The Viola Fund
Preselected recipients only
The Viola Fund is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $2.2 million in 18 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $2.0 million. 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$2.2 million
- Number of grants18
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$2.0 million
- Assets$20.6 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.1 million the year before.
56% 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 | $1.1 million | 18 | $21.5 million |
| 2024 | $2.2 million | 18 | $20.6 million |
How to apply
The Viola 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 Viola Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 15 | $2.1 million |
| California | 2 | $20,650 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Defense Fund | General support | $2.0 million |
| Metropolitan Opera | General support | $25,000 |
| Whitney Museum of American Art | General support | $25,000 |
| Cornell-Weill Hospital | General support | $20,000 |
| Soka Gakkai International | General support | $20,000 |
| Open Stage Project | General support | $15,000 |
| Columbia University | General support | $10,000 |
| Hospital for Special Surgery Fund Inc | General support | $10,000 |
| Magazzino Italian Art Foundation | General support | $10,000 |
| The Feminist Institute Tgi Digital | General support | $10,000 |
| We Act for Environmental Justice | General support | $10,000 |
| Dieu Donne Papermill | General support | $6,000 |
| Rising Treetops at Oakhurst | General support | $5,000 |
| Artolution Inc | General support | $1,500 |
| Boffo Art | General support | $1,500 |
| Citizen Union Foundation | General support | $1,000 |
| Museum of Chinese in the America | General support | $1,000 |
| Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | General support | $650 |
Officers and trustees
- Abby Leigh
- Rebecca Leigh
- David Leigh
Questions people ask
Does The Viola Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Viola Fund give?
$2.2 million in tax year 2024, across 18 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Viola Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists Abby Leigh (Trustee, As Required), Rebecca Leigh (Trustee, As Required) and David Leigh (Trustee, As Required).
What does The Viola Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, arts and culture and health.