HELEN FRANKENTHALER FOUNDATION INC

Supporting OrganizationIRS data 2022–2024

NEW YORK, NYEIN 133244308 Website

Annual Giving

$14.4M-43% YoY

Grants

105

Median Grant

$30K

Organizations Funded

182

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Foundation Overview

Mission

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, established and endowed by the artist during her lifetime (1928-2011), is dedicated to promoting greater public interest in and understanding of the visual arts. The Foundation supports educational and research initiatives that advance the contemporary practice of painting and the academic study of modern art history. The Foundation also embraces causes that reflect Frankenthaler's passions and vision, with a particular emphasis on higher education and the support of opportunities for living artists.

Focus Areas

museum collectionscontemporary artprints and works on paperart exhibitionsvisual arts residenciesartist fellowships and awardsarts education and internshipscultural heritage preservation

Grant Types

collection_acquisitionsfellowships_and_awardsexhibition_supportprogram_implementationoperating_supportendowment_grantsemergency_reliefresidency_and_internship_support

Funded Initiatives

$3.4 million in 2025 Frankenthaler Climate Initiative grants to 74 organizations; $2 million gift to Smithsonian American Art Museum for Research and Scholars Center; $2.5 million to international organizations for Emergency Grants for Global Artists at Risk and Cultural Heritage Conservation Efforts in Ukraine; Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Fellowship in Modern and Contemporary Art

How to Apply

Foundation does not accept applications directly. Visit Studio Institute for internship details. Climate Initiative and other programs administered through partners. Contact through main website for specific inquiries.

Based on publicly available information from the foundation's 990 filings and website.

Giving History

2024-43%

$14.4M

Grants

105

Median

$30K

States

2023+229%

$25.3M

Grants

100

Median

$50K

States

2022

$7.7M

Grants

113

Median

$30K

States

Grant Size Distribution

$30K

Typical Grant (Median)

$3K

Smallest

$15K

25th Pctile

$75K

75th Pctile

$3.8M

Largest

Excludes grants ≤ $5K. Half fall between $15K and $75K.

Largest Recent Grants

$3.8M

2024

KUNSTMUSEUM BASEL

ART FOR MUSEUM COLLECTION

$3.5M

2024

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM BILBAO

ART FOR MUSEUM COLLECTION

$1.3M

2024

FOUNDATION FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

NY · ENDOWMENT: HF AWARD FOR PAINTING

$667K

2024

PEN AMERICAN CENTER

NY · 2024 ARC SUPPORT (3 OF 3)

$500K

2024

WORLD MONUMENTS FUND

NY · UKRAINE HERITAGE RESPONSE FUND (3 OF 3)

Geographic Focus

$4.4M43 grants

$321K4 grants

$294K6 grants

$238K3 grants

$184K4 grants

Top states by total grant dollars. Based on IRS filing data.

Financial Overview

YearTotal AssetsGrants Paid

2024

$173.2M

$14.4M(8.3%)

2023

$176.1M

$25.3M(14.4%)

2022

$166.2M

$7.7M(4.6%)

Grants paid shown as percentage of total assets

Network Intelligence

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Data sourced from IRS 990 and 990-PF filings and publicly available foundation websites. Grant data, financial figures, and organizational details reflect historical filings and may not represent current operations or funding priorities. Verify directly with the foundation before applying. See an issue? Let us know.