Michael J Connell Foundation
The Michael J. Connell Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in Pasadena, California. Incorporated in 1931, the foundation has a long history of supporting philanthropic initiatives across the United States, with particular emphasis on the Los Angeles area and broader California region.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$12.8M
-0.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$761K
+1.5% YoY
Grant Count
16
-11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$48K
+14.2% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Michael J Connell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $836K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to support programs in social, cultural, educational, and medical fields. Specific focus areas include:
- Arts and Culture — particularly classical music programs and graphic arts
- Education
- Environment
- Health and Medical Endeavors
The foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has supported public television initiatives.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
of approximately $177 and median grant amounts varying by year.
Average Grant
of approximately $177 and median grant amounts varying by year.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily supports initiatives in the Pasadena and Los Angeles area, with broader funding activity across California. Additional geographic focus areas include Montana, New York, Texas, and Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets: $12,934,362 (as of 2023)
Annual Expenses: $958,930 (2023)
Annual Revenue: $739,902 (2023)
Revenue Composition (2023):
- Investment income and dividends: $397,774
- Net gain from sale of non-inventory assets: $333,713
Asset Growth: Assets increased 2.6% from the previous year.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $12,814,560 | $12,934,362 | $13,144,238 |
| Revenue | $917,163 | $739,902 | $1,184,012 |
| Expenses | $1,008,846 | $958,930 | $944,211 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $836,092 | $807,133 | $787,511 |
| Net Investment Income | $744,509 | $588,105 | $1,027,312 |
| Distributable Amount | $835,659 | $848,492 | $945,063 |
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
102 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Michael J Connell Foundation
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Los Angeles Philharmonic Associatio ($166,000), Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy ($100,000), Planned Parenthood ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UC SANTA BARBARA FOUNDATION SANTA BARBARA, CA | IN HONOR OF RICHARD WILSON | $10,000 |
| PLANNED PARENTHOOD ALTADENA, CA | GRANT TO SUPPORT EXPANSION OF EDUCTAION PROGRAMS | $50,000 |
| PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PASADENA, CA | GRANT | $30,000 |
| MONTANA SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS BOZEMAN, MT | GRANT | $35,000 |
| NANCY EVANS DANCE THEATRE PASADENA, CA | GRANT | $10,000 |
| LOS ANGELES CHILDRENS CHORUS PASADENA, CA | NEED BASED SCHOLARSHIPS | $20,000 |
| HILLSIDES PASADENA, CA | GRANT FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS | $50,000 |
| HELEN KELLER INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK, NY | GRANT TO SUPPORT DELIVERY OF ACCESSIBLE VISION CARE SERVICES | $50,000 |
| CASA OF LOS ANGELES MONTEREY PARK, CA | BOARD MEMBER GRANT | $30,000 |
| BITTER ROOT LAND TRUST HAMILTON, MT | GRANT | $50,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Michael J. Connell serves as President of the foundation. The organization has a team of directors and vice presidents who contribute minimal hours and receive no compensation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MICHAEL J CONNELL | PRESIDENT | 0.1 | — |
| CHRISTOPHER CONNELL | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| LEITH O'LEARY | VP/TREASURER | 0.1 | — |
| PAUL GROSSMAN | VICE PRESIDENT | 0.1 | — |
| JENNIFER DEVOLL | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
| KRISTINA ALLEY | DIRECTOR | 0.1 | — |
Contact Information
Website: www.mjcf.org
Address: 155 S El Molino Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101-2563
Phone: 626-796-2226
Fax: 626-796-2227
EIN: 95-6000904
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michael J Connell Foundation fund?
The foundation's mission is to support programs in social, cultural, educational, and medical fields. Specific focus areas include: • **Arts and Culture** — particularly classical music programs and graphic arts • **Education** • **Environment** • **Health and Medical Endeavors** The foundation has been a long-time supporter of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has supported public television initiatives.
How do I apply for a grant from Michael J Connell Foundation?
**Grant Amounts:** Typical awards range from $5,000 to $300,000, with an average grant size of approximately $177 and median grant amounts varying by year. **Annual Giving:** The foundation distributed $750,000 in grants in 2023, with 18 grants awarded that year. Historical annual giving has been reported at approximately $552,000. **Recent Grants (2023):** • Arroyos and Foothills Conservancy: $75,000 • Reading Partners: $50,000 • Helen Keller International: $50,000 (for accessible vision care …
Where does Michael J Connell Foundation make grants?
The foundation primarily supports initiatives in the Pasadena and Los Angeles area, with broader funding activity across California. Additional geographic focus areas include Montana, New York, Texas, and Virginia.
What size grants does Michael J Connell Foundation award?
In 2024, Michael J Connell Foundation awarded 16 grants totaling $761K — an average of about $48K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Michael J Connell Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Michael J Connell Foundation reported a distributable amount of $836K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Michael J Connell Foundation's EIN?
Michael J Connell Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-6000904. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Michael J Connell Foundation'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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