Joy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Joy Foundation is a private foundation in Aspen, Colorado. In tax year 2024 it gave $674,000 in 18 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $257,200. 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$674,000
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$257,200
- Assets$8.1 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2024 was up from $552,000 the year before.
56% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $552,000 | 10 | $8.2 million |
| 2024 | $674,000 | 18 | $8.1 million |
How to apply
Joy 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 Joy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 4 | $410,500 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $100,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $90,200 |
| Maryland | 2 | $27,100 |
| Colorado | 1 | $16,000 |
| California | 2 | $15,400 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $8,300 |
| Illinois | 2 | $4,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $2,500 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Inernational Rescue Committee | General support | $257,200 |
| American Academy in Berlin | General support | $150,000 |
| Mayo Clinic | General support | $100,000 |
| Aspen Institute | General support | $75,000 |
| Natural Resources Defense Council | General support | $22,100 |
| Chabad Jewish Community Center Aspen | General support | $16,000 |
| Pitzer College | General support | $10,400 |
| Oceana | General support | $10,200 |
| Fairvote | General support | $5,000 |
| Social and Environmental Entrepreneurs | General support | $5,000 |
| Sixth & I Synagogue | General support | $5,000 |
| Milton Academy | General support | $4,300 |
| School Year Abroad | General support | $4,000 |
| Merit School of Music | General support | $3,000 |
| Human Rights Watch | General support | $2,800 |
| Sea Shepard | General support | $2,500 |
| Feeding America | General support | $1,000 |
| American Friends of the Ocean Cleanup Foundation | General support | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Leah Joy Zell
- Jenny Wanger
- Elise Wanger Zell
Questions people ask
Does Joy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Joy Foundation give?
$674,000 in tax year 2024, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs Joy Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Leah Joy Zell (President), Jenny Wanger (Vice President/Secretary) and Elise Wanger Zell (Vice President/Treasurer).
What does Joy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and environment and conservation.