The Elma Foundation (US)
Preselected recipients only
The Elma Foundation (US) is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.8 million in 5 grants; the typical grant was $500,000 and the largest $1.3 million. 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$2.8 million
- Number of grants5
- Typical grant$500,000
- Largest grant$1.3 million
- Assets$2.5 million
- New grantees80%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.0 million the year before.
80% of its 2025 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 | $350,000 | 2 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.0 million | 1 | $3.2 million |
| 2025 | $2.8 million | 5 | $2.5 million |
How to apply
The Elma Foundation (US) 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 Elma Foundation (US) funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 | $2.1 million |
| New York | 1 | $500,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $100,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Code for America (Cfa) Labs Inc | Project support to expand digital products to make government services and benefits simple, and accessible. | $1.3 million |
| The Door - A Center of Alternatives Inc | General support for a community-based organization that serves youth ages 12-21 in the areas of health, education, the arts, personal development, and career services. | $500,000 |
| Thorn | General support for a technology organization seeking to STEM the spread of child sexual abuse material on the internet and arm frontline responders at scale with the technology to rescue children faster. | $500,000 |
| Alliance for Safety and Justice | Project support for scaling safety, a joint venture by the alliance for safety and justice and community based public safety collective to transform u.s. Public safety in five cities through subgrants to resident-led crime prevention programs. | $400,000 |
| Think of US | General support for an organization working to transform the country's child welfare and foster care system | $100,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Thomas McPartland
- Robyn Calder
- Meron Makonnen
- Simbarashe Jairosi
- Clive Calder
Questions people ask
Does The Elma Foundation (US) accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Elma Foundation (US) give?
$2.8 million in tax year 2025, across 5 grants, with a typical grant of $500,000.
Who runs The Elma Foundation (US)?
Its 2025 filing lists Thomas McPartland (Director & Ceo), Robyn Calder (Director & President), Meron Makonnen (Director & Secretary) and Simbarashe Jairosi (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Elma Foundation (US) fund?
Based on its grants, mainly youth programs, education and human services.