The Washkewicz Family Foundation makes a small number of very large gifts focused on cultural institutions and youth access initiatives, with a striking emphasis on music education and recreation in the Cleveland area. Grants include repeated, major support for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a seven‑figure capital-style gift to Cleveland Metroparks for a sailing center, and multi‑hundred‑thousand dollar support for programs serving underprivileged children. Though based in Naples, FL, the foundation’s giving appears geographically concentrated in Northeast Ohio and oriented toward visible public-facing projects that combine education, culture, and outdoor recreation.
Washkewicz Family Foundation Inc repeatedly makes seven-figure gifts to a small set of public-facing institutions, with music education at the center of that pattern. The clearest example is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, which received $1,032,500 in both 2024 and 2025 for “Engage, Teach and Inspire Thru Music.” That scale sits alongside another major Cleveland commitment: $1,000,000 to Cleveland Metroparks in 2025 for a sailing center. Beyond those headline gifts, the foundation supports programs that combine education, access, and direct service. Grants have gone to Ncef for helping underprivileged children, Gargiulo Education Center for educating local migrant students, and Service Source Foundation for services to persons with disabilities. The giving pattern also includes support for cancer patients and cancer research, homeless veteran support, therapeutic riding, foster children, Indigenous communities, historical preservation, and First Amendment education. Although the foundation is headquartered in Naples, its grantmaking reaches across several states and is especially visible in Northeast Ohio and Washington, DC.
Music education is a defining theme. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame received $1,032,500 in 2024 and again in 2025 for “Engage, Teach and Inspire Thru Music,” showing repeated support for programming rather than a one-time award. The foundation also funds education and youth access work. Ncef received $320,000 in 2023 and $27,500 in 2025 to help underprivileged children, while Gargiulo Education Center received $74,800 in 2023, $29,400 in 2024, and $29,050 in 2025 to educate local migrant students. Health and disability-related grants appear as well. Service Source Foundation received $75,000 in 2024 and $30,000 in 2025 for services to persons with disabilities, and Believe Big received $50,000 in 2023 and $25,000 in 2024 and 2025 to provide support to cancer patients.
Typical grants cluster in the low-to-mid five figures, with a p25 of $5,000, median of $15,000, and p75 of $25,000. The foundation also makes a small number of much larger gifts, including multi-hundred-thousand-dollar awards and seven-figure grants. The recent record shows repeat support for several recipients across multiple years, including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Gargiulo Education Center, Service Source Foundation, and Believe Big. It is a family foundation, and it does not fund individuals or make program-related investments.
$2.2M
$10.1M
$1.9M
$2.2M
Most grants fall between $5K and $25K, with a median of $15K.
25th Percentile
$5K
Median
$15K
75th Percentile
$25K
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Very concentrated: few (4) grants totaling large amounts, repeat major gifts to the same organizations, and an emphasis on capital or flagship program support rather than many small grants.
Notable grantees: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Metroparks, NCEF (programs for underprivileged children)
Grantmaking is U.S.-only in the recent sample, with all 52 grants going to domestic recipients. While the headquarters is in Naples, Florida, the most frequent recipient state is Washington, DC. Florida recipients include Naples, West Palm Beach, and Tampa-area patterns through Naples-based organizations. Ohio appears prominently through Cleveland and Painesville, and additional grants land in Virginia, Maryland, California, Illinois, Arizona, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania. Cleveland is the clearest city concentration outside Florida, driven by repeated gifts to major cultural and civic institutions.
The foundation supports cultural institutions, youth access initiatives, disability services, health-related causes, and civic or educational programming. Recent grants include music education at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, underprivileged children via Ncef, local migrant students through Gargiulo Education Center, and services to persons with disabilities through Service Source Foundation.
Yes. Several recipients appear in multiple years. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame received $1,032,500 in both 2024 and 2025, Gargiulo Education Center received grants in 2023, 2024, and 2025, and Believe Big and Service Source Foundation each received support in more than one year.
The middle of the distribution sits in the low five figures: p25 is $5,000, median is $15,000, and p75 is $25,000. The foundation also makes larger awards, including $320,000, $1,000,000, and $1,032,500 gifts in the recent record.
