The Herb Alpert Foundation concentrates its giving on performing arts and music education, funding major institutions that build and sustain professional-level training and public-facing arts programs. Grants are large and targeted — often endowment or capacity-type gifts — and include repeat support to named music schools and established arts institutions in Los Angeles and select national organizations. The foundation’s philanthropy emphasizes institutional impact in music education rather than small community projects.
THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION is headquartered in Santa Monica, CA, and reported $14,567,950 in annual grants with $45,673,809 in total assets on its latest 990 filed for 2025. Its giving is concentrated in performing arts and music education, especially university-based professional music schools, conservatory-level arts education and training, public-facing performing arts programs, and urban youth performing arts institutions. The foundation’s recent grants show repeated support for major arts institutions and music education programs, with large, targeted awards rather than broad small-grant activity. Among the largest recent grants are $1,425,000 to UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC (LOS ANGELES, CA) in 2023, $1,300,000 to UCLA FOUNDATION UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC (LOS ANGELES, CA) in 2025, and $1,163,000 to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS (VALENCIA, CA) in 2023. Additional notable awards include $1,152,400 to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS (VALENCIA, CA) in 2025 and $800,000 to THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (NEW YORK, NY) in 2025. The grant list also includes support for organizations such as HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ, PS ARTS, and THE HARMONY PROJECT.
Recent grantmaking spans university-based professional music schools, conservatory-level arts education and training, public-facing performing arts programs, and urban youth performing arts institutions. Notable grants include $1,425,000 to UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC (LOS ANGELES, CA), $1,152,400 to CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS (VALENCIA, CA), and $800,000 to THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS (NEW YORK, NY). Other recent awards include $424,300 to CALIFORNIA STATE SUMMER SCHOOL FOUNDATION (SACRAMENTO, CA), $250,000 to HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ (LOS ANGELES, CA), and $240,000 to PS ARTS (VENICE, CA). The list also shows support for TURNAROUND ARTS CALIFORNIA and THE KENNEDY CENTER FBO TURNAROUND ARTS (PCAH).
THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION makes concentrated, high-dollar grants. Its typical grant size is $12,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $50,000 at the 75th percentile, while recent awards also include much larger institutional gifts. The recent grants list shows repeat support for the same recipients across multiple years, including UCLA-related music schools, CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS, PS ARTS, CHRYSALIS, THE HARMONY PROJECT, THE JAZZ FOUNDATION, and THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS. It does not fund individuals and is classified as a Regular Funder. Grantmaking appears to favor established arts and education institutions.
$7.5M
$45.7M
$2.3M
$10M
Most grants fall between $12K and $50K, with a median of $25K.
25th Percentile
$12K
Median
$25K
75th Percentile
$50K
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Concentrated, high-dollar grants to a small number of established arts institutions with some repeat funding to the same organizations; favors institutional/charitable endowment or program support over many small grants.
Notable grantees: California Institute of the Arts, UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA Foundation (supporting the Herb Alpert School of Music), The Harlem School of the Arts
THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION gives most often in CA, which accounts for 79% of grants to recipients in its headquarters state and is also the top state by grant count. Recent grants also reached NY, LA, NJ, and DC. The recipient country distribution is entirely US-based, with 171 grants, or 100.0%, going to U.S. organizations. Named recipients include organizations in Los Angeles, Valencia, Sacramento, New York, Montclair, Washington, and New Orleans.
The provided data does not state whether THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION accepts unsolicited applications. It is identified as a Regular Funder, does not fund individuals, and makes program-related investments: False.
THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION typically funds performing arts and music education. Recent grants support university-based professional music schools, conservatory-level arts education and training, public-facing performing arts programs, and urban youth performing arts institutions.
Typical grant size is $12,000 at the 25th percentile, $25,000 at the median, and $50,000 at the 75th percentile. Recent grants also include several awards of $100,000 or more, including $1,425,000 to UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC and $1,300,000 to UCLA FOUNDATION UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC.
