The Thiel Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Thiel Foundation is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.0 million in 12 grants; the typical grant was $64,000 and the largest $426,775. 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$3.0 million
- Number of grants12
- Typical grant$64,000
- Largest grant$426,775
- Assets$45.2 million
- New grantees17%
Giving in 2024 was up from $2.2 million the year before.
17% of its 2024 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 | $2.2 million | 59 | $44.4 million |
| 2024 | $3.0 million | 12 | $45.2 million |
How to apply
The Thiel 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 Thiel Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Virginia. It also paid $331,250 in 5 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 1 | $426,775 |
| Illinois | 3 | $166,313 |
| California | 2 | $80,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $8,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Donorstrust | General foundation grant | $426,775 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $95,000 |
| Association Recherches Mimetiques | Imitatio grant | $80,000 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $80,000 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $65,000 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $65,000 |
| Lumen Christi Institute | Imitatio grant | $63,000 |
| Glass Darkly Films Inc | Imitatio grant | $53,313 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $50,000 |
| Adeodatus | General foundation grant | $15,000 |
| Individual | Imitatio grant | $11,250 |
| Colloquium on Violence and Religion | Imitatio grant | $8,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Peter Thiel
- Blake Masters
- Jason Camm
- David Wheelock
- Matthew Alexander
Questions people ask
Does The Thiel Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Thiel Foundation give?
$3.0 million in tax year 2024, across 12 grants, with a typical grant of $64,000.
Who runs The Thiel Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Peter Thiel (Chairman of the Board), Blake Masters (Director), Jason Camm (Director) and David Wheelock (President) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Thiel Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international.