The Guston Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Guston Fund is a private foundation in West Hurley, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $305,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $100,000. 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$305,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$23.3 million
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2025 was down from $2.3 million the year before.
10% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $515,000 | 6 | $20.0 million |
| 2024 | $2.3 million | 11 | $20.4 million |
| 2025 | $305,000 | 10 | $23.3 million |
How to apply
The Guston Fund 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 Guston Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 6 | $125,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $100,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $50,000 |
| California | 1 | $20,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Studio Center Inc | Capital project - corner house renovation | $100,000 |
| Marian and Edward Macdowell Inc | General operating support | $50,000 |
| New York Studio School | General operating support | $50,000 |
| American Academy in Rome | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Brooklyn Rail Inc | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Center for Cultural Innovation | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Corporation of Yaddo | General operating support | $20,000 |
| Aspen Institute Inc | Project support - consortium advancing next-gen leaders in the visual arts | $10,000 |
| International Print Center New York | General operating support | $10,000 |
| Jewish Museum | Project support - guston/hancock exhibit | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Musa Mayer
- Thomas Mayer
Questions people ask
Does The Guston Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Guston Fund give?
$305,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs The Guston Fund?
Its 2025 filing lists Musa Mayer (Director, President) and Thomas Mayer (Director, Secretary, Treasurer).
What does The Guston Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education and arts and culture.