The University of the Arts is a 501(c)(3) educational institution located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 320 S Broad Street. Founded in 1876, it operates as a private, independent university dedicated to advancing human creativity and educating generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers, and creative leaders. The institution brings together visual artists, designers, actors, dancers, musicians, multimedia artists, filmmakers, writers, and other creative practitioners in a vibrant community at the heart of Philadelphia's cultural landscape.
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · 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
Mission & Focus Areas
The University of the Arts is committed to inspiring, educating, and preparing innovative artists and creative leaders for the arts of the 21st century. The institution believes in the importance of creativity in contemporary society and operates as a catalyst for creative expression and development.
The university's academic structure encompasses six schools: the School of Art, School of Dance, School of Design, School of Film, School of Music, and the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts, along with a Division of Graduate and Professional Studies. The institution offers 37 undergraduate and graduate programs serving approximately 1,300 students.
Grantmaking
The University of the Arts has demonstrated grantmaking activity, with total giving reported at $43,014,289 according to its most recent IRS Form 990 filing. The institution has received foundation grants from 25 funders, totaling $1.5 million in recent years.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The University of the Arts operates primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and maintains an international presence, operating in nine countries including the United Kingdom, Albania, Afghanistan, Italy, and Romania.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2023 (ending June 2023):
- Total Assets: $189,268,492
- Total Revenue: $100,269,395
- Total Expenses: $106,360,536
- Total Liabilities: $65,800,000
- Total Giving: $43,014,289
Workforce:
The institution employs 798 people as of 2023, representing a 9.3% year-over-year decrease from the previous year.
Financial Rating:
The University of the Arts holds a Four-Star rating with a 96% overall score based on accountability and finance metrics.
| 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 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $9,007,334 | $3,135,613 | $3,681,375 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 2023
Grant Size Distribution
200 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2023 grants, the largest include Temple University ($500,090), Fabric Workshop and Museum ($479,640), Philadelphia Theatre Company ($375,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MUSEUM OF BLACK JOY PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $135,000 |
| KARMALUX LLC PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $90,000 |
| SEVENTH WARD PROJECTS INC PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $60,000 |
| TEMPLE UNIVERSITY PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $500,090 |
| AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM IN PHILADELPHIA PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $120,000 |
| AL-BUSTAN SEEDS OF CULTURE PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $42,000 |
| ARCADIA UNIVERSITY ART GALLERY GLENSIDE, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $99,000 |
| ARS NOVA WORKSHOP INC PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $97,640 |
| ASIAN ARTS INITIATIVE PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $5,725 |
| BLACKSTAR PROJECTS PHILADELPHIA, PA | ARTS AND CULTURAL PROJECTS | $348,651 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2023 IRS filing
From 2023 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUDSON A AARON | CHAIR | 1 | — |
| BRIAN EFFRON | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| WILLIAM R GAST | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| BRUCE KARDON | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| NATHANIEL HAMILTON JR | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| SETH LEHR | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| RALPH CITINO | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| EBONNE RUFFINS LEAPHART | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| DOUG KREITZBERG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| PETER HAAS | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| TRAVIS GAYLORD | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| HARRIET WEISS | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| JOE ARISTONE | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| STEPHEN SYPHERD | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ELAINE LEVITT | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| RONALD NAPLES | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| LAWRENCE S REICHLIN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| KENNETH WONG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| PATRICIA FOWLER | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| LAURIE WAGMAN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| RAJ TEWARI | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ELEANOR DAVIS | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| DEANNA DECHERNEY | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| DR NOEL MAYO | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MEGAN NICOLETTI | TRUSTEE (AS OF 6/23) | 1 | — |
| DAVID YAGER | PRESIDENT & CEO | 40 | $662,978 |
| STEPHEN LIGHTCAP EDD | VP OF FINANCE & ADMIN (UNTIL 4/14) | 40 | $345,414 |
| CAROL GRANEY | VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS | 40 | $204,750 |
| ANDREW PACK | VP FOR DEV & ALUMNI RELATIONS | 40 | $210,000 |
| PAULA MARINCOLA | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PCAH | 40 | $307,916 |
| ERIN ELMAN | DEAN OF GRAD. & PROF STUDIES | 40 | $192,000 |
| DONNA BURCHFIELD | DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF DANCE | 40 | $180,000 |
| WILLIAM BISSELL | DIRECTOR OF PCAH | 40 | $185,844 |
| MELISSA FRANKLIN | DIRECTOR OF PCAH | 40 | $174,580 |
| KEVIN HADEN | DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC | 40 | $170,000 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The University of the Arts has been active in recent grant announcements and community initiatives:
University of the Arts Receives $1 Million State Grant for Creation of NewThe institution received a $1 million state grant for the creation of a new student center
University of the Arts Receives $1 Million State Grant for Creation of NewThe university awarded an inaugural round of Creative Research & Innovation Grants to support faculty and student creative work
Creative Philadelphia Announces 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant Awardees -The institution was recognized among awardees in the 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant program
Creative Philadelphia Announces 2025 Illuminate the Arts Grant Awardees -Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does The University of the Arts fund?
The University of the Arts is committed to inspiring, educating, and preparing innovative artists and creative leaders for the arts of the 21st century. The institution believes in the importance of creativity in contemporary society and operates as a catalyst for creative expression and development. The university's academic structure encompasses six schools: the School of Art, School of Dance, School of Design, School of Film, School of Music, and the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts, along w…
How do I apply for a grant from The University of the Arts?
The University of the Arts has demonstrated grantmaking activity, with total giving reported at $43,014,289 according to its most recent IRS Form 990 filing. The institution has received foundation grants from 25 funders, totaling $1.5 million in recent years. Recent foundation grants received include: • Albert M Greenfield Foundation: $100,000 (2023) — General support • Presser Foundation: $100,000 (2023) — Capital support • Trust Under Will of Viola Foulke for the Benefit of the University of…
Where does The University of the Arts make grants?
The University of the Arts operates primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and maintains an international presence, operating in nine countries including the United Kingdom, Albania, Afghanistan, Italy, and Romania.
What size grants does The University of the Arts award?
In 2023, The University of the Arts awarded 65 grants totaling $9.5M — an average of about $145K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
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.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The University of the Arts'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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