The Jay DeFeo Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Jay DeFeo Foundation is a private foundation in San Francisco, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $39,000 in 9 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$39,000
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$22.1 million
- New grantees71%
Giving in 2025 was down from $317,000 the year before.
71% 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 | $30,250 | 8 | $22.3 million |
| 2024 | $317,000 | 9 | $21.8 million |
| 2025 | $39,000 | 9 | $22.1 million |
How to apply
The Jay DeFeo 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 The Jay DeFeo Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 5 | $25,000 |
| New York | 3 | $12,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $1,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Getty Museum | LA Arts Fire Relief Fund | $10,000 |
| Oakland Museum of California Art | Mildred Howard exhibition catalogue | $5,000 |
| Berkeley Art Museum UC Regents | Fellowship Theresa Hak Kyung Cha exhibit | $5,000 |
| The Drawing Center | Trisha Donnelly exhibit | $5,000 |
| Individual | New College catalogue | $5,000 |
| California College of the Arts | WattisSTEADY exhibit | $2,500 |
| Individual | Further Triennial | $2,500 |
| SFAI Legacy Foundation and Archive | SFAI Legacy Foundation and Archive | $2,500 |
| The Aspen Institute | Aspen Institute AEFI | $1,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Leah Levy
- Jane Green
- Diane Frankel
Questions people ask
Does The Jay DeFeo Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Jay DeFeo Foundation give?
$39,000 in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs The Jay DeFeo Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Leah Levy (Trustee/Dir.), Jane Green (Trustee) and Diane Frankel (Trustee).
What does The Jay DeFeo Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.