Adams Fund
Preselected recipients only
Adams Fund is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 57 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $300,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.3 million
- Number of grants57
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$300,000
- Assets$15.5 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was up from $939,559 the year before.
47% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.1 million | 43 | $14.0 million |
| 2024 | $939,559 | 43 | $16.6 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 57 | $15.5 million |
How to apply
Adams Fund says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Adams Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 43 | $1.1 million |
| Maryland | 2 | $80,600 |
| Idaho | 1 | $68,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $22,000 |
| Utah | 1 | $20,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $20,000 |
| Colorado | 2 | $8,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $5,225 |
| Massachusetts | 3 | $4,000 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hoag Hospital | Reasearch | $300,000 |
| Havard Westlake School | Support | $100,000 |
| St Francis High School | Support | $98,900 |
| Catholic Education Foundation | Support | $75,000 |
| Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Fund | Support | $68,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D | Support | $55,600 |
| Jserra Catholic High School | Support | $55,000 |
| Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians | Support | $54,000 |
| California Art Club | Support | $52,000 |
| World Business Academy | Support | $30,000 |
| Childrens Hospital | Support | $27,500 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Support | $25,000 |
| Hollenbeck Palms | Support | $25,000 |
| Schoolpower | Support | $25,000 |
| St Bede the Venerable Parish | Support | $25,000 |
| City of Hope | Research | $22,500 |
| Education for All Children | Support | $22,000 |
| Colburn School of the Arts | Support | $20,000 |
| Dream Program | Support | $20,000 |
| Intermountain Foundation | Support | $20,000 |
| St Philip the Apostle School | Support | $20,000 |
| St Johns Healthcare Foundation | Support | $20,000 |
| Adams Cowan Foundation | Support | $17,906 |
| Momentum | Support | $15,000 |
| Ice in Paradise | Support | $10,000 |
| Meaning Foundation | Support | $10,000 |
| Montessori School of Wild Pines | Research | $10,000 |
| Pasadena Playhouse | Support | $8,660 |
| St Anne's School | Support | $7,500 |
| Navy Seal Foundation | Support | $5,225 |
| Catalyst California | Support | $5,000 |
| Five Acres | Support | $5,000 |
| Marlborough School | Support | $5,000 |
| Sansum Diabetes Research Institute | Support | $5,000 |
| Steamboat Mountain School | Support | $5,000 |
| Kpccsouthern California Public Radio | Support | $3,500 |
| Loyola High School | Support | $3,500 |
| Steamboat Skating Club | Support | $3,000 |
| New Village Girls Academy | Support | $3,000 |
| Public Counsel | Support | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Mary Adams O'Connell
- John K Adams
- Richard E Beth
- David V Adams
Questions people ask
Does Adams Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Adams Fund give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 57 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs Adams Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Mary Adams O'Connell (Trustee), John K Adams (Trustee), Richard E Beth (Trustee) and David V Adams (Trustee).
What does Adams Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and faith communities.