Its grants most often go to recipients in Washington, DC, based on grant count. Florida recipients also make up a substantial share, with 38% of grants going to organizations in the headquarters state. Ohio is another visible state because of repeated gifts to Cleveland-based organizations.
No. The foundation does not fund individuals. Its giving is directed to organizations such as museums, education centers, nonprofits serving children, health charities, and civic or historical groups.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME | CLEVELAND, OH | $1,032,500 | 2025 | ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC |
| CLEVELAND METROPARKS | CLEVELAND, OH | $1,000,000 | 2025 | SAILING CENTER |
| SERVICE SOURCE FOUNDATION | OAKTON, VA | $30,000 | 2025 | SERVICES TO PERSONS W/ DISABILITIES |
| GARGIULO EDUCATION CENTER | NAPLES, FL | $29,050 | 2025 | EDUCATE LOCAL MIGRANT STUDENTS |
| NCEF | NAPLES, FL | $27,500 | 2025 | HELP UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN |
| SUB ZERO MISSION | PAINESVILLE, OH | $25,000 | 2025 | HOMELESS VETERAN SUPPORT |
| BELIEVE BIG | GLYNDON, MD | $25,000 | 2025 | PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS |
| NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY | NAPLES, FL | $7,500 | 2025 | HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE |
| LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE | ARLINGTON, VA | $5,000 | 2025 | MENTOR YOUNG CONSERVATIVES |
| AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST | WASHINGTON, DC | $3,000 | 2025 | AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION |
| JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE | TALLAHASSEE, FL | $2,000 | 2025 | EDUCATION |
| ST RITA PARISH | SOLON, OH | $1,000 | 2025 | RELIGIOUS |
| PRISON FELLOWSHIP | MERRIFIELD, VA | $1,000 | 2025 | PRISONER REFORM |
| THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION | WASHINGTON, DC | $1,000 | 2025 | THINK TANK |
| GARFIELD HTS EDUCATION FDN | GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OH | $500 | 2025 | CHILDREN'S EDUCATION |
| ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME | CLEVELAND, OH | $1,032,500 | 2024 | ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC |
| SERVICE SOURCE FOUNDATION | OAKTON, VA | $75,000 | 2024 | SERVICES TO PERSONS W/ DISABILITIES |
| GARGIULO EDUCATION CENTER | NAPLES, FL | $29,400 | 2024 | EDUCATE LOCAL MIGRANT STUDENTS |
| NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY | NAPLES, FL | $25,000 | 2024 | HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE |
| BELIEVE BIG | GLYNDON, MD | $25,000 | 2024 | PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS |
| CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION | COSTA MESA, CA | $25,000 | 2024 | CANCER RESEARCH |
| ALZHEIMERS ASSOCIATION | CHICAGO, IL | $16,200 | 2024 | AID IN ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH |
| FIELD STONE FARM | CHAGRIN FALLS, OH | $6,000 | 2024 | THERAPEUTIC RIDING |
| JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE | TALLAHASSEE, FL | $5,000 | 2024 | EDUCATION |
| CENTER FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS | SEATTLE, WA | $5,000 | 2024 | RESEARCH |
| ST LEO UNIVERSITY | ST LEO, FL | $1,000 | 2024 | ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY |
| PRISON FELLOWSHIP | MERRIFIELD, VA | $1,000 | 2024 | PRISONER REFORM |
| NCEF | NAPLES, FL | $320,000 | 2023 | HELP UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN |
| GARGIULO EDUCATION CENTER | NAPLES, FL | $74,800 | 2023 | EDUCATE LOCAL MIGRANT STUDENTS |
| BELIEVE BIG | GLYNDON, MD | $50,000 | 2023 | PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS |
| ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME | CLEVELAND, OH | $32,500 | 2023 | ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC |
| NDN COLLECTIVE | RAPID CITY, SD | $25,000 | 2023 | HELP INDIGENOUS PEOPLE |
| CITIZENS FOR FREE SPEECH | MESA, AZ | $25,000 | 2023 | EDUCATE ON 1ST AMENDMENT RIGHTS |
| FIELD STONE FARM | CHAGRIN FALLS, OH | $20,000 | 2023 | THERAPEUTIC RIDING |
| CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION | COSTA MESA, CA | $20,000 | 2023 | CANCER RESEARCH |
| FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN | WEST PALM BEACH, FL | $17,600 | 2023 | FOSTER CHILDREN |
| NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER | NAPLES, FL | $17,350 | 2023 | THERAPY THROUGH RIDING |
| VILLAGE OF MARAMOUNT | GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OH | $15,000 | 2023 | COMMUNITY CARE |
| NAPLES HISTORICAL SOCIETY | NAPLES, FL | $15,000 | 2023 | HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AND EDUCATIO |
| JUDICIAL WATCH | WASHINGTON, DC | $15,000 | 2023 | EDUCATIONAL - PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITY |
| NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY | NAPLES, FL | $10,000 | 2023 | HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE |
| CONSUMERS FOR DENTAL CHOICE | WASHINGTON, DC | $10,000 | 2023 | EDUCATION FOR MERCURY FREE DENTISTRY |
| JAMES MADISON INSTITUTE | TALLAHASSEE, FL | $10,000 | 2023 | EDUCATION |
| ST RITA PARISH | SOLON, OH | $5,000 | 2023 | RELIGIOUS |
| GARFIELD HTS EDUCATION FDN | GARFIELD HEIGHTS, OH | $5,000 | 2023 | CHILDREN'S EDUCATION |
| SERVICE SOURCE FOUNDATION | OAKTON, VA | $2,500 | 2023 | SERVICES TO PERSONS W/ DISABILITIES |
| HARRY CHAPIN FOOD BANK | FORT MYERS, FL | $2,000 | 2023 | FOOD BANK |
| AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST | WASHINGTON, DC | $2,000 | 2023 | AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION |
| ST LEO UNIVERSITY | ST LEO, FL | $1,000 | 2023 | ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY |
| PRISON FELLOWSHIP | MERRIFIELD, VA | $1,000 | 2023 | PRISONER REFORM |
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
$1,032,500ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC
CLEVELAND METROPARKS
$1,000,000SAILING CENTER
NCEF
$27,500HELP UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN
SUB ZERO MISSION
$25,000HOMELESS VETERAN SUPPORT
BELIEVE BIG
$25,000PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS
NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY
$7,500HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
ST RITA PARISH
$1,000RELIGIOUS
GARFIELD HTS EDUCATION FDN
$500CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
$1,032,500ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC
SERVICE SOURCE FOUNDATION
$75,000SERVICES TO PERSONS W/ DISABILITIES
NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY
$25,000HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
BELIEVE BIG
$25,000PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS
CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
$25,000CANCER RESEARCH
FIELD STONE FARM
$6,000THERAPEUTIC RIDING
CENTER FOR CHRONIC ILLNESS
$5,000RESEARCH
ST LEO UNIVERSITY
$1,000ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY
BELIEVE BIG
$50,000PROVIDE SUPPORT TO CANCER PATIENTS
ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME
$32,500ENGAGE, TEACH AND INSPIRE THRU MUSIC
CITIZENS FOR FREE SPEECH
$25,000EDUCATE ON 1ST AMENDMENT RIGHTS
FIELD STONE FARM
$20,000THERAPEUTIC RIDING
CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
$20,000CANCER RESEARCH
FRIENDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN
$17,600FOSTER CHILDREN
VILLAGE OF MARAMOUNT
$15,000COMMUNITY CARE
NCH CENTER FOR PHILATHROPY
$10,000HEALTHCARE ASSISTANCE
ST RITA PARISH
$5,000RELIGIOUS
GARFIELD HTS EDUCATION FDN
$5,000CHILDREN'S EDUCATION
SERVICE SOURCE FOUNDATION
$2,500SERVICES TO PERSONS W/ DISABILITIES
ST LEO UNIVERSITY
$1,000ACADEMIC UNIVERSITY