S. Mark Taper Foundation Grant

The S. Mark Taper Foundation offers one annual grant cycle open to nonprofit organizations that provide services within specified counties in Southern California. The first step in the application process is submitting a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through the Foundation’s online grants portal. Applicants must be certified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Equal consideration is extended to past grantees and new applicants, provided all eligibility criteria are met. The purpose of the Foundation’s funding is to support nonprofit organizations through three types of grants: General Operating Support (GOS), Program Support, and Capital Support. GOS grants provide unrestricted funding for the organization’s core mission. Program grants target specific programs or projects, while Capital grants are designated for physical projects like construction, renovation, or equipment purchases. However, Capital funding is restricted exclusively to nonprofit organizations based in and serving Los Angeles County. Funding is typically awarded in six key areas: Arts, Civic Affairs, Education, Environment, Health, and Social Services. The Foundation encourages applicants to request an amount that is proportionate to their fundraising and budget history. Capital grant requests must be for a minimum of $100,000; smaller capital requests are advised to instead apply for General Operating or Program support. Eligibility is confined to nonprofit organizations providing services in eight Southern California counties: Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Priority is given to organizations based in and serving Los Angeles County. Additionally, the nonprofit must be in good standing with the California Franchise Tax Board and the California Registry of Charitable Trusts. A California Entity Status Letter, generated within 30 days of LOI submission and showing checks in boxes 1 and 3, is required. Organizations are ineligible if they received a grant from the Foundation within the past three calendar years or if they fall into certain categories. Grants are not awarded to endowment funds, vehicles, government agencies, schools, universities, hospitals, research initiatives, political campaigns, documentary productions, or organizations undergoing leadership changes or with financial conflicts involving their board or staff. To begin the process, applicants should consult the Foundation’s guidance materials including the Grant Process Timeline, How to Apply guide, FAQs, and specific LOI templates for each grant type. For further assistance, organizations may contact the Foundation via email or phone.