Firefly Scientists Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Firefly Scientists Foundation is a private foundation in St Louis, Missouri. In tax year 2024 it gave $3.6 million in 49 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $450,000. 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$3.6 million
- Number of grants49
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$450,000
- Assets$90.0 million
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2024 was down from $3.8 million the year before.
74% 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 | $3.8 million | 46 | $85.3 million |
| 2024 | $3.6 million | 49 | $90.0 million |
How to apply
Firefly Scientists 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 Firefly Scientists Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 18 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 21 | $1.6 million |
| New York | 4 | $435,000 |
| California | 1 | $200,000 |
| Nevada | 1 | $187,000 |
| Missouri | 4 | $177,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $125,000 |
| Wisconsin | 1 | $121,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $120,000 |
| Kentucky | 3 | $108,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Opera | Lab theater renovation | $450,000 |
| Jewish National Fund | Ecological rooftop at lotem construction project | $300,000 |
| Dodge Nature Center | Pledge payment | $250,000 |
| Leland Stanford Junior University | Pledge payment | $200,000 |
| Classical Tahoe | Livestream programming | $187,000 |
| Hugs Cafe | Construction of cafe training facility and headqtr | $125,000 |
| Walker West Music Academy | Capital campaign | $125,000 |
| Access Ability Wi Inc | Outdoors access 4 all building awareness, participants, leaders proj | $121,000 |
| Friends of the Arava Institute | Matching commitment pledge | $100,000 |
| Artists Breaking Limits & Expectations | Ensemble program & producing | $85,000 |
| Highland Friendship Club | Community engagement position, lanes 4 friendship | $85,000 |
| Young Dance | All abilities dance initiative | $80,000 |
| Partnership Resources Inc | Inclusion through arts access | $75,000 |
| Mi Work Matters | Training/employment expansion program | $70,000 |
| Springboard for the Arts | Cow tipping press grant | $70,000 |
| Carrusel En la Sebastiana Corp | Employment readiness training | $65,000 |
| International Association for Spelling As Communication | Nonspeaking entrepreneurship program | $60,000 |
| Best Prep | 2024 educational forum, mbv assessment thru wilder research | $56,000 |
| True Tales Live | True tales podcast | $55,000 |
| Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest | Outdoor play equipment playcosystem play research expansion | $50,000 |
| Chabad Lubavitch Jewish Educational Center | Matching campaign upward, onward! | $50,000 |
| Friendship Circle of Washington | Teen & young adult life skills | $50,000 |
| Kairos Alive | Unrestricted in memory of maria genne | $50,000 |
| Marnita's Table | General operations | $50,000 |
| Mnprov | Neurodiverse talent taking | $50,000 |
| Omnium Circus | I'm possible too production | $50,000 |
| Opera Theatre of St Louis | Unrestricted funds | $50,000 |
| Reve Academy | Impact today + vision tomorrow initiative | $50,000 |
| Safe Toddles Inc | Empowering blind toddlers thru safe independence | $50,000 |
| Variety the Children's Charity of St Louis | Durable medical equipment | $50,000 |
| Lift for Life Academy | Workforce development program | $42,000 |
| American Dance Wheels Foundation | Better together project | $38,000 |
| Disability Belongs | Talent pipeline program project | $38,000 |
| Highland Popcorn | Expands initiative | $37,000 |
| Hennepin Theater Trust | Sensory friendly theatre, production curriculum, toolkit development | $36,000 |
| Arts in Motion Studio | Arts in motion studio project | $35,000 |
| Gigi's Playhouse | Programming for adults with down syndrome | $35,000 |
| Winters Center for Autism | Winters creative career center | $35,000 |
| Arts for All Kentucky | Art programs for adults | $33,000 |
| No Limits Cafe | Suzanne hatfield training program | $30,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Miriam G Wilhelm
- Scott Mortensen
- Melanie Broida Werl
Questions people ask
Does Firefly Scientists Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Firefly Scientists Foundation give?
$3.6 million in tax year 2024, across 49 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Firefly Scientists Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Miriam G Wilhelm (Director), Scott Mortensen (Director & Admin Officer) and Melanie Broida Werl (President and Director).
What does Firefly Scientists Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.