Stella and James Melillo Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Stella and James Melillo Foundation is a private foundation in Nashville, Tennessee. In tax year 2025 it gave $98,000 in 13 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $36,500. 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$98,000
- Number of grants13
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$36,500
- Assets$1.6 million
- New grantees92%
Giving in 2025 was up from $50,860 the year before.
92% 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 | $57,500 | 7 | $991,794 |
| 2024 | $50,860 | 6 | $1.1 million |
| 2025 | $98,000 | 13 | $1.6 million |
How to apply
Stella and James Melillo 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 Stella and James Melillo Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 2 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 11 | $92,000 |
| Washington | 2 | $6,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| DVS | charitable | $36,500 |
| STESA of Santa Barbara | charitable | $20,000 |
| Santa Barbara Museum of Art | charitable | $10,000 |
| Various Donee | charitable | $10,000 |
| New Beginnings | charitable | $5,000 |
| MOXI Museum | charitable | $4,500 |
| Museum of Natural History | charitable | $2,500 |
| Museum of Modern Art | charitable | $2,500 |
| Ucsb | charitable | $2,000 |
| Sanctuary Center | charitable | $2,000 |
| Seattle Opera | charitable | $1,000 |
| SBHS Doms Athletics | charitable | $1,000 |
| Santa Barbara Opera | charitable | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James Melillo
Questions people ask
Does Stella and James Melillo Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Stella and James Melillo Foundation give?
$98,000 in tax year 2025, across 13 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs Stella and James Melillo Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James Melillo (President).
What does Stella and James Melillo Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture.