The University of the Arts is a Philadelphia-based public charity whose mission centers on advancing human creativity through arts education. Its 2023 filing reports 65 grants totaling $9,454,090, with the listed grant purposes describing arts and cultural projects.
Key facts about The University of the Arts
In short: The University of the Arts gave $9.5M across 65 grants in 2023 (avg $145K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 28% of 2023 grantees were new. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 23-1639911
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $9,454,090
- Grants made (2023)
- 65
- Average grant
- $145,448
- Median grant
- $120,000
- New grantees (estimate)
- 28% first-time grantees (18 of 65, 2023)
- Total assets
- $189,268,492
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (99% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2023; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$189.3M
-0.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$9.5M
-4.1% YoY
Grant Count
65
+3.2% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$145K
-7.1% YoY
Is The University of the Arts open to new grantees?
28%
first-time grantees, 2023
In 2023, 18 of 65 grantees (28%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $108K; repeat grants $160K. How we count
Medians: $90K first-time, $126K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2023). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The university states that its mission is to advance human creativity. Its mission statement describes creativity as a catalyst for social and economic change and says its curriculum combines critical inquiry with creative practice across artistic disciplines. Its stated core values include integrity and diversity, excellence, creativity and passion, and connections and collaboration.
The 2023 grants listed in its filing were designated for arts and cultural projects. Among the grantees, the Fabric Workshop and Museum describes its mission as “collaborating with artists, revealing new possibilities.” Philadelphia Theatre Company says it creates theatrical experiences reflecting issues and ideas of the time and engages the community through productions and education programs. BlackStar Projects says it promotes film and visual culture by people of color and uplifts Black, Brown and Indigenous artists. Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates describes a collaborative process that unites artists and communities to create art in public spaces.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2023, the university reported 65 grants totaling $9,454,090. Grant amounts ranged from $5,725 to $534,400, with a median of $120,000.
The largest reported grants included $534,400 to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania; $500,090 to Temple University; $479,640 to the Fabric Workshop and Museum; $375,000 to Philadelphia Theatre Company; and $348,651 to BlackStar Projects. The filing lists each of these grants’ purposes as arts and cultural projects.
Ready to take the next step with The University of the Arts?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The university’s reported grant dollars in 2023 went primarily to Pennsylvania recipients (99%), with 1% going to California. The largest listed recipients were based in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia-area arts and cultural organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 65 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $4.1M (2021) to $9.9M (2022). In 2023 it made 65 grants totaling $9.5M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ($534K). Together the top 10 received $3.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
242 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 90 grants of 242 (37%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $534,400 |
| Temple University Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $500,090 |
| Fabric Workshop and Museum Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $479,640 |
| Philadelphia Theatre Company Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $375,000 |
| Blackstar Projects Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $348,651 |
| People's Light and Theatre Company Malvern, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $343,400 |
| Mann Center for the Performing Arts Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $329,944 |
| Philadelphia Mural Arts Advocates Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $297,300 |
| The Barnes Foundation Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $268,000 |
| Pig Iron Theatre Company Philadelphia, PA | Arts and Cultural Projects | $248,681 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $189,268,492 | $100,269,395 | $106,360,536 | $9,454,090 |
| 2022 | $189,935,840 | $110,070,964 | $108,552,680 | $9,858,442 |
| 2021 | $201,707,704 | $90,663,279 | $89,382,865 | $4,118,274 |
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $189,268,492 | $189,935,840 | $201,707,704 |
| Revenue | $100,269,395 | $110,070,964 | $90,663,279 |
| Expenses | $106,360,536 | $108,552,680 | $89,382,865 |
| Net Investment Income | $9,007,334 | $3,135,613 | $3,681,375 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 14, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS May 9, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS April 13, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS April 25, 2024)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2023 filing lists Judson A. Aaron as chair; Brian Effron as vice chair; William R. Gast as secretary; and Bruce Kardon as treasurer. It lists Nathaniel Hamilton Jr., Seth Lehr, Ralph Citino, Ebonne Ruffins Leaphart, Doug Kreitzberg and Peter Haas as trustees.
The University of the Arts is led by David Yager, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 10 of 35 officers listed in 2023 are compensated.
