The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $23.7 million in 25 grants; the typical grant was $150,000 and the largest $8.9 million. 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$23.7 million
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$150,000
- Largest grant$8.9 million
- Assets$172 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2024 was down from $37.5 million the year before.
50% of its 2024 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.0 million | 19 | $242 million |
| 2023 | $37.5 million | 32 | $182 million |
| 2024 | $23.7 million | 25 | $172 million |
How to apply
The Oprah Winfrey Charitable 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 Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 11 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | $17.9 million |
| Illinois | 9 | $2.9 million |
| Maryland | 1 | $947,972 |
| Colorado | 1 | $500,000 |
| New York | 3 | $375,000 |
| Washington | 1 | $270,000 |
| Hawaii | 2 | $225,000 |
| Texas | 2 | $225,000 |
| Delaware | 1 | $100,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Entertainment Industry | To provide funds directly to members of communities in maui county, hawaii who experienced the loss of their home due to the wildfires. | $8.9 million |
| Ow Leadership Academy Foundation | For operating expenses for the oprah winfrey leadership academy for girls in south africa | $8.9 million |
| US Dream Academy | Transformative mentoring program for youth to build character, skills and dreams in a safe out of school time environment. | $947,972 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To develop, facilitate and support the oprah winfrey leadership scholarship program. | $925,000 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To develop, facilitate and support the oprah winfrey leadership scholarship program. | $910,000 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To develop, facilitate and support the oprah winfrey leadership scholarship program. | $524,900 |
| Telluride Council for the Arts | To help preserve and restore the telluride transfer warehouse into a public arts. | $500,000 |
| Omprakash Foundation-Humanity Crew | To provide mental health support in global missions. | $270,000 |
| Mindfullness Leader NFP | To enhance, train, and align minds of young leaders to shape their emotional intelligence. | $250,000 |
| National Cares Mentoring Movement Inc | To help sustain and grow the impact of national cares and increase access to mental health and wellness support to young people. | $250,000 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To support we got you program, mom USA partnership between owcf and hff, supporting us based 501(c)(3) organizations who are supporting historically underserved vulnerable families. | $210,000 |
| Minnie's Food Pantry Inc | To feed and educate families in need. | $200,000 |
| Mana Maoli | To fund expenses related to the production of the film 'rising from the ashes" to inspire the continued rebuilding efforts of lahaina. | $150,000 |
| Johnnetta Betsch Cole Legacy Foundation | To help with dismantling systemic inequality. | $100,000 |
| The Harlem School of the Arts Inc | To provide interdisciplinary arts training to the youth. | $100,000 |
| Ka 'Ike Mau Loa O Ke Kai Hohonu | To aid in wildfire recovery efforts for affected kula residents. | $75,000 |
| Hollyrod Foundation | To financially assist those with autism and to improve the quality of life of people with parkinson's. | $50,000 |
| Women's Media Center | To make diverse women visible and powerful in the media. | $50,000 |
| Halfthestory | To support digital wellbeing program for educational purposes. | $25,000 |
| Move NYC Foundation Inc | To increase opportunity and visibility in the dance field. | $25,000 |
| Ordinary Towards Extraordinary Foundation | To provide toys, gifts, clothing, technology, educational resources and needed items for underprivileged kids in houston area. | $25,000 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To support we got you program, mom USA partnership between owcf and hff, supporting us based 501(c)(3) organizations who are supporting historically underserved vulnerable families. | $20,000 |
| Chicagoland Mom Squad | To help simplify the daily challenges of parenthood. | $10,000 |
| Dreams of Hope Foundation | To support raising awareness around multiple sclerosis | $10,000 |
| Herrendorf Family Foundation | To support we got you program, mom USA partnership between owcf and hff, supporting us based 501(c)(3) organizations who are supporting historically underserved vulnerable families. | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Oprah G Winfrey
- Gayle King
- Robert Greene
Questions people ask
Does The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation give?
$23.7 million in tax year 2024, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $150,000.
Who runs The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Oprah G Winfrey (Co-Trustee), Gayle King (Co-Trustee) and Robert Greene (Co-Trustee).
What does The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and international.