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The Michelson Foundation

San Mateo, California  ·  EIN 464978561  ·  Private foundation

The Michelson Foundation is a California-based grantmaker. In its latest 990-PF filing it reported $532K in annual giving against $16.9M in assets. This page documents the 78 grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for The Michelson Foundation — who they fund, what they prioritize, and what to know before reaching out.

$532K
Annual giving (FY2020)
$16.9M
Total assets
78
Grants tracked
2024
Most recent grant

What The Michelson Foundation funds

The Michelson Foundation's giving carries a documented focus on arts & culture, disability services, faith-based (christian), higher education, libraries & literacy.

Arts & CultureDisability ServicesFaith-Based (Christian)Higher EducationLibraries & Literacy

Populations it has supported include families.

families

Grant history

The largest grants Bespoke Grants has on record for The Michelson Foundation, by amount:

RecipientLocationGrantYear
Mayo Clinic
Treatment of Lymphocytic Leukemia
Rochester, MN$900K2022
Vanderbilt University
UNRESTRICTED
Nashville, TN$499K2017
Bryn Mawr College
UNRESTRICTED
Bryn Mawr, PA$499K2017
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Inc
UNRESTRICTED
Memphis, TN$250K2023
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (pledge Pmt)
UNRESTRICTED
Philadelphia, PA$180K2020
Better Angels Society - the American Revolution
UNRESTRICTED
Washington, DC$167K2024
Better Angels Society - the American Revolution
UNRESTRICTED
Washington, DC$167K2023
Better Angels Society - the American Revolution
UNRESTRICTED
Washington, DC$167K2022
Mayo Clinic
Cardiovascular Research
Rochester, MN$150K2022
Bring Me a Book Foundation (pledge Payment)
UNRESTRICTED
Redwood City, CA$75K2017
Hca Healthcare Hope Fund
UNRESTRICTED
Nashville, TN$75K2020
Harvard Law School
UNRESTRICTED
Cambridge, MA$50K2020
The Metropolitan Opera
UNRESTRICTED
New York, NY$50K2020
The Metropolitan Opera
UNRESTRICTED
New York, NY$50K2022
Bryn Mawr College
UNRESTRICTED
Bryn Mawr, PA$50K2022

The Michelson Foundation giving by year

Total grants Bespoke Grants has indexed for each filing year:

2017$1.2M
2020$532K
2022$1.5M
2023$725K
2024$372K

How to apply for funding from The Michelson Foundation

The Michelson Foundation's public IRS filing does not spell out a formal application process. Foundations of this size often give primarily to organizations they already know, so a concise letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first contact — not a full proposal.

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Frequently asked questions about The Michelson Foundation

Does The Michelson Foundation accept grant applications?
The Michelson Foundation's public filing does not specify an application process. A brief letter of inquiry or a warm introduction is usually the best first step with a private foundation of this size.
What does The Michelson Foundation fund?
The Michelson Foundation's grants focus on arts & culture. Recent recipients include Mayo Clinic, Vanderbilt University, Bryn Mawr College. Its full grant history is listed above.
How much does The Michelson Foundation give in grants?
The Michelson Foundation reported $532K in grants in its most recent IRS filing (FY2020). Across all years in our data it has awarded $4.3M over 78 grants.
Where is The Michelson Foundation located?
The Michelson Foundation is based in San Mateo, California. Its IRS employer identification number (EIN) is 464978561.
How can I find foundations similar to The Michelson Foundation?
Bespoke Grants matches your nonprofit against 225,000+ foundations like The Michelson Foundation, ranking each by how well it fits your mission, location, and budget — with the reasoning shown. It is free to search.

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Foundations similar to The Michelson Foundation

Other California grantmakers with overlapping priorities:

About this profile. This page is built from The Michelson Foundation's public IRS Form 990-PF and 990 filings, indexed by Bespoke Grants alongside 13M+ grants from 225,000+ U.S. foundations. Grant figures reflect filings available to date; IRS data publishes on a 1–2 year lag. Bespoke Grants is not affiliated with The Michelson Foundation. Always confirm current giving priorities and application procedures with the foundation directly before applying.