Officers on the 2023 filing
David Yager
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$536K (2020) → $663K (2023)
Paula Marincola
Executive Director of Pcah
Executive Director → Executive Director - Pew Center, 2021
Executive Director - Pew Center → Executive Director of Pcah, 2022
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$269K (2020) → $308K (2023)
Judson A. Aaron
Chair
Trustee → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Melissa Franklin
Director of Pcah
Director - Pew Fellowships → Director Pcah, 2022
Director Pcah → Director of Pcah, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$155K (2020) → $175K (2023)
William Bissell
Director of Pcah
Director - Performance → Director Pcah, 2022
Director Pcah → Director of Pcah, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$158K (2020) → $186K (2023)
Deanna Decherney
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Elaine C. Levitt
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Eleanor L. Davis
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Harriet G. Weiss
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurie Wagman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lawrence S. Reichlin
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nathaniel Hamilton Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Noel Mayo
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Patricia Fowler
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter Haas
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Raj Tewari
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ralph Citino
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ronald J. Naples
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Seth Lehr
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Stephen S. Sypherd
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth Wong
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Travis Gaylord
Trustee
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Doug Kreitzberg
Trustee
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ebonne Ruffins Leaphart
Trustee
New on the 2023 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joe Aristone
Trustee
New on the 2023 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Megan Nicoletti
Trustee
New on the 2023 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Pack
Vice President for Development & Alumni Relations
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$159K (2020) → $210K (2023)
Carol Graney
Vice President for Academic Affairs
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$182K (2020) → $205K (2023)
Donna Burchfield
Dean of the School of Dance
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$134K (2020) → $180K (2023)
Erin Elman
Dean of Grad. & Prof Studies
Dean of Grad. & Prof. Studies → Dean of Grad. & Prof. Stud, 2022
Dean of Grad. & Prof. Stud → Dean of Grad. & Prof Studies, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$152K (2020) → $192K (2023)
Stephen Lightcap EdD
Vice President of Finance & Administrator
Vice President of Finance & Administration → Vice President of Finance & Administrator, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$249K (2020) → $345K (2023)
Kevin Haden
Dean of the School of Music
New on the 2023 filing
40 hrs/week
$170K (2023)
Brian Effron
Vice Chair
Vice Chairman → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Bruce Kardon
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William R. Gast
Secretary
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (19)
- Former: Adolf A. Paier (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Amy Hope Goldman (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Christine Schaefer (2020–2022) — Assistant Vice President for Human Resources
- Former: Ebonne L. Ruffins (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Ira Brind (2020–2022) — Life Trustee
- Former: Joseph Aristone (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Mark Samuels (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Richard Longo (2020–2022) — Vice President of Enroll. & Academic Oper.
- Former: Robert Little (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Sam S. McKeel (2020–2022) — Life Trustee
- Former: Charles Avner (2021–2022) — Assistant Vice President & Controller
- Former: Kym Moore (2022) — Dean of School of Theater
- Former: Leonard Lipkin (2022) — Associate Vice President for Info Technology
- Former: Carole Shanis (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Jeffrey A. Lutsky (2020–2021) — Chair
- Former: Karen Lotman (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Marc Dicciani (2020–2021) — Dean of School of Theater
- Former: Thomas M. Miles (2020) — Trustee
- Former: William Adair (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2023. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2023 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2023 filing was $663K, to David Yager (President & CEO). 10 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 320 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Phone: (215) 717-6000
Website: https://uarts.edu
Frequently asked questions about The University of the Arts
How much does The University of the Arts give each year?
The University of the Arts gave $9.5M across 65 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990. In 2022 it gave $9.9M across 63 grants.
What is The University of the Arts's typical grant size?
The University of the Arts's median grant in 2023 was $120,000, and its average grant was $145,448, across 65 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The University of the Arts that year got $108K on average.
Where does The University of the Arts give grants?
The University of the Arts gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 99% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (57 grants).
Does The University of the Arts give general operating support?
Not in 2023: none of the 65 grants with a stated purpose on The University of the Arts's 2023 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Arts and Cultural Projects" (65 grants).
Who are The University of the Arts's largest grantees?
The University of the Arts's largest 2023 grantees include Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania ($534,400), Temple University ($500,090) and Fabric Workshop and Museum ($479,640), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990. Together they received 16% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
How large is The University of the Arts?
The University of the Arts reported $189.3M in total assets on its 2023 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $100.3M.
