Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc
The Ellsworth Kelly Foundation is a private foundation established in 1991 and based in Spencertown, New York. The foundation upholds the philanthropic legacy of Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015), one of America's preeminent artists, through its support of causes Kelly cared about and supported during his lifetime.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$41.4M
+1.8% YoY
Revenue
$1.6M
-36.0% YoY
Qualifying Distributions
$23K
-99.5% YoY
Expenses
$277K
-94.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission centers on supporting:
- The Arts — Particularly art museums and cultural preservation initiatives including the care, conservation, and exhibition of modern and contemporary artworks in museums in the U.S. and Europe
- Historic Preservation — Restoration of world heritage sites globally
- Environmental Conservation — Protection of natural resources
- Education — Educational initiatives
- Community Development — Local community groups in Columbia County, New York, where Ellsworth Kelly lived and worked for nearly 40 years
Grantmaking
In celebration of Ellsworth Kelly's centennial, the foundation announced grants totaling $2,750,000 to 50 museums across the United States, alongside major artwork gifts valued at $16 million. Distribution included:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds institutions across the United States and Europe. It maintains particular commitment to Columbia County, New York, supporting local community groups working to conserve and protect cultural, historic, civic, and natural resources in the region.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $40,656,072
- Total Revenues: $2,533,614
- Total Expenses: $4,878,855
- Number of Employees: 0
Revenue Breakdown (2023):
- Total grants and contributions: $2,500,000
- Investment income and dividends: $1,010,697
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $41,406,593 | $40,656,072 | $42,052,669 |
| Revenue | $1,620,920 | $2,533,614 | $9,343,097 |
| Expenses | $277,011 | $4,878,855 | $5,750,686 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $22,621 | $4,467,216 | $5,166,189 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,411,995 | $740,058 | $9,191,753 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,138,956 | $1,926,218 | $2,004,583 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
90 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Jack Shear — President of the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation and husband of the late artist
- Emily Pulitzer — Trustee
- Roberta Bernstein — Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JACK SHEAR | PRESIDENT | 3 | — |
| EMILY PULITZER | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| ROBERTA BERNSTEIN | BOARD MEMBER | 1 | — |
| MARY ANNE LEE | TREASURER & SECRETARY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In 2023, the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation organized a major centennial celebration honoring the artist's 100th birthday. The foundation:
Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Announces Grants Totaling $2,750,000 to 50 Museums,\Announced grants totaling $2,750,000 to 50 museums nationwide
Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Announces Grants Totaling $2,750,000 to 50 Museums,\Gifted $16 million in artwork from Kelly's estate to these institutions
Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Gifts $16 Million in Artwork to 50 Museums | ObserverOrganized a centennial celebration event at Kelly's longtime home and studio in Spencertown, inviting museum directors, curators, and art professionals to view exhibitions of rarely seen work and ephemera
Opened the Ellsworth Kelly Library at the Spencertown studio location
Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Announces Grants Totaling $2,750,000 to 50 Museums,\Collaborated with the Spencertown Academy Arts Center to present "Ellsworth Kelly Centennial: An Exhibition of Historic Posters" featuring posters from 1951 to 2018
Contact Information
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 220 Spencertown, NY 12165
Telephone: 518-392-5326
EIN: 22-3132379
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation's mission centers on supporting: • **The Arts** — Particularly art museums and cultural preservation initiatives including the care, conservation, and exhibition of modern and contemporary artworks in museums in the U.S. and Europe • **Historic Preservation** — Restoration of world heritage sites globally • **Environmental Conservation** — Protection of natural resources • **Education** — Educational initiatives • **Community Development** — Local community groups in Columbia Cou…
How do I apply for a grant from Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc?
**Grant Activity:** • Since its inception in 1991, the foundation has donated over $30 million to support its causes • Grant awards are board-directed • The foundation cannot accept unsolicited applications for support **Recent Major Initiative (2023):** In celebration of Ellsworth Kelly's centennial, the foundation announced grants totaling $2,750,000 to 50 museums across the United States, alongside major artwork gifts valued at $16 million. Distribution included: • $100,000 grants to five ma…
Where does Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc make grants?
The foundation funds institutions across the United States and Europe. It maintains particular commitment to Columbia County, New York, supporting local community groups working to conserve and protect cultural, historic, civic, and natural resources in the region.
How much is Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $2.1M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc's EIN?
Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 22-3132379. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ellsworth Kelly Foundation Inc'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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