The Middle Passage Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Middle Passage Foundation is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $250,000 in 12 grants; the typical grant was $15,000 and the largest $60,000. 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$250,000
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$15,000
- Largest grant$60,000
- Assets$3.1 million
- New grantees8%
Giving in 2025 was up from $175,000 the year before.
8% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $200,000 | 12 | $1,821 |
| 2023 | $164,000 | 11 | $14,651 |
| 2024 | $175,000 | 11 | $2.8 million |
| 2025 | $250,000 | 12 | $3.1 million |
How to apply
The Middle Passage 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 The Middle Passage Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 7 | $172,500 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $30,000 |
| Colorado | 1 | $15,000 |
| New York | 1 | $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $10,000 |
| Florida | 1 | $7,500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco | Donation of shelter, housing, meals, and behavioral health services | $60,000 |
| Insight Housing | Donation of housing and meals services | $35,000 |
| Project Open Hand | Donation | $30,000 |
| World Central Kitchen Inc | Donation | $30,000 |
| ACLU of Northern California | Donation | $15,000 |
| American Indian College Fund | Donation | $15,000 |
| Amnesty International | Donation | $15,000 |
| Committee to Project Journalists | Donation | $15,000 |
| Cultural Survivals | Donation | $10,000 |
| Kqed-Fm | Donation | $10,000 |
| K9 Warriors | Donation of venerans with service dogs | $7,500 |
| The San Francisco SPCA | Donation | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Tracy Chapman
- Aneta Chapman
- Lee Phillips
- Todd Gelfand
Questions people ask
Does The Middle Passage Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Middle Passage Foundation give?
$250,000 in tax year 2025, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $15,000.
Who runs The Middle Passage Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Tracy Chapman (President), Aneta Chapman (V.P.), Lee Phillips (Secretary) and Todd Gelfand (Cfo).
What does The Middle Passage Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly food and hunger, housing and homelessness and animals.