THE HERB ALPERT FOUNDATION gives most often in CA. The foundation’s headquarters are in Santa Monica, CA, and 79% of grants go to recipients in the headquarters state. The recipient country distribution is entirely US-based.
Recent grantees include UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC, UCLA FOUNDATION UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC, CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS, THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, CALIFORNIA STATE SUMMER SCHOOL FOUNDATION, HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ, PS ARTS, CHRYSALIS, THE HARMONY PROJECT, and THE JAZZ FOUNDATION.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UCLA FOUNDATION UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC | LOS ANGELES, CA | $1,300,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF ARTS | VALENCIA, CA | $1,152,400 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS | NEW YORK, NY | $800,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CALIFORNIA STATE SUMMER SCHOOL FOUNDATION | SACRAMENTO, CA | $424,300 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| GOOD PEOPLE FUND | MILLBURN, CA | $400,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| PACIFIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA | BEVERLY HILLS, CA | $250,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ | LOS ANGELES, CA | $250,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| PS ARTS | VENICE, CA | $240,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CHRYSALIS | SANTA MONICA, CA | $200,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE HARMONY PROJECT | LOS ANGELES, CA | $150,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LA CITY COLLEGE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $110,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| FIELD MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | CHICAGO, IL | $100,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LOUISIANA MUSEUM FOUNDATION | NEW ORLEANS, LA | $100,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE JAZZ FOUNDATION | SHERMAN OAKS, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| TURNAROUND ARTS CALIFORNIA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| FULCRUM ARTS FBO SAPPA | PASADENA, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE | NORTHRIDGE, CA | $80,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES | LOS ANGELES, CA | $80,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LEADERCOMM GLOBAL COMMUNITY | ARLINGTON, VA | $75,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE PAINTED TURTLE | LAKE HUGHES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| UCLA FOUNDATION MUSIC PARTNERSHIP | LOS ANGELES, CA | $50,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER | MONTGOMERY, AL | $40,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| VENICE ARTS | VENICE, CA | $40,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| COMMUNITY PARTNERS FBO L A COMMONS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION PERFORMANCE PREPATORY ACADEMY | PASADENA, CA | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| COMMUNITY PARTNERS FBO LIBROS SCHMIBROS LENDING | LOS ANGELES, CA | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE ASCAP FOUNDATION | NEW YORK, NY | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| PLAZA DE LA RAZA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| RYMAN-CARROLL FOUNDATION PREVIOUSLY RYMAN ARTS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $35,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE INTERNATIONAL TRUMPET GUILD | HATTIESBURG, MS | $33,850 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LA JAZZ SOCIETY | VAN NUYS, CA | $33,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| EVERYBODY DANCES LA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| ARTWORXLATHE HEART PROJECT | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE GRAMMY MUSEUM FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| 18TH STREET ARTS CENTER | SANTA MONICA, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| KJAZZ CSLUB RESEARCH | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC | LOS ANGELES, CA | $30,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| SYMPHONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA | CULVER CITY, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| NEW VENTURE FUND | WASHINGTON, DC | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CONTRA TIEMPO | CULVER CITY, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| CREATE LA | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK | WORCESTER, MA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| REDISCOVER | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE ACTORS' GANG | CULVER CITY, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| THE WORLD STAGE | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| YOUNG STORYTELLERS FOUNDATION | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| MUSIC MENDS MINDS INC | LOS ANGELES, CA | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
| GERRY & FRANCA MULLIGAN FOUNDATION | DARIEN, CT | $25,000 | 2025 | CHARITABLE |
UCLA FOUNDATION UCLA HERB ALPERT SCHOOL OF MUSIC
$1,300,000CHARITABLE
THE HARLEM SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
$800,000CHARITABLE
CALIFORNIA STATE SUMMER SCHOOL FOUNDATION
$424,300CHARITABLE
PACIFIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
$250,000CHARITABLE
HERBIE HANCOCK INSTITUTE OF JAZZ
$250,000CHARITABLE
PS ARTS
$240,000CHARITABLE
CHRