Nesholm Family Foundation Grant - Performing Arts

Nesholm Family Foundation Grant - Performing Arts

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Nesholm Family Foundation
Amount: Up to US $300,000
Last Updated: August 30, 2025

Summary

The Nesholm Family Foundation Grant supports performing arts initiatives in Seattle, emphasizing programs that enhance accessibility, professional standards, and community engagement. Established in 1987 by Elmer J. Nesholm, the foundation aims to benefit the community through arts funding that develops human potential and addresses critical issues. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt organizations, focusing on projects that positively impact the arts and culture in the region while fostering long-term sustainability.

Overview

The Nesholm Family Foundation was established by the Will of Elmer J. Nesholm (1910-1986), a resident of Seattle and New York City who spent his working career as a key executive with United Parcel Service, which was founded in Seattle in 1907. His concern for the welfare of others, his outlook as a future oriented problem solver, and his commitment to share his success with the community where he grew up led to the establishment of the Foundation in 1987. Grants, which redound to the benefit of the people of the City of Seattle, will be made to qualifying organizations. The Nesholm Family Foundation awards grants in health and human services, education, and the performing arts. Within the framework of these three categories, the Foundation favors investment in projects and programs that have the potential to: Develop human potentialEnhance quality of lifeDeal with important community issues and problemsAffect significant numbers of people in positive waysEncourage the involvement of othersLeverage the use of Foundation assets to increase the project’s long-term impact. The Performing Arts The city of Seattle is known nationally as an outstanding center for the performing arts. We believe that the performing arts are a primary force in shaping our cultural heritage and in contributing to the vitality of our society. The Foundation is particularly interested in projects that: Encourage the highest professional performance standardsImprove the availability and accessibility of the artsSupport artistic and organizational development The Foundation will consider applications for project specific support or general operating support.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applications are considered for programs that will benefit the performing arts in Seattle.On rare occasions, the Foundation considers programs to other areas of King County.Applications are considered only from organizations ruled to be tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that are not private foundations as defined in Section 509(a) of the Code, other than qualified private operating funds.

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not consider applications for:Ongoing normal operations or operating deficitsDebt retirement or endowment fundsLoans of any kindContributions to general fund drives, annual appeals, federated campaignsScholarships and fellowships, or the benefit of specific individualsBasic science researchAlso, the Foundation will not consider requests for grants to:Conduit organizations, i.e., tax-exempt organizations that pass funds on to organizations not tax-exempt in their own rightOrganizations that carry on propaganda or attempt to influence legislation or electionsInstitutions that in policy or practice unfairly discriminate against race, ethnic origin, sex, or creedActivities of sectarian or religious organizations that principally benefit their own members or adherents