson City, Elko and Reno.

A wide variety of interests

This funder has been on the grantmaking scene since 1985 and maintains many different interests. The foundation does not have a website, which limits public insight into its grantmaking preferences and priorities. However, past tax records indicate that the foundation commonly funds animal welfare, human services, education, community development, outdoor recreation and emergency services. Grants typically fund projects and programs related to summer camps, youth advisory services, pet medical costs and student scholarships.

Typical foundation grantmaking

In a typical year, the Helen Close Charitable Foundation awards a few hundred thousand dollars in grants and has over $5 million in total assets. Most foundation grants are between $2,000 and $$50,000, while the average grant is about $10,000.

Applying for a grant

This foundation is run by a small group of officers who serve as the trustees and president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. The foundation has no employees, but the foundation team is still available for grantseeker questions. Grantseekers should first contact the foundation president, Kenneth E. Stieha, Jr., by phone to request an application form. The next step is to submit a written summary of the funding need and amount with this form via mail. There are no submission deadlines, and the only restrictions or limitations on awards are geography-related.

You can learn more about this funder and others that give locally in IP’s Nevada grantmaking guide.

Featured