The Denovo Initiative
Preselected recipients only
The Denovo Initiative is a private foundation in Portland, Oregon. In tax year 2024 it gave $911,393 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $35,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$911,393
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$35,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$18.6 million
- New grantees67%
Giving in 2024 was up from $609,531 the year before.
67% 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 | $609,531 | 14 | $19.0 million |
| 2024 | $911,393 | 21 | $18.6 million |
How to apply
The Denovo Initiative 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 Denovo Initiative funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 10 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 8 | $344,001 |
| California | 3 | $156,053 |
| Colorado | 1 | $125,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $73,685 |
| Maine | 1 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $40,000 |
| Oregon | 2 | $35,022 |
| Utah | 1 | $35,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $26,316 |
| Louisiana | 1 | $26,316 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Incite Productions Inc | Project funding | $125,000 |
| Cinema Tropical Inc | Project funding | $100,000 |
| Women Make Movies Inc | Project funding | $77,106 |
| The Film Collaborative Inc | Project funding | $77,105 |
| Center for Independent Documentary Inc | Project funding | $73,685 |
| International Documentary Association | Project funding | $52,632 |
| Media Collective Inc | Project funding | $52,632 |
| Points North Institute | Project funding | $50,000 |
| The VII Foundation Inc | Project funding | $50,000 |
| Advance Gender Equity in the Arts | Project funding | $35,000 |
| Sundance Institute | Project funding | $35,000 |
| Entertainment 2 Affect Change | Project funding | $26,316 |
| Full Spectrum Features | Project funding | $26,316 |
| New York Women in Film and Television | Project funding | $26,316 |
| Video Veracity Inc | Project funding | $26,316 |
| C Me Grow Inc | Operating grant | $25,000 |
| Fractured Atlas | Project funding | $17,421 |
| Alternative Newsweekly Foundation | Project funding | $15,000 |
| New York Foundation for the Arts Inc | Project funding | $10,526 |
| Brown Girls Doc Mafia Inc | Operating grant | $10,000 |
| Bag and Baggage Productions | Project funding | $22 |
Officers and trustees
- Dawn Bonder
- Janice Finley
- Susan Potter
Questions people ask
Does The Denovo Initiative accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Denovo Initiative give?
$911,393 in tax year 2024, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $35,000.
Who runs The Denovo Initiative?
Its 2024 filing lists Dawn Bonder (President & Ceo), Janice Finley (Cfo) and Susan Potter (Head of Business Affairs & GC).
What does The Denovo Initiative fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.