The Packard Humanities Institute
The Packard Humanities Institute (PHI) is a private foundation based in Los Altos, California. It describes its work as dedicated to archaeology, music, film preservation, and historical archives.
Key facts about The Packard Humanities Institute
In short: The Packard Humanities Institute gave $3.7M across 8 grants in 2024 (avg $459K), top state California. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 94-3038401
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024
- Annual giving (2024)
- $3,669,040
- Grants made (2024)
- 8
- Average grant
- $458,630
- Median grant
- $281,000
- Total assets
- $918,496,536
- Primary geography
- California (35% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$918.5M
+7.7% YoY
Annual Giving
$3.7M
-62.7% YoY
Grant Count
8
-52.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$459K
-20.7% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Packard Humanities Institute reported a distributable amount of $37.2M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Packard Humanities Institute gives
- Giving fell 63% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 44% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
PHI describes its focus as archaeology, music, film preservation, and historical archives. Its stated direct charitable activities include preserving, editing, and disseminating historical music and documents, as well as supporting the PHI Stoa and film preservation and digitization projects.
Its 2024 grants included support for archaeological excavations and research, a theatre building refurbishment and operations, film archive services, museum staffing, and the purchase of a building for the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies. The George Eastman Museum, which received a grant, describes its own mission as providing leadership in photography and cinema, preserving and developing its collections and George Eastman’s estate, and serving its communities.
Grantmaking
PHI reported eight grants totaling $3,669,040 in 2024. The listed grants ranged from $87,040 to $1,400,000, with a median of $281,000. Recipients included the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies in Athens ($1,400,000), Stanford Theatre Foundation ($1,200,000 across two grants), the University of Oxford ($320,000), the American School in Athens ($312,000), Leiden University ($250,000), UCLA Film Archive ($100,000), and the George Eastman Museum ($87,040).
Ready to take the next step with The Packard Humanities Institute?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grants listed support organizations in California and New York, as well as institutions identified in Athens, Oxford, and Leiden. PHI’s website also describes its support for archaeological work at the Agora of Athens and its collaboration with the UCLA Film and Television Archive.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of all 8 itemized 2024 grant dollars.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
83 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| IRISH INSTITUTE OF HELLENIC STUDIES ATHENS | TO SUPPORT THE PURCHASE OF BUILDING TO HOUSE THE IRISH ISNTITUTE | $1,400,000 |
| STANFORD THEATRE FOUNDATION Los Altos, CA | TO SUPPORT STANFORD THEATRE BUILDING REFURBISHMENT | $1,000,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD | CHARITABLE DONATION | $320,000 |
| AMERICAN SCHOOL IN ATHENS | TO SUPPORT THE AGORA EXCAVATIONS POJECT | $312,000 |
| LEIDEN UNIVERSITY | TO SUPPORT FOR THE STUDY OF THE HINTERLAND OF MEDIEVAL CHALKIDA | $250,000 |
| STANFORD THEATRE FOUNDATION Los Altos, CA | TO SUPPORT STANFORD THEATRE GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES. | $200,000 |
| UCLA FILM ARCHIVE Santa Clarita, CA | TO SOF COLLECTION SERVICES STAFF SALARIES AND BENEFITS | $100,000 |
| GEORGE EASTMAN MUSEUM Rochester, NY | TO SUPPORT FUNDING OF STAFFING POSITIONS | $87,040 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants | Grant count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $918,496,536 | $16,233,758 | $23,032,313 | $3,669,040 | 8 |
| 2023 | $853,186,056 | $14,352,831 | $25,790,468 | $9,835,277 | 17 |
| 2022 | $833,843,798 | $16,849,267 | $36,056,188 | $22,259,300 | 21 |
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $918,496,536 | $853,186,056 | $833,843,798 |
| Revenue | $16,233,758 | $14,352,831 | $16,849,267 |
| Expenses | $23,032,313 | $25,790,468 | $36,056,188 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $16,375,516 | $49,488,473 | $32,540,769 |
| Net Investment Income | $12,542,121 | $12,340,875 | $18,955,247 |
| Distributable Amount | $37,154,072 | $31,752,848 | $31,354,845 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists David W. Packard as president, chair, and director; Barbara P. Wright as secretary; and Si White as treasurer and CFO. Directors listed are Walter B. Hewlett, William A. Johnson, Christoph J. Wolff, Richard Hodges, Arianna Packard Martell, and Woodley Packard.
The Packard Humanities Institute is led by David W. Packard, President, Chair & Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 9 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David W. Packard
President, Chair & Director
On filings since 2020
30 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Arianna Packard Martell
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christoph J. Wolff
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard Hodges
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Walter B. Hewlett
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William A. Johnson
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Woodley Packard
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Si White
Treasurer & CFO
On filings since 2020
25 hrs/week
$148K (2020) → $191K (2024)
Barbara P. Wright
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Pamela M. Packard (2020) — Director
- Former: Susan Packard Orr (2020) — Vice President & 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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
Contact
Mailing address: 300 Second Street, Los Altos, CA 94022
Phone: (650) 948-0150
Website: https://www.packhum.org
Frequently asked questions about The Packard Humanities Institute
How much does The Packard Humanities Institute give each year?
