S. Mark Taper Foundation Grant

S. Mark Taper Foundation Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: S Mark Taper Foundation
Last Updated: April 02, 2026

Summary

The S. Mark Taper Foundation, established in 1989, is a private family foundation committed to improving lives through support for nonprofit organizations in Southern California. It funds projects in arts, education, health, and more, with grant sizes ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) certified and serve specific counties. Notably, those receiving funding in the past three years are ineligible to apply.

Overview

S. Mark Taper Foundation The S. Mark Taper Foundation, founded in 1989, is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people's lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in our communities. Funding Areas The S. Mark Taper Foundation is a responsive grantmaker that typically provides funding in the following areas: Arts Civic Affairs Education Environment Health Social Services Types of Grant Funding Provided General Operating Support (GOS): unrestricted, core operating support that bolsters an organization's overall mission and can be allocated as the organization sees fit. Program: funding is allocated to a specific program or project within the organization. Capital: funding is allocated to a physical project, such as the purchase of a building and/or land, renovating an existing building, constructing a new building, or purchasing equipment. Capital funding is currently restricted to Los Angeles County-based nonprofit organizations and for capital projects based in and serving Los Angeles County only. Grant Sizes The S. Mark Taper Foundation has three size categories as follows: Due to the scope of the capital grant application process, the minimum request amount for a capital grant is  $100,000. If the planned request amount is under  $100,000, we recommend applying for General Operating or Program support. CategoryGrant SizeSmallUp to $50,000Medium$50,001-$100,000Large$100,001 and above

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The S. Mark Taper Foundation will consider a Letter of Inquiry from a non-profit organization that provides services in any of the following eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles County Imperial County Riverside CountySan Bernardino County Ventura CountyAn applicant must be certified as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.See FAQ for further guidelines.

Ineligibility

The S. Mark Taper Foundation does not fund the following:Endowment fundsVehiclesGovernment agenciesUniversities (public and private) and community collegesElementary, middle and high schools (public and private)Charter schoolsScientific and/or medical researchOrganizations focused on specific diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease)Elections, political candidates, or political campaignsDocumentary filmmaking or television programmingOrganizations that have had or will have a change in CEO/Executive Director within twelve months of LOI submissionOrganizations with loans to/from board members or executive staffA non-profit organization that received a grant payment from the S. Mark Taper Foundation within the past three calendar years is not eligible for the current grant cycle. For example, an organization that received a grant payment in December 2023 will not be eligible to re-apply until the 2027 grant cycle.