Aphorism Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Aphorism Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $43.4 million in 27 grants; the typical grant was $1.0 million and the largest $10.0 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$43.4 million
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$1.0 million
- Largest grant$10.0 million
- Assets$1.1 billion
- New grantees48%
Giving in 2024 was down from $55.1 million the year before.
48% of its 2024 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 | $55.1 million | 33 | $1.1 billion |
| 2024 | $43.4 million | 27 | $1.1 billion |
How to apply
Aphorism Foundation 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 Aphorism Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to California. It also paid $100,000 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $17.3 million |
| Massachusetts | 5 | $15.1 million |
| New York | 5 | $4.2 million |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $3.2 million |
| North Carolina | 2 | $1.3 million |
| Washington | 2 | $1.1 million |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $515,835 |
| Maryland | 1 | $500,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $250,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Species Project | General support | $10.0 million |
| Probabilistic Computing Foundation Inc | General support | $10.0 million |
| Science for America Inc | General support | $3.0 million |
| New America Foundation | General support | $2.2 million |
| CZ Biohub Network | General support | $2.0 million |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | General support | $2.0 million |
| Connected Learning Alliance | General support | $1.9 million |
| Mathesar Foundation Inc | General support | $1.5 million |
| Association of Marshall Scholars Inc | General support | $1.5 million |
| Leadership Network | General support | $1.2 million |
| Columbia University | General support | $1.0 million |
| Cortico Corporation | General support | $1.0 million |
| Leaders in Tech Inc | General support | $1.0 million |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | General support | $1.0 million |
| US Japan Research Institute | General support | $1.0 million |
| Hypothesis Fund PBLLC | General support | $900,000 |
| Dartmouth College | General support | $515,835 |
| Management Leadership for Tomorrow | General support | $500,000 |
| Him for Her Inc | General support | $350,000 |
| University of Wisconsin Foundation | General support | $250,000 |
| Dollar for | General support | $200,000 |
| Food for Soul Inc | General support | $140,000 |
| Aspen Institute | General support | $100,000 |
| Limn | General support | $100,000 |
| Locus Science Fiction Foundation | General support | $63,000 |
| Endeavor Global Inc | General support | $50,000 |
| Safecast Global | General support | $50,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Reid Hoffman
- Frank F Huang
Questions people ask
Does Aphorism Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Aphorism Foundation give?
$43.4 million in tax year 2024, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $1.0 million.
Who runs Aphorism Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Reid Hoffman (Ppres/Treas/Dir) and Frank F Huang (Secretary).
What does Aphorism Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, science and research and food and hunger.