Helen Close Charitable Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Helen Close Charitable Foundation supports emergency services, animal welfare, outdoor recreation, human services, and education in Nevada and the adjacent counties of California.

IP TAKE: This is an accessible, low-key foundation that supports children’s needs and also the needs of local emergency responders. It lacks transparency, but permits direct contact.

PROFILE: Established in 1985, the Helen Close Charitable Foundation is a private foundation based in Reno, Nevada. Kenneth E. Stieha, CPA, is currently the president of the foundation, which is one of the top grantmakers in the state of Nevada. The foundation funds local efforts for emergency services, animal welfare, outdoor recreation, human services, and education.

Grants for Community Development, Wildlife and Animal Welfare, Community Development, and Education

But according to recent tax records, it funds a variety of public charities that address local needs. The foundation often funds police and fire departments. It also commonly supports humane societies, animal cruelty prevention, boys and girls’ clubs, and museums. Local school districts and universities receive funding for programs and scholarships. Ranch experiences, summer camps, child nutrition, vehicle purchases, and pet partner programs are also foundation interests.

Past local grantees include Sierra Nevada Journeys, Care Chest of Sierra Nevada, Least Resistance Training Concepts, and Washoe County School District.

Important Grant Details

Grants range between about $3,000 and $20,000. Grantmaking focuses on Nevada and the adjacent California counties.

This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Applicants should submit a summary of the need and amount requested to Kenneth Stieha’s attention via mail. There are no submission deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at 775-786-6141.

PEOPLE:

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