Prometheus Foundation
Prometheus Foundation is an independent, nonprofit private foundation based in Crystal Bay, Nevada. The organization operates as a 501(c)(3) entity established in 2010 with a mission centered on promoting the philosophy of Ayn Rand and Objectivism through strategic philanthropic support.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$71.7M
+5.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.1M
+57.0% YoY
Grant Count
25
+4.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$163K
+50.7% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to promote Ayn Rand and advance her philosophy, Objectivism, by finding and funding independent thinkers who demonstrate strong ideas, work effectively, and follow through on their commitments.
The foundation operates three primary funding programs:
Objectivist Venture Fund — Underwrites organizations and individuals presenting strong business plans and proofs of concept for ventures that promote Ayn Rand's ideas substantially. Past ventures have included new Ayn Rand centers, book clubs, schools, meet-up groups, seminars, centers of learning, projects within activist organizations, and programs within universities.
Scholarships Program — Funds talented, up-and-coming scholars seeking to promote Objectivism as a significant part of their career. Objectivists of any age may apply for funds to finance formal education. Recipients must demonstrate substantial understanding of Objectivism and the ability and intention to promote it.
Productiveness Program — Provides financial support to accomplished Objectivist intellectuals to help them focus efforts on high-leverage intellectual work. Grants can support book marketing, editor hiring, course development, assistant hiring, or project delegation.
Grantmaking
The foundation made 25 grants in its most recent fiscal year. Typical award amounts range from $1,000 to $2,083,824. Recent grants include:
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds projects globally, with documented activity in major cities including Atlanta, Chicago, London, and Paris, as well as various locations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Primary funding focus areas include Virginia, California, and New York.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets
Total assets: $71,680,980 (as of 2024)
Annual Activity
- Total giving: $4,074,313 (2024)
- Total revenues: $3,800,194
- Total expenses: $2,789,564 to $9,144,049 (varies by reporting period)
Financial Growth
Assets increased 2.6% from the previous year.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $71,680,980 | $68,229,080 | $57,040,859 |
| Revenue | $-6,832,618 | $3,800,194 | $5,735,712 |
| Expenses | $9,144,049 | $2,789,564 | $5,056,281 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $5,151,671 | $3,640,441 | $4,339,968 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,187,470 | $3,778,684 | $4,275,590 |
| Distributable Amount | $3,513,254 | $3,229,976 | $2,874,229 |
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
126 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Carl B. Barney — Director and Founder
Other Key Personnel:
- C. Bradley Thompson
- Leonard Esmond
- David Hardy
- Craig Biddle
The foundation operates with a small staff of 2 employees.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARL B BARNEY | DIRECTOR & FOUNDER | 5 | — |
| C BRADLEY THOMPSON | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | $7,000 |
| LEONARD ESMOND | DIRECTOR & TREASURER | 0.5 | $7,000 |
| DAVID HARDY | DIRECTOR & CHAIRMAN | 0.5 | $31,000 |
| CRAIG BIDDLE | DIRECTOR | 20 | $52,500 |
| ANNIE VINTHER SANZ | SECRETARY | 20 | $89,457 |
| KEITH ZAKARIN | DIRECTOR | 0.5 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation awarded $2.3 million to Students For Liberty to launch a fellowship program for the study of Ayn Rand's philosophy.
Prometheus Foundation Awards $2.3 Million to Students For Liberty ...The foundation is open to new applicants, with approximately 12% of new applicants receiving funding.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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