Sterling Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Sterling Foundation is a private foundation in Santa Monica, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $60,000 in 2 grants; the typical grant was $30,000 and the largest $50,000. 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$60,000
- Number of grants2
- Typical grant$30,000
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$848,476
- New grantees0%
Giving in 2025 was down from $125,000 the year before.
0% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $131,000 | 6 | $708,994 |
| 2024 | $125,000 | 4 | $644,385 |
| 2025 | $60,000 | 2 | $848,476 |
How to apply
Sterling 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Sterling Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2 | $60,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Opera | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Students Run la | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Leslie Dorman
- John Dorman
Questions people ask
Does Sterling Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Sterling Foundation give?
$60,000 in tax year 2025, across 2 grants, with a typical grant of $30,000.
Who runs Sterling Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Leslie Dorman (President/Dir) and John Dorman (Treas/Sec/Dir).
What does Sterling Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.