The Jim Henson Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Jim Henson Foundation is a private foundation in Long Island City, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $227,250 in 50 grants; the typical grant was $4,000 and the largest $10,000. 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$227,250
- Number of grants50
- Typical grant$4,000
- Largest grant$10,000
- Assets$7.7 million
- New grantees50%
Giving in 2025 was down from $261,000 the year before.
50% 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 | $288,000 | 53 | $4.4 million |
| 2024 | $261,000 | 45 | $7.1 million |
| 2025 | $227,250 | 50 | $7.7 million |
How to apply
The Jim Henson 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 Jim Henson Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 35 | $166,250 |
| Minnesota | 8 | $28,000 |
| Illinois | 2 | $12,000 |
| California | 1 | $7,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $5,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $4,000 |
| North Carolina | 1 | $4,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Dixon Place | Puppet production | $10,000 |
| Here Arts Center | Puppet production | $10,000 |
| New Victory Theater | Puppet production | $10,000 |
| La Mama | Puppet production | $10,000 |
| Automata | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Great Small Works | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Here Arts Center | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Skysaver Productions | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| The Brick Theater | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $7,000 |
| Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival | Allelu award | $5,000 |
| Dixon Place | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Allelu award | $5,000 |
| Here Arts Center | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| La Mama | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| Lincoln Center | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| The Battery Conservancy | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| The Center at West Park | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| Research Foundation of the Cuny | Puppet production | $5,000 |
| Wakka Wakka Productions Inc | Allelu award | $5,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Puppet production | $4,000 |
| Mesner Puppet Theater | Puppet production | $4,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $4,000 |
| Paperhand Puppet Project | Puppet production | $4,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $4,000 |
| Concrete Temple Theatre | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Drama of Works | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Great Small Works | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Here Arts Center | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Puppeteers of America Inc | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Shake on the Lake | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Shake on the Lake | Puppet production | $3,000 |
| Skysaver Productions | Puppet production | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Cheryl Henson
- Richard Termine
- Hanne Tierney
- Louis Borodinsky
- Bruce Cannon
- Sean Cawelti
- Kristin Haverty
- Maiko Kikuchi
- Rowan Magee
- Preston Whiteway
Questions people ask
Does The Jim Henson Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Jim Henson Foundation give?
$227,250 in tax year 2025, across 50 grants, with a typical grant of $4,000.
Who runs The Jim Henson Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Cheryl Henson (President), Richard Termine (Vice President), Hanne Tierney (Secretary) and Louis Borodinsky (Treasurer) among 10 officers and trustees.
What does The Jim Henson Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, international and environment and conservation.