Ahmanson Foundation Grant

Ahmanson Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Ahmanson Foundation
Last Updated: November 29, 2025

Summary

The Ahmanson Foundation Grant supports cultural projects in Los Angeles County, focusing on arts, education, healthcare, and human services. It emphasizes funding for established 501(c)(3) organizations that demonstrate sound management and impactful programs. The Foundation prioritizes one-time or short-term requests, particularly from organizations with a history of effective leadership. While supporting innovative initiatives, it typically excludes funding for operational support, individual scholarships, and political activities, aiming to enhance the community's cultural legacy.

Overview

Background The Ahmanson Foundation serves Los Angeles County by funding cultural projects in the arts and humanities, education at all levels, health care, programs related to homelessness and underserved populations as well as a wide range of human services. By supporting non-profit organizations that demonstrate sound fiscal management, efficient operation, and program integrity, the Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life and cultural legacy of the Los Angeles community. The Foundation’s philanthropic interests are in four areas: Arts and Humanities Education Health and Medicine Human Services The types of funding support common to these areas include: Construction and renovation projectsEquipment and furnishingsProgram vehiclesTechnology, including infrastructure, hardware, and softwareProgram supplies Requests for capital campaigns are considered after there is clear evidence that the goal of the campaign will be achieved (60 – 80% funded) and that it will be accomplished within a one-year period from the time a grant request has been submitted. On occasion, the Foundation will consider program/operational support for those organizations that have a history of demonstrating to the Foundation established and outstanding programs.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Foundation reviews funding requests from 501(c)(3) public charity organizations, based in and serving Los Angeles County, that are not private foundations as defined in sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”).Eligible applicants must be organizations that are tax-exempt under the above referenced IRC sections, in operation for a minimum of 3-5 years, and reflect established and stable leadership.

Ineligibility

Lead gifts are rarely granted.Funding is not awarded to:Individuals Religious organizations for sectarian or propagation of faith purposes Institutions limiting their services to persons of a single religious sect or denomination Organizations propagandizing, influencing legislation and/or elections, or promoting voter registration Organizations that spend a significant amount of expenses on lobbying for political candidates or campaigns, or organizations engaged in political activities or specific advocacyFunding is generally not approved for:Endowed chairs, fellowships, internships, exchanges, or individual scholarships Annual campaigns or ongoing operational support Production of film, video, or other media Deficit financing, loans, or operational debt reduction Re-granting purposes Traveling exhibitions, the underwriting of performances, seminars, workshops, surveys, or general research Support of regional or national charities Disease specific or other types of medical research Pilot projects General solicitations Fundraising or awards events