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Form 990-PFTax year 2025EIN 06-1485833

Ernest and Joan Trefz Foundation

A private foundation in Bridgeport, CT. Its return for tax year 2025 lists 109 grants and $2.5 million paid in grants.

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Tax year 2025 (period ending Apr 30, 2026), read from the IRS e-file on Nov 11, 2026. Returns reach the IRS 5 to 18 months after the year they describe.

How to apply

Preselected only

The return checks the box saying the foundation gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Assets and giving by year

8 returns on file
Grants paid by tax year. The latest year is in blue.

  • Tax year 2025

    $2,493,654

    Grants listed
    109
    Assets, end of year
    $9,218,794

  • Tax year 2024

    $2,496,189

    Grants listed
    104
    Assets, end of year
    $8,677,773

  • Tax year 2023

    $2,402,720

    Grants listed
    97
    Assets, end of year
    $7,657,439

  • Tax year 2022

    $2,328,101

    Grants listed
    97
    Assets, end of year
    $8,181,819

  • Tax year 2021

    $2,056,640

    Grants listed
    99
    Assets, end of year
    $15,102,626

  • Tax year 2020

    $2,034,544

    Grants listed
    92
    Assets, end of year
    $15,706,792

  • Tax year 2019

    $1,825,926

    Grants listed
    88
    Assets, end of year
    $16,395,326

  • Tax year 2018

    $1,806,110

    Grants listed
    86
    Assets, end of year
    $17,125,046

Grants paid in 2025

109 grants, largest first

As listed on the return.

  1. University of BridgeportBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $377,337
  2. Norwalk Hospital FoundationDanbury, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $250,000
  3. St Vincent's Medical Center FoundationBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $190,727
  4. Ronald McDonald House Greater Hudson ValleyValhalla, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $150,000
  5. Ronald McDonald House Charities of CT & Western MANew Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $150,000
  6. Bridgeport Hospital FoundationBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $100,000
  7. Kids & Clays FoundationMichigan City, IN

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $68,900
  8. CT Beardsley ZooBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  9. Danbury Hospital Development FundDanbury, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  10. Housatonic Community College FoundationBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  11. Make A Wish FoundationTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  12. Sacred Heart University Scholarship FundFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  13. United Way of Coastal & Western CTBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $50,000
  14. Trumbull Congregational ChurchTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $40,000
  15. Fairfield UniversityFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $35,000
  16. St Joseph High SchoolTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $34,350
  17. American Cancer Society New England DivNorwalk, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  18. American Red CrossFarmington, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  19. AmericaresStamford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  20. Bridgeport Caribe Youth LeadersBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  21. Caroline HouseBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  22. Connecticut Central Coast YMCANew Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  23. Trumbull Veterans & First Responders CenterTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $25,000
  24. Bridgeport Rescue MissionBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $20,000
  25. Cardinal Shehan CenterBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $20,000
  26. Greater Bridgeport SymphonyBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $20,000
  27. Horizons at Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $20,000
  28. Wakeman Boys & Girls ClubBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $20,000
  29. St Vincent's Medical Foundation Golf TournamentBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,340
  30. Barnum FestivalBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  31. Center For Family JusticeBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  32. Children's Community SchoolWaterbury, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  33. Kolbe Cathedral High School Scholarship FundBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  34. Lifebridge Community ServicesBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  35. LivLife LivFun LivFreeTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  36. Stepping Stones Museum for ChildrenNorwalk, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  37. Sterling House Community CenterStratford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $15,000
  38. Alpha Community Services YMCABridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  39. Boys & Girls VillageMilford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  40. Children's Educational Opportunity Foundation of CT IncMadison, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  41. Habitat For Humanity Of Coastal Fairfield CountyStratford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  42. InspiricaStamford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  43. The Kennedy CenterTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  44. Person To PersonDarien, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  45. Thomas Merton CenterBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  46. Visiting Nurse Services Of CTBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $10,000
  47. CT Burns Care FoundationMilford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  48. Bridgeport Downtown Special Services DistrictBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  49. Fairfield County Community FoundationNorwalk, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  50. Fairfield Museum and History CenterFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  51. New Beginings Family AcademyBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  52. Open Door ShelterNorwalk, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  53. Regional HospiceDanbury, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  54. St Catherine's Center for Special NeedsFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,500
  55. New ReachNew Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $7,000
  56. Bridgeport Public Education FundBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $6,000
  57. Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield CountyShelton, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,500
  58. New Haven ChoraleNew Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,500
  59. Access Independence IncStratford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  60. Ahlbin Rehabilitation CenterBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  61. Alliance for Community Empowerment (ABCD)Bridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  62. Angels of LightMillbrook, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  63. Barnum MuseumBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  64. The Bridge AcademyBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  65. Bridge HouseBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  66. Burroughs Community CenterBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  67. Catalyst CTBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  68. Child Guidance Center of Greater BridgeportBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  69. Circle Of CareWilton, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  70. Continuum of Care IncNew Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  71. Diaper Bank of CTNorth Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  72. Discovery Museum & PlanetariumBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  73. Dutchess Outreach IncPoughkeepsie, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  74. Empower Grieving ChildrenWestport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  75. Fairfield Theatre CompanyFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  76. Family ReEntryBoston, MA

