John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation is a private foundation in Encino, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.3 million in 42 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $500,000. 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$1.3 million
- Number of grants42
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$500,000
- Assets$15.8 million
- New grantees19%
Giving in 2024 was down from $1.8 million the year before.
19% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.8 million | 42 | $13.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 42 | $15.8 million |
How to apply
John and Marilyn Wells Family 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 John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 31 | $1.2 million |
| New York | 4 | $48,000 |
| Hawaii | 3 | $7,000 |
| Georgia | 2 | $3,500 |
| Colorado | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California-School of Cinematic Art | Unrestricted | $500,000 |
| Alexandria House | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Entertainment Community Fund | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Los Angeles Room & Board | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Motion Picture & Television Fund | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Sunnyside Baptist Church | Unrestricted | $100,000 |
| Los Angeles Philharmonic Association | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Corporation for Supportive Housing | Unrestricted | $45,000 |
| National Foster Youth Institute | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Southern California Grantmakers | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| UCLA | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Butterfly's Haven | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Mayors Fund for Los Angeles | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| United Way | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| USC Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Big Sunday | Unrestricted | $7,500 |
| A New Way of Life Rentry Project | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Downtown Womens Center | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Nga Hancock Park | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Pancreatic Cancer Action Network | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Providence St Joseph Foundation | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Sbes Parent Teacher Association | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| The Episcopal School of Los Angeles | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles Inc | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| Safe Place for Youth | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| St James Food Pantry | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| The Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund International | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| The Writers Guild Foundation | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| KCRW Foundation Inc | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Liberty Hill Foundation | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| ACLU Foundation of Southern California | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Bravo Vail | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Casa of Los Angeles | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Children's Action Network | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Funders Together to End Homelessness | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Girls Incorporated | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity International | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Hawaiian Islands Land Trust | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Kauai Food Bank | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John Wells
- Marilyn Wells
Questions people ask
Does John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2024, across 42 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists John Wells (Co-Chairman) and Marilyn Wells (Co-Chairman).
What does John and Marilyn Wells Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and faith communities.