The Packard Humanities Institute gave $3.7M across 8 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $9.8M across 17 grants.
What is The Packard Humanities Institute's typical grant size?
The Packard Humanities Institute's median grant in 2024 was $281,000, and its average grant was $458,630, across 8 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Packard Humanities Institute give grants?
The Packard Humanities Institute's top state is California, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The most frequent recipient cities were Los Altos, CA (2 grants).
Does The Packard Humanities Institute give general operating support?
Yes: 13% of The Packard Humanities Institute's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (1 of 8) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Packard Humanities Institute's largest grantees?
The Packard Humanities Institute's largest 2024 grantees include Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies Athens ($1,400,000), Stanford Theatre Foundation ($1,200,000 across 2 grants) and University of Oxford ($320,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 80% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Packard Humanities Institute?
The Packard Humanities Institute reported $918.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $16.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $37.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Packard Humanities Institute fund?
PHI describes its focus as archaeology, music, film preservation, and historical archives. Its stated direct charitable activities include preserving, editing, and disseminating historical music and documents, as well as supporting the PHI Stoa and film preservation and digitization projects. Its 2024 grants included support for archaeological excavations and research, a theatre building refurbishment and operations, film archive services, museum staffing, and the purchase of a building for the…
How do I apply for a grant from The Packard Humanities Institute?
PHI reported eight grants totaling $3,669,040 in 2024. The listed grants ranged from $87,040 to $1,400,000, with a median of $281,000. Recipients included the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies in Athens ($1,400,000), Stanford Theatre Foundation ($1,200,000 across two grants), the University of Oxford ($320,000), the American School in Athens ($312,000), Leiden University ($250,000), UCLA Film Archive ($100,000), and the George Eastman Museum ($87,040). PHI states that it makes contributions o…
What is The Packard Humanities Institute's EIN?
The Packard Humanities Institute's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 94-3038401. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Packard Humanities Institute accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Packard Humanities Institute by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Packard Humanities Institute's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Triangle Community Foundation Inc
Durham, NC
The foundation supports nonprofits working in cultural arts, education and youth, nonprofit capacity building, and sustainable communities, with discretionary grants focused on Durham, Orange, Wake, and Chatham Counties in North Carolina. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, though amounts varied widely. Eligible nonprofits or fiscally sponsored organizations can apply through its online system during open grant cycles, so requests are accepted when a relevant cycle is open.
Assets
$335.8M
Grants
599
Total Given
$26.7M
Foundation for the Carolinas
Charlotte, NC
Foundation For The Carolinas funds nonprofits and other eligible organizations working in areas such as education, health and human services, the environment, youth development, and animal welfare, primarily across 13 counties in North and South Carolina. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely; most grants are donor-recommended and have no application process, while some competitive programs accept applications under program-specific rules.
Assets
$3.9B
Grants
1,605
Total Given
$609.1M
Arizona Community Foundation
Phoenix, AZ
The Arizona Community Foundation funds eligible nonprofits and community-serving organizations across arts and culture, education, community development, health and human services, the environment, and other areas, primarily in Arizona and sometimes nationally. Its 2025 median grant was $17,760; it accepts competitive applications during grant cycles, while donor-advised grants cannot be applied for.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
1,174
Total Given
$92.9M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations, individuals, and ideas working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work in areas such as immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and arts and culture, through grants around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, with amounts ranging from $45 to $15 million; it does not accept unsolicited requests by mail, email, or phone.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
California Community Foundation
Los Angeles, CA
The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
2,174
Total Given
$326.6M
Tides Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Tides Foundation funds community-led organizations advancing equity and justice, including work on health, climate, gender equity, democracy, and immigrant communities. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely, and it funds eligible organizations in the U.S. and abroad, with the most grant dollars going to California, New York, and Washington, D.C. Some programs are open or invitation-only; the Advancing Girls Fund is listed as open, but the profile does not state a general policy on unsolicited grant requests.
Assets
$534.5M
Grants
2,110
Total Given
$382.1M
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, gender equity, governance, democracy, and philanthropy, with work in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, nationally, and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $150,000, though awards ranged from $50 to more than $11 million; it often provides long-term general operating support. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through invited open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
Sempra Foundation
San Diego, CA
The Sempra Foundation funds climate action and resilience, inclusion, economic empowerment and workforce development, community engagement, and disaster preparedness in communities where Sempra employees live and work, including California, Texas, Washington, D.C., and Mexico. In 2024, grants ranged from $4 to $100,000, with a median of $260. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$11.5M
Grants
1,501
Total Given
$1.8M
Conrad N Hilton Foundation
Westlake Village, CA
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation funds nonprofits working to improve lives and alleviate poverty, with initiatives including early childhood development, homelessness, refugees, safe water, and support for foster and opportunity youth. Its work is global, and its 2024 grants had a median award of $76,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, except through its Good Neighbor Program for eligible local nonprofits and Title 1 schools.
Assets
$7.4B
Grants
1,339
Total Given
$287.7M
More Funders in California
The Packard Humanities Institute down — hundreds of funders to go?