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  77. Girl Scouts of ConnecticutNorth Haven, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  78. Greater Bridgeport Area Prevention ProgramBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  79. Liv It Up CTEaston, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  80. Mercy Learning CenterBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  81. Pacific HouseStamford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  82. Prospector TheaterRidgefield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  83. Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer CenterPoughquag, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  84. Silver Source IncStamford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  85. Sparrows NestHopewell Junction, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  86. Swim Across the Sound (St Vincent's Medical Center)Bridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  87. The Boys and Girls Club of MilfordMilford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  88. The Boys and Girls Club of Lower Naugatuck ValleyShelton, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  89. Tiny Miracles Foundation IncDarien, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  90. Tommy FundShelton, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  91. Triangle Community CenterNorwalk, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $5,000
  92. Covenant School of BridgeportHartford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $4,500
  93. Greater Bridgeport Medical AssociationShelton, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $4,500
  94. Emily Catherine Fedorko FoundationCos Cob, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $4,000
  95. Bikes for KidsCenterbrook, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  96. Bridgeport YMCABridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  97. Domus Kids IncStamford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  98. Family & Children's AidDanbury, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  99. Goodwill of Western & Northern CTBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  100. Groundwork BridgeportBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $3,000
  101. Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County IncBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $2,500
  102. Real Food CT IncNewtown, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $2,500
  103. Trumbull Police DepartmentTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $2,500
  104. West Indian American Association of Greater BPTBridgeport, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $2,500
  105. Read To Grow IncBranford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $2,000
  106. Business Education Initiative of TrumbullTrumbull, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $1,500
  107. Fairfield County Children's ChoirFairfield, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $1,500
  108. Connecticut Yankee Council Boy ScoutsMilford, CT

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $1,000
  109. Mianus River Gorge IncBedford, NY

    In Furtherance of Stated Objectives of the Foundation

    $1,000

Where the money goes

By cause: grants to organizations we matched to the IRS list of exempt organizations, by their category.

  1. Health5 grants $369,62751% of the total
  2. Human services12 grants $110,50015% of the total
  3. Education6 grants $100,50014% of the total
  4. Youth development4 grants $55,0008% of the total
  5. Housing and shelter4 grants $29,5004% of the total
  6. Arts and culture4 grants $24,0003% of the total
  7. 7 other causes10 grants $42,5006% of the total

By State

Grants to organizations with a US address, latest year.

  1. Connecticut102 grants $2,253,754
  2. New York6 grants $171,000
  3. Indiana1 grant $68,900

Officers, directors and trustees

3 people as filed

As filed on the return, with average hours per week and pay from the foundation.

  • Christian C TrefzTrustee Hours 1Pay $0
  • Paul D TrefzTrustee Hours 1Pay $0
  • Linda M TrefzTrustee Hours 1Pay $0

The return

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