The Persepolis Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Persepolis Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $2.2 million in 8 grants; the typical grant was $17,500 and the largest $1.8 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$2.2 million
- Number of grants8
- Typical grant$17,500
- Largest grant$1.8 million
- Assets$29.3 million
- New grantees88%
Giving in 2025 was up from $327,500 the year before.
88% 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 | $205,000 | 2 | $19.7 million |
| 2024 | $327,500 | 4 | $23.0 million |
| 2025 | $2.2 million | 8 | $29.3 million |
How to apply
The Persepolis 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 The Persepolis Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 5 | $2.0 million |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $200,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $6,000 |
| California | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York Presbyterian Fund Inc | General charitable purposes | $1.8 million |
| The Metropolitan Museum of Art | General charitable purposes | $231,176 |
| Harvard University | General charitable purposes | $200,000 |
| Central Park Conservatory | General charitable purposes | $25,000 |
| The American Turkish Society Inc | General charitable purposes | $10,000 |
| Military Officer Association of America | General charitable purposes | $6,000 |
| Iranian American Woman Foundation | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
| Map Educational Fund | General charitable purposes | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani
- Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani
Questions people ask
Does The Persepolis Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Persepolis Foundation give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2025, across 8 grants, with a typical grant of $17,500.
Who runs The Persepolis Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani (Trustee) and Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani (Trustee).
What does The Persepolis Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.