Write to us like you'd write to a cousin.

Anyone who carries the Stoessel name — by birth, marriage, adoption, or spelling variant (Stössel, Stoessell, Stossel) — plus the households they support. You do not need to be a donor, attend reunions, or prove a family tree connection.

Three volunteer grant readers review each application independently against need, urgency, and available funds. We ask for a short description of the situation and, where relevant, a bill or estimate. We never require tax returns, credit checks, or a caseworker referral.

The Grants Director calls every applicant within 48 hours. Median time from application to money in hand is nine days; genuine emergencies are moved same-week.

No. Every award is a grant, not a loan. In ten years we have never asked for a dollar back, and we never will.

Yes. The Stoessel Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and US donors receive an emailed receipt suitable for tax filing immediately after giving. Donors outside the US should check local rules.

Please do. Add the honoree's name in the message field when you donate, or email us — we'll send a card to the family and list the tribute in the next family letter.