The Bob A Ross Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation established in 1998 and based in San Francisco, California. The foundation was created by Bob A. Ross, founder and publisher of the Bay Area Reporter and a prominent activist for gay rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. The foundation operates as a low-profile grantmaking organization without a formal website or dedicated staff.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.3M
-13.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$449K
+17.1% YoY
Grant Count
31
+14.8% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$14K
+2.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Bob a Ross Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $113K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation does not maintain a publicly stated mission statement. However, based on its grantmaking patterns, the Bob A Ross Foundation focuses on:
- LGBTQ organizations and causes — particularly LGBTQ youth services and social services
- Arts and cultural organizations — with demonstrated support for performing arts institutions
- San Francisco Bay Area community organizations
The foundation has shown particular interest in supporting established arts institutions alongside grassroots LGBTQ-focused organizations.
Grantmaking
The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications. Grantmaking is by invitation only. Prospective applicants must network and establish relationships to come to the foundation's attention.
How to Apply
**
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations in California and New Mexico, with particular concentration in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specific cities where funding has been directed include Alameda, Oakland, Palm Springs, San Francisco, and Santa Fe.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Revenue (as of 2023):
- Total Assets: $1,505,182
- Total Revenue: $108,113
- Total Expenses: $412,278
- Total Liabilities: $0
Revenue Composition (2023):
- Investment income and dividends: $50,447
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $57,666
Key Metrics:
- Giving rate: approximately 34.3% of assets annually
- The foundation operates with an expense ratio of 381.3% of total revenue, indicating it distributes significantly more than it receives in annual revenue through investment returns and asset sales
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,308,245 | $1,505,182 | $1,809,347 |
| Revenue | $271,180 | $108,113 | $166,233 |
| Expenses | $468,117 | $412,278 | $486,216 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $457,726 | $383,375 | $467,500 |
| Net Investment Income | $262,364 | $95,818 | $158,473 |
| Distributable Amount | $113,079 | $114,149 | $134,382 |
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
129 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include San Francisco Ballet Association ($45,000), San Francisco Symphony ($45,000), Larkin Street Youth Services ($40,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BARECHEST CALENDAR SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $2,500 |
| CHANTICLEER SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| FRAMELINE SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| GAPA FUND ALAMEDA, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $1,000 |
| GIANTS COMMUNITY FUND SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $25,000 |
| KDFC CLASSICAL RADIO SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $10,000 |
| LARKIN STREET YOUTH SERVICES SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $40,000 |
| LENSIC PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SANTA FE, NM | UNRESTRICTED | $20,000 |
| NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER SAN FRANCISCO, CA | UNRESTRICTED | $15,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Thomas E. Horn — President (25 hours per week, no compensation)
- SingerLewak LLP — Chief Financial Officer ($12,295 compensation)
- Matthew Goudeau — Secretary (no compensation)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| THOMAS E HORN | PRESIDENT | 25 | — |
| SINGERLEWAK LLP | CFO | 1 | $8,175 |
| MATTHEW GOUDEAU | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bob a Ross Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation does not maintain a publicly stated mission statement. However, based on its grantmaking patterns, the Bob A Ross Foundation focuses on: • **LGBTQ organizations and causes** — particularly LGBTQ youth services and social services • **Arts and cultural organizations** — with demonstrated support for performing arts institutions • **San Francisco Bay Area community organizations** The foundation has shown particular interest in supporting established arts institutions alongside gra…
How do I apply for a grant from Bob a Ross Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • 2024: 31 grants totaling $449,117 (median grant $10,000; range $1,000–$45,000) • 2023: 27 grants totaling $383,000 (median grant $10,000; maximum $60,000) • 2022: 27 grants totaling $468,000 (median grant $10,000) **Recent Notable Grants (2023):** • Meals on Wheels of San Francisco: $60,000 (unrestricted) • San Francisco Ballet: $35,000 (unrestricted) • San Francisco Symphony: $25,000 (unrestricted) **Application Process:** The foundation does not accept unsolicited applic…
Where does Bob a Ross Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation primarily funds organizations in California and New Mexico, with particular concentration in the San Francisco Bay Area. Specific cities where funding has been directed include Alameda, Oakland, Palm Springs, San Francisco, and Santa Fe.
What size grants does Bob a Ross Foundation Inc award?
In 2024, Bob a Ross Foundation Inc awarded 31 grants totaling $449K — an average of about $14K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Bob a Ross Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Bob a Ross Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $113K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Bob a Ross Foundation Inc's EIN?
Bob a Ross Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3254090. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
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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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