The Wilhelm Family Foundation 2025 Grant Cycle offers funding to small nonprofit organizations across the United States working in the arts, with an emphasis on community-centered and intersectional work. Since its inception in 2014, the Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million through over 160 grants to more than 80 organizations. While many past grantees are based in California, the Foundation does not impose geographic restrictions, providing opportunities to arts-focused organizations nationwide.
This grant cycle is open from April 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. through May 12, 2025, at midnight, during which time eligible organizations may apply via the Foundation's online portal. The Foundation supports holistic philanthropic efforts, evaluating applicants based on their overall mission, history, community engagement, and ethos rather than narrowly defined project goals. Grants are primarily awarded for general operations and programming, though some support for broader or multi-year efforts may be considered. Most grants are awarded for a one-year period, with rare exceptions for two-year funding.
Eligibility is strictly limited to organizations with current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that are not classified as private foundations. Grants are not available to individuals, individual artists, religious organizations, or groups engaged in political campaigning. Organizations without nonprofit status may apply through a fiscal sponsor, provided the application comes from the sponsor directly and includes appropriate documentation. The Foundation favors applicants with annual organizational budgets under $1.5 million and does not typically fund capital campaigns or exhibitions.
All grant applications are reviewed by the Foundation’s Board. Specific funding decision timelines will be communicated in early June 2025. Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Foundation’s mission and previous grantees to assess alignment prior to applying.
