Moss Foundation
The Moss Foundation is a private foundation established in 1990 and located in Woodland Hills, California (21700 Oxnard St Ste 1200, Woodland Hills, CA 91367). The foundation was created by the late Jerry Moss, a music industry pioneer who co-founded A&M Records with Herb Alpert. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$6K
-61.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$10.0M
+635.6% YoY
Grant Count
1
-80.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10.0M
+3577.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Moss Foundation reported a distributable amount of $29K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Moss Foundation's giving priorities include:
- Arts and Culture — Particularly music education and performing arts
- Education
- Health Organizations
- Children, Youth, and Social Services
- Environment
The foundation has demonstrated particular strength in supporting music-related institutions and cultural organizations, reflecting the founder's background in the music industry.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Moss Foundation made a major grant of $10,000,000 to The Music Center to support the organization's mission. This represents a significant increase in grantmaking activity compared to prior years.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
While the Moss Foundation prioritizes Los Angeles and Southern California, grantmaking extends across the United States, particularly in the arts and health sectors.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 (Most Recent)
- Total Revenues: $10,005,584
- Total Expenses: $10,014,517
- Total Assets: $5,594
- Employees: 0
2023
- Revenue: $1,108,319
- Expenses: $1,365,709
- Total Assets: $14,500
- Total Liabilities: $0
Revenue Sources
The foundation earns interest income and dividend income from bank and investment accounts and securities.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $5,594 | $14,527 | $271,917 |
| Revenue | $10,005,584 | $1,108,319 | $290,456 |
| Expenses | $10,014,517 | $1,365,709 | $504,711 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $10,000,000 | $1,359,512 | $486,320 |
| Net Investment Income | — | $21,122 | $47,244 |
| Distributable Amount | $29,094 | $35,255 | $41,938 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 1 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
42 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include The Music Center ($10,000,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| THE MUSIC CENTER LOS ANGELES, CA | TO SUPPORT THE MISSION OF THE ORGANIZATION | $10,000,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Edward L White — Chief Financial Officer
The foundation was founded by Jerry Moss, who passed away in August 2023.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EDWARD L WHITE | CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | — | — |
| TINA MOSS | SECRETARY | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation's grantmaking activity increased substantially in 2024, with the $10 million grant to The Music Center representing a major commitment to arts and culture in Los Angeles. This significant increase in giving follows the death of founder Jerry Moss in August 2023, suggesting the foundation may be distributing assets or implementing new strategic initiatives under current leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Moss Foundation fund?
The Moss Foundation's giving priorities include: • **Arts and Culture** — Particularly music education and performing arts • **Education** • **Health Organizations** • **Children, Youth, and Social Services** • **Environment** The foundation has demonstrated particular strength in supporting music-related institutions and cultural organizations, reflecting the founder's background in the music industry.
How do I apply for a grant from Moss Foundation?
In 2024, the Moss Foundation made a major grant of $10,000,000 to The Music Center to support the organization's mission. This represents a significant increase in grantmaking activity compared to prior years. The foundation has historically supported major cultural institutions in Los Angeles, including: • Hammer Museum • Geffen Playhouse • Los Angeles Opera Company • Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County • MoCA • LACMA The foundation also made a grant to Feeding Pets of the Homeless to…
Where does Moss Foundation make grants?
While the Moss Foundation prioritizes Los Angeles and Southern California, grantmaking extends across the United States, particularly in the arts and health sectors.
What size grants does Moss Foundation award?
In 2024, Moss Foundation awarded 1 grants totaling $10.0M — an average of about $10.0M per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Moss Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Moss Foundation reported a distributable amount of $29K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Moss Foundation's EIN?
Moss Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-4280605. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Moss 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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