The Vilcek Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation established in 2000 and based in New York City. The organization celebrates and supports immigrant contributions to American society through prizes, grants, and cultural programming. The foundation operates from its location at 21 E 70th Street in New York.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$133.9M
-2.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$1.1M
+48.5% YoY
Grant Count
27
+35.0% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$40K
+10.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences. The foundation is committed to diversity and inclusive exchange, recognizing that diversity sparks dialogue, propels innovation, and refines ideas within creative and scientific fields.
The foundation's work centers on:
- Arts and Sciences: Celebrating immigrant artists and scientists whose work strengthens American cultural and scientific communities
- Immigration Advocacy: Supporting cultural leaders and advocates who advance immigrant contributions
- Arts and Culture: Managing an art collection and facilitating exhibitions and cultural dialogue
Grantmaking
The Vilcek Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations whose missions or programs focus on supporting immigrant contributions in the arts, sciences, culture, and society.
Grant Range
$1,000 to $100,000
Review Cycle
for 2026 grants: April 30, 2026
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation funds organizations primarily in New York, Hawaii, and California, though it supports programs throughout the United States.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets & Giving:
- Total assets: $133.9 million–$137.5 million (as of 2024)
- Annual giving rate: Approximately 0.8% of assets
- Historical revenue (2014): $19,837,752
- Historical expenses (2014): $4,822,527
Staffing:
- 13 employees
IRS Status:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
- EIN: 51-0404790
- Established: 2000
- IRS ruling year: 2001
- Files Form 990-PF
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $133,877,740 | $137,210,824 | $136,548,438 |
| Revenue | $5,528,306 | $10,670,656 | $5,095,097 |
| Expenses | $8,861,390 | $10,008,270 | $8,848,887 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $8,191,505 | $10,050,992 | $6,125,086 |
| Net Investment Income | $3,446,907 | $10,038,113 | $4,291,573 |
| 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 2024
Grant Size Distribution
132 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from The Vilcek Foundation Inc
2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science Grant
THE VILCEK FOUNDATION INC
Amount
US $50,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
2026 Vilcek Prizes for Creative Promise in Fashion & Design and Fashion & Culture Grant
THE VILCEK FOUNDATION INC
Amount
US $50,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- Jan Vilcek – Co-founder (biomedical scientist, immigrant from former Czechoslovakia)
- Marica Vilcek – Co-founder (art historian, immigrant from former Czechoslovakia; In Memoriam 1936–2026)
- Rick Kinsel – President
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR JAN VILCEK | COFOUNDER, CEO & CHAIRMAN | 20 | — |
| MARICA VILCEK | COFOUNDER, VICE CHAIR & SECRETARY | 20 | — |
| KATERINA HERAN DARWIN | DIRECTOR | 1 | $29,000 |
| JOAN MASSAGUE | DIRECTOR | 1 | $1,500 |
| JUNG LEE SANDERS | DIRECTOR | 1 | $1,500 |
| CHRISTINA MOSSAIDES STRASSFIELD | DIRECTOR | 1 | $1,500 |
| RICK KINSEL | PRESIDENT | 35 | $515,915 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Vilcek Foundation marked 25 years of giving in 2025, announcing continued commitment to its mission through expanded grant opportunities. The foundation announced a $200,000 open call for grant applications and increased grant funding to support nonprofits uplifting immigrant contributions. The 2026 Vilcek Foundation Prizes honored fourteen outstanding prizewinners for achievements in biomedical research, fashion, and art history.
Vilcek Foundation to Award $200,000 in Grants to Nonprofits Uplifting ImmigrantSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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