The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation is a private foundation in West Hollywood, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.7 million in 31 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $600,000. 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$1.7 million
- Number of grants31
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$600,000
- Assets$342,371
- New grantees23%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
23% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $985,150 | 26 | $267,077 |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 33 | $284,288 |
| 2025 | $1.7 million | 31 | $342,371 |
How to apply
The Shelby and Frederick Gans 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 Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 7 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 18 | $1.3 million |
| New York | 6 | $180,000 |
| Arkansas | 1 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $45,000 |
| Kansas | 1 | $30,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $25,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Ballet | General use | $600,000 |
| Edible Schoolyard Project | General use | $200,000 |
| Meals on Wheels of San Francisco | General use | $100,900 |
| Mark Morris Dance Group | General use | $100,000 |
| University of California Berkeley Berkeley Foundation | Cal performances | $75,000 |
| San Francisco SPCA | General use | $50,500 |
| Crowden Music Center | General use | $50,000 |
| Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art | General use | $50,000 |
| Smithsonian Institute Cooper Hewitt Design Museum | General use | $50,000 |
| Uc Regents | General use | $50,000 |
| University of California Berkeley Bancroft Library | The robert h. Hirst fund for the mark twain papers project | $50,000 |
| Congregation Emanu-El | General use | $30,000 |
| Alonzo King Lines Ballet | General use | $25,000 |
| Leland Stanford Junior University | General use | $25,000 |
| PBS Foundation | General use | $25,000 |
| Smithsonian National Board | General use | $25,000 |
| UCSF Foundation Cardiology | General use | $25,000 |
| California Academy of Sciences | General use | $15,000 |
| Smithsonian American Art Museum | General use | $15,000 |
| Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | General use | $14,430 |
| Common Sense Media | General use | $10,000 |
| New York Philharmonic | General use | $10,000 |
| San Francisco Host Committee | General use | $10,000 |
| SF Botanical Garden | General use | $10,000 |
| The Charlie Cart Project | General use | $10,000 |
| The New York Historical | General use | $10,000 |
| Baker Institute for Children With Hearing Loss | General use | $5,000 |
| The Frick Collection | General use | $5,000 |
| The Furniture Society | General use | $5,000 |
| The Kitchen Sisters | General use | $5,000 |
| Year Up United | General use | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Shelby M Gans
- Frederick M Gans
Questions people ask
Does The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation give?
$1.7 million in tax year 2025, across 31 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Shelby M Gans (Trustee) and Frederick M Gans (Trustee).
What does The Shelby and Frederick Gans Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and education.