ArtsFund is a Seattle-based nonprofit arts funder and advocacy organization established in 1969. Operating as a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 91-0839644), ArtsFund strengthens communities through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking to support the arts sector. The organization employs 17 staff members and is recognized as the nation's fifth largest united arts fund.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$7.4M
+21.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$12.2M
+22.4% YoY
Grant Count
624
+14.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$20K
+7.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: ArtsFund supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking in order to build a healthy, equitable, and creative Washington.
Core Values:
- Arts and culture as a tool for social change
- Arts and culture as an economic driver that creates jobs and revitalizes communities
- Promoting equity by centering those most impacted by systemic oppression, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities
- Youth and family engagement in the arts
- Data-driven advocacy and narrative change
- Convening as essential for healthy communities
Primary Activities:
- General operating support grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organizations
- Associates program to equip volunteers with leadership and fundraising skills
- Board leadership training classes covering legal and financial responsibilities, strategic planning, fundraising, and governance practices
- Convenings to share resources, practices, and perspectives across the cultural sector
- Economic impact studies and advocacy research
Grantmaking
Grant Types
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
ArtsFund primarily serves Washington State, with particular emphasis on the Central Puget Sound region including King and Pierce counties. The Community Accelerator Grant program extends funding statewide, reaching organizations in 35 of 39 Washington counties.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Fiscal Year 2023 (ended September 30, 2023):
- Total revenues: $14,599,518
- Total expenses: $14,985,771
- Total assets: $6,116,792
- Staff: 17 employees
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $7,424,421 | $6,116,792 | $6,404,858 |
| Revenue | $16,178,758 | $14,599,518 | $5,325,948 |
| Expenses | $15,204,294 | $14,985,771 | $4,176,049 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $320,873 | $76,721 | $14,344 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Artsfund
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Shunpike ($547,500), Northwest Film Forum ($229,490), Seattle Opera ($169,520).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SHUNPIKE SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $547,500 |
| NORTHWEST FILM FORUM SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $229,490 |
| SEATTLE OPERA SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $169,520 |
| SEATTLE ART MUSEUM SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $167,280 |
| SEATTLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $154,770 |
| PACIFIC NORTHWEST BALLET SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $154,730 |
| THE 5TH AVENUE THEATRE ASSOCIATION SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $123,720 |
| SEATTLE REP SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $109,040 |
| ACT THEATRE SEATTLE, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $108,410 |
| VILLAGE THEATRE ISSAQUAH, WA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $101,740 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CINDY SNYDER | CHAIR | 5 | — |
| KAREN BERGIN | CHAIR-ELECT | 5 | — |
| ERIN HOBSON | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | 5 | — |
| BRIAN PAULEN | VICE CHAIR | 5 | — |
| TOM LEONIDAS | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| M THOMAS KROON | TREASURER | 5 | — |
| KUMI YAMAMOTO BARUFFI | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| CARL G BEHNKE | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| MICHAEL P BENTLEY | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| LESLIE RAY BERNSTEIN | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| LIZ BERRY | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| AARON BLANK | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| LAURA DOEHLE | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| PATRICK EVANS | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| TIFFINY EVANS | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| DIANNE HARRIS | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| IAN KERRIGAN | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| CATHY LEAP | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| FRANCES LUKE | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| ELIZABETH MACPHERSON HEARN | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| RACHEL MCCALL | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| BILL PREDMORE | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| ANDREW RECINOS | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| NORMA JEAN STRAW | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| LOREN SUPP | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| ANDREA TEMPLETON | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| LINDA D WALTON | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| SUNG YANG | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| SHAVONDELIA BROWN | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| PETE DAPPER | TRUSTEE (THRU 11/23) | 5 | — |
| KEVIN FOX | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| JACKIE JONES | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| MARIA MACKEY | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| TONY MILES | TRUSTEE (THRU 11/23) | 5 | — |
| MARY PIGGOTT | TRUSTEE | 5 | — |
| STEPHEN REYNOLDS | TRUSTEE (THRU 11/23) | 5 | — |
| LINDSAY SIEVERKROPP | TRUSTEE (THRU 11/23) | 5 | — |
| MICHAEL R GREER | PRESIDENT/CEO | 40 | $299,590 |
| KEITH G EASTER | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $125,083 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
ArtsFund adopted a five-year strategic plan (2024-2028) developed between 2023-2024 with key stakeholders. The plan outlines objectives for increased alignment with the organization's mission, vision, and values, with deliverables including:
More resources to support the mission
Greater transparency
Increased adoption of the value and critical nature of arts and culture in a healthy society
More inclusion
Recent grant announcements include 2025 Allocations Grantees, 2025 Community Accelerator Grantees, and 2025 Youth Arts Opportunity Fund grantees.
ArtsFund Announces the 2025 Allocations Grantees | ArtsFundContact Information
Phone: 206-788-3050 (main) or 206-281-9050
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 19780, Seattle, WA 98109
Website: www.artsfund.org
For stock gifts, electronic transfers, or pledges: Chelsea Judd, ChelseaJudd@ArtsFund.org or 206-788-3050
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Artsfund fund?
**Mission:** ArtsFund supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grantmaking in order to build a healthy, equitable, and creative Washington. **Core Values:** • Arts and culture as a tool for social change • Arts and culture as an economic driver that creates jobs and revitalizes communities • Promoting equity by centering those most impacted by systemic oppression, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities • Youth and family engagem…
How do I apply for a grant from Artsfund?
**Grant Distribution History:** • Over $140 million distributed to more than 1,000 arts and cultural nonprofits since founding • 917 organizations received operating support in fiscal year 2024 • 674 organizations received operating support in fiscal year 2023 **Grant Types:** **Allocations Grants:** General operating support distributed through an allocation process that considers each organization's mission, art quality, management, financial condition, and community impact and commitment. **…
Where does Artsfund make grants?
ArtsFund primarily serves Washington State, with particular emphasis on the Central Puget Sound region including King and Pierce counties. The Community Accelerator Grant program extends funding statewide, reaching organizations in 35 of 39 Washington counties.
What size grants does Artsfund award?
In 2024, Artsfund awarded 624 grants totaling $12.2M — an average of about $20K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
What is Artsfund's EIN?
Artsfund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 91-0839644. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Artsfund's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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