Getting to Know Connecticut’s Cheryl Chase & Stuart Bear Family Foundation
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Grantees include the new britain museum of american art. Dan Hanscom/shutterstock
Among the philanthropic foundations focused on Connecticut is the Cheryl Chase & Stuart Bear Family Foundation, a Hartford-based funder with broad interests. This foundation does not maintain a website or typically publicize its grantmaking activities. To help grantseekers get to know the Chase and Bear Family Foundation, here are some top things to know about its local giving in the Tri-State area.
Background and interests
Cheryl Chase, a real estate executive, and Stuart Bear, a retired judge, created this foundation in 2000. In addition to philanthropy, Chase is known for developing modern buildings in Hartford, Connecticut and shaping the city's skyline. Her late father was a Holocaust survivor and a founder of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She has also served on the board of University of Connecticut Health. The couple’s top charitable interests include higher education, the arts, social services, health and Jewish organizations.
Typical foundation giving
Thus far, the foundation’s grantmaking has remained modest, with annual giving recently between $200,000 and $400,000. The funder tends to award numerous smaller grants of under $1,000 each. Its larger grants are usually between $5,000 and $15,000. Most foundation grants are for unrestricted general support; however, the foundation also supports specific projects, production sponsorships, fundraiser walks and annual galas.
Almost all giving stays within Connecticut, with just a few grants going to national organizations, regional groups in the Northeast and causes that hold special meaning to family members. Recent Connecticut grantees include the New Britain Museum of American Art, Southington Community Cultural Arts, Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation, Mandell Jewish Community Center and Hartford Hospital.
Getting in touch
Although the Chase and Bear Family Foundation does not have a website to guide grantseekers, it is open to receiving unsolicited grant applications. According to tax records, the funder has no specific application forms, nor does it have submission deadlines, restrictions or limitations on awards. Organizations should contact the foundation to inquire about current opportunities via mail or phone. The best point of contact is John P. Redding, who serves as the secretary and director.
You can learn more about this funder in IP’s complete profile of the Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear Family Foundation, part of our Connecticut grantmaking guide.
