The Elsevier Foundation
The Elsevier Foundation is a corporate foundation funded by Elsevier and based in New York, NY. It supports nonprofit partnerships promoting inclusion in research and health, with work spanning partners around the world.
The Elsevier Foundation at a glance
In short: The Elsevier Foundation gave $946K across 43 grants in 2024 (avg $22K), top state California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $946,401
- +9.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 43
- -8.5% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $22,009
- +20.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $397,266
- -14.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- California (9% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Elsevier Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Proposal requirements, including application materials and award restrictions, are listed on its website. The 2024 filing identifies Domiziana Francescon as the contact for proposals.
- Contact
Application contact: Domiziana Francescon
Mailing address: The Elsevier Foundation, New York, NY 10010
Phone: (161) 021-5901
Website: https://elsevierfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Elsevier Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Unesco ($210K). Together the top 10 received $778K.
Organizations only. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($3,196), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 86 grants of 120 (72%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports partners around the world and highlights a focus on strengthening local research systems and leadership in low- and middle-income countries. In 2024, grant dollars went to recipients in several U.S. states and to recipients outside the United States. The largest reported state shares were 75% in an unspecified state, 9% in California, 7% in Delaware, 3% in North Carolina, and 2% in New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 43 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Elsevier Foundation gives
- 29% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 30% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $862K (2023) to $1.4M (2022). In 2024 it made 43 grants totaling $946K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Unesco | Research | $210,000 |
| Concern Worldwide | Research | $100,000 |
| Falling Walls Foundation | Research | $90,000 |
| Stichting Aidsfonds SOA AIDS Nederland | Research | $90,000 |
| Wildtype Technologies PTE Ltd San Francisco, CA | Research | $75,000 |
| Friends of Research 4 Life Dover, DE | Research | $70,000 |
| Careers Research and Advisory Centre (Crac) | Research | $57,600 |
| National University Singapore | Research | $32,000 |
| Universidad De Antioquia | Research | $27,972 |
| IMC Weekendschool | Research | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Elsevier Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation is classified as a private foundation on its filing.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $397,266 | $982,511 | $1,258,461 | $946,401 | 43 | $972,356 | $24,624 |
| 2023 | $461,827 | $1,192,863 | $1,274,152 | $861,929 | 47 | $864,059 | $35,245 |
| 2022 | $133,024 | $1,417,000 | $1,406,183 | $1,406,183 | 23 | $1,406,183 | $17,658 |
| 2021 | $102,207 | $1,222,586 | $1,345,905 | $1,345,905 | 5 | $1,345,905 | $10,711 |
| 2020 | $225,526 | $1,170,000 | $1,088,505 | $1,086,745 | 2 | — | $2,204 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Elsevier Foundation reported a distributable amount of $25K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s purpose is to build capacity and equity in research and health for an inclusive and sustainable future. Its two program areas are Inclusive Research, which supports equity in research, scientific capacity building, and diversity and inclusion in STEM, with a focus on Global South countries; and Inclusive Health, which advances health equity for vulnerable populations and seeks to improve outcomes in underserved communities.
Its partners include nonprofit organizations. Examples of grantees include universities: Hampton University describes its mission as promoting learning, building character, and preparing students for leadership and service, while Tuskegee University says it provides post-secondary educational opportunities and contributes to society through research and development. The foundation also partners with organizations on specific research and health initiatives, including awards for women scientists and efforts to strengthen health systems.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation made 43 grants totaling $946,401. The grants ranged from $150 to $210,000, with a median of $10,000. The largest grants included $210,000 to UNESCO, $100,000 to Concern Worldwide, $90,000 to Falling Walls Foundation, and $90,000 to Stichting Aidsfonds Soa Aids Nederland; each was listed for research. Other notable awards included $75,000 to Wildtype Technologies Pte Ltd and $70,000 to Friends of Research 4 Life, also for research.
The foundation’s 2024 filing describes an OWSD partnership providing awards and recognition to early-career women scientists from the Global South; seven scientists were recognized for work in food security. It also describes a partnership with Concern Worldwide to strengthen health systems in Somalia through improved health-data capture, and a partnership with Aidsfonds to expand sexual and reproductive health resources and services for young people and build a coalition of digital health partners.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Alexandra Brewis, Edwige Thomas, and Joyeeta Gupta as external board members. It lists Esra Erkal, Jan Herzhoff, Kevonne Holloway, Kumsal Bayazit, and Marcia Balisciano as internal board members. Domiziana Francescon is listed as Partnership Director, and Maha Rhannam as Partnerships Manager.
The foundation’s website identifies Ylann Schemm as Executive Director and also lists Treasurer Michal Jablonka and Legal Counsel Jon Holt.
The Elsevier Foundation is led by Ylann Schemm, Executive Director since 2022 (on filings since 2020); none of the 15 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Ylann Schemm
Executive Director
Program Director → Executive Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
16.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Youngsuk 'ys' Chi
President & Internal
Director → Chairman, 2022
Chairman → President & Internal, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Domiziana Francescon
Partnership Director
Program Officer → Partnership Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
16.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca Clear
Communications Director
On filings since 2021
16.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Esra Erkal
Internal Board Member
Director → Internal Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jan Herzhoff
Internal Board Member
President Elsevier Global Hc → President Elvesier Global Hc, 2022
President Elvesier Global Hc → Internal Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kevonne Holloway
Internal Board Member
Director → Internal Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kumsal Bayazit
Internal Board Member
Director → Internal Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Maha Rhannam
Partnership S Manager
Coordinator → Program Officer, 2022
Program Officer → Partnership S Manager, 2023
On filings since 2020
16.6 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcia Balisciano
Internal Board Member
Director → Internal Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Yuko Harayama
External Board Member
Director → External Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joyeeta Gupta
External Board Member
Coordinator → Director, 2022
Director → External Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alexandra Brewis
External Board Member
Director → External Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Edwige Thomas
External Board Member
Director → External Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Makanga
External Board Member
Director → External Board Member, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Beverly Malone (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Emilie Marcus (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Kenneth R. Thompson II (2020–2022) — Legal Counsel
- Former: Maria Markova (2020–2022) — Treasurer
- Former: Nikunj Jinsi (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Mevan Samarasinghe (2022) — Director
- Former: Geraldine Richmond (2020–2021) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Elsevier Foundation
How much does The Elsevier Foundation give each year?
The Elsevier Foundation gave $946K across 43 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $862K across 47 grants.
What is The Elsevier Foundation's typical grant size?
The Elsevier Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $22,009, across 43 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Elsevier Foundation give grants?
The Elsevier Foundation's top state is California, with 9% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest state was Delaware (7%).
Does The Elsevier Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 43 grants with a stated purpose on The Elsevier Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research" (42 grants).
Who are The Elsevier Foundation's largest grantees?
The Elsevier Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Unesco ($210,000), Concern Worldwide ($100,000) and Falling Walls Foundation ($90,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($3,196), which are not listed by name. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Elsevier Foundation?
The Elsevier Foundation reported $397K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $972K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $25K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Elsevier Foundation fund?
The foundation’s purpose is to build capacity and equity in research and health for an inclusive and sustainable future. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Elsevier Foundation?
The foundation states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Elsevier Foundation's EIN?
The Elsevier Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 43-1976990. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 14, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 20, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Elsevier Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Elsevier Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-elsevier-foundation-morg_9c859ce860e245a9a850e415b93f2c20
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_431976990_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Elsevier Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-elsevier-foundation-morg_9c859ce860e245a9a850e415b93f2c20},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Elsevier Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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