Sam Francis Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sam Francis Foundation is a private foundation in Glendale, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $95,876 in 28 grants; the typical grant was $528 and the largest $50,350. 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$95,876
- Number of grants28
- Typical grant$528
- Largest grant$50,350
- Assets$424,682
- New grantees75%
Giving in 2025 was up from $85,527 the year before.
75% 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 | $58,819 | 21 | $1.8 million |
| 2024 | $85,527 | 26 | $835,499 |
| 2025 | $95,876 | 28 | $424,682 |
How to apply
Sam Francis 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 Sam Francis Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to California. It also paid $1,500 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 21 | $91,100 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $1,581 |
| Oregon | 1 | $933 |
| New York | 3 | $762 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 18th Street Arts | Charitable | $50,350 |
| San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture | Charitable | $10,500 |
| J Paul Getty Trust | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Japanese American Cultural & Community Center | Charitable | $5,000 |
| The Mesa Refuge | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Armory Center for the Arts | Charitable | $3,500 |
| Sfai Legacy Foundation | Charitable | $2,075 |
| Adopt-A-Village | Charitable | $1,531 |
| Jung Institute | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Calpoly Pomona | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Warsaw Bauhaus Foundation - Arden 2 | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Aspen Institute | Charitable | $1,000 |
| World Arts Foundation | Charitable | $933 |
| Braille Institute | Charitable | $540 |
| Philosophical Research Society | Charitable | $515 |
| Moma | Charitable | $300 |
| Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation | Charitable | $287 |
| Art Table NYC | Charitable | $175 |
| Project Angel Food | Charitable | $155 |
| San Luis Obispo Museum of Art | Charitable | $155 |
| ARTLAB21 Foundation | Charitable | $150 |
| Autry Museum of the American West | Charitable | $140 |
| Public Counsel | Charitable | $109 |
| Descanso Garden | Charitable | $108 |
| Clockshop | Charitable | $103 |
| Brand Associate | Charitable | $100 |
| Bellosguardo | Charitable | $100 |
| Catalogue Raisonne Scholars | Charitable | $50 |
Officers and trustees
- Nancy Mozur
- John Seed
- Debra Burchett-Lere
- Jenkins Shannon
- Louise Steinman
Questions people ask
Does Sam Francis Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sam Francis Foundation give?
$95,876 in tax year 2025, across 28 grants, with a typical grant of $528.
Who runs Sam Francis Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Nancy Mozur (Director), John Seed (Director), Debra Burchett-Lere (President/Director) and Jenkins Shannon (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Sam Francis Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.