What does The University of the Arts fund?
The university states that its mission is to advance human creativity. Its mission statement describes creativity as a catalyst for social and economic change and says its curriculum combines critical inquiry with creative practice across artistic disciplines. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The University of the Arts?
The University of the Arts has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check uarts.edu for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The University of the Arts's EIN?
The University of the Arts's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-1639911. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2023.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The University of the Arts by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The University of the Arts's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The William Penn Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The William Penn Foundation funds arts and culture, children and families, civic engagement, the environment and public spaces, and workforce training across the Philadelphia region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $45 to $7.78 million, with a median of $50,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through a limited open-application process, though it recommends applying through a relevant RFP when available.
Assets
$3.4B
Grants
1,027
Total Given
$148.8M
The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Foundation supports economic mobility and vulnerable residents in Greater Philadelphia, with funding also available through specific arts, culture, and other initiatives. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,500, though awards varied widely; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$704.6M
Grants
715
Total Given
$39.1M
Lindback CR & MF Foundation TW Main
Saint Louis, MO
The foundation funds education and assistance for distressed individuals through charitable organizations, with discretionary grants focused on Greater Philadelphia, including South Jersey. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $360,500, with a median of $2,500. It makes contributions only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$24.6M
Grants
174
Total Given
$946K
Henry Dolfinger 2 Trust Uw
Philadelphia, PA
The trust supports short-term charitable projects, generally excluding operating costs, research, endowment, and building expenses; it usually funds organizations in Greater Philadelphia. In 2024, grants ranged from $1,000 to $30,000, with a median of $2,000. It accepts new proposal requests once per calendar year.
Assets
$16.8M
Grants
236
Total Given
$713K
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund Inc
Philadelphia, PA
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund supports unrestricted operating costs for community-based arts and culture organizations based in Philadelphia. In filing year 2025, grants ranged from $5,431 to $501,944, with a median of $17,892; its FY26 interim grant offered $12,500. The Fund encouraged new and returning applicants to apply, but the 2026 cycle is closed.
Assets
$7.3M
Grants
234
Total Given
$7.8M
Connelly Foundation
West Conshohocken, PA
The Connelly Foundation funds charitable organizations improving quality of life in the Philadelphia region, with interests in education, human services, arts and culture, and civic life; support may cover operations, programs, or capital needs. Its average award in 2025 was $41,000, though grants vary widely. It accepts applications online but does not accept unsolicited requests of $100,000 or more; it is not currently accepting unsolicited Civic Renewal proposals.
Assets
$362.1M
Grants
305
Total Given
$15.4M
The Barra Foundation Inc
Philadelphia, PA
The Barra Foundation funds early-stage, innovative projects in arts and culture, education, health, and human services that aim to strengthen communities, especially in Greater Philadelphia’s five counties. Its grants vary widely: in 2024 they ranged from $500 to $305,000, with a median of $11,000. Nonprofits can submit Catalyst Fund letters of inquiry online on a rolling basis; no formal deadlines are listed.
Assets
$94.8M
Grants
85
Total Given
$4.0M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health-access initiatives for disproportionately affected populations, including cancer, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation, in the United States and internationally. In 2024, its median grant was $134,090, though awards varied widely; it says application materials are available upon request and advises organizations to contact it about the process, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Independence Foundation
Philadelphia, PA
Independence Foundation funds nonprofits working in arts and culture, health care, human services, legal aid, and reentry and restorative justice in Philadelphia and surrounding Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $200,000, with a median of $10,000; it does not accept unsolicited requests, and it is not accepting Letters of Inquiry for 2026.
Assets
$85.5M
Grants
223
Total Given
$4.0M
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds basic needs, racial equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, primarily for organizations located in or serving Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Its 2024 grants had a median of $18,576, though awards varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation
Coraopolis, PA
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation primarily funds youth sports programs that reduce barriers to participation, with additional support for public lands and outdoor access. Its 2025 grants had a median of $5,000, though awards ranged from $626 to $2.5 million, and its Sports Matter program supports eligible organizations across the U.S. Sports Matter opportunities are by invitation only.
Assets
$34.5M
Grants
964
Total Given
$18.0M
More Funders in Pennsylvania
The University of the Arts down — hundreds of funders to go?