The Alben Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Alben Foundation is a private foundation in Seattle, Washington. In tax year 2025 it gave $97,710 in 20 grants; the typical grant was $1,700 and the largest $51,500. 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$97,710
- Number of grants20
- Typical grant$1,700
- Largest grant$51,500
- Assets$889,541
- New grantees35%
Giving in 2025 was down from $103,300 the year before.
35% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $44,455 | 18 | $889,460 |
| 2024 | $103,300 | 22 | $853,265 |
| 2025 | $97,710 | 20 | $889,541 |
How to apply
The Alben 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 Alben Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Washington.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 11 | $68,790 |
| California | 3 | $12,900 |
| Idaho | 1 | $6,200 |
| Maryland | 1 | $5,000 |
| New York | 1 | $4,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $500 |
| Illinois | 1 | $220 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $100 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Ai Forum | Continue foundation's mission | $51,500 |
| Stanford University | Continue foundation's mission | $10,000 |
| The Sun Valley Writers Conference | Continue foundation's mission | $6,200 |
| American Cancer Society | Continue foundation's mission | $5,000 |
| American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Continue foundation's mission | $4,000 |
| Planned Parenthood | Continue foundation's mission | $4,000 |
| Pawsitive Alliance | Continue foundation's mission | $3,650 |
| Gage Academy of the Arts | Continue foundation's mission | $2,936 |
| Hillel at UCLA | Continue foundation's mission | $2,400 |
| Fred Hutch | Continue foundation's mission | $1,900 |
| Street Youth Ministries | Continue foundation's mission | $1,500 |
| Mohai | Continue foundation's mission | $1,204 |
| Youth Theatre NW | Continue foundation's mission | $1,000 |
| Alliance for Gun Responsibility | Continue foundation's mission | $500 |
| Classical King FM | Continue foundation's mission | $500 |
| Piece by Piece | Continue foundation's mission | $500 |
| World Justice Project | Continue foundation's mission | $500 |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Continue foundation's mission | $220 |
| Pan Mass Challenge | Continue foundation's mission | $100 |
| Salvation Army | Continue foundation's mission | $100 |
Officers and trustees
- Alex Alben
- Susan Alben
Questions people ask
Does The Alben Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Alben Foundation give?
$97,710 in tax year 2025, across 20 grants, with a typical grant of $1,700.
Who runs The Alben Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Alex Alben (President) and Susan Alben (Secretary).
What does The Alben Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly faith communities, education and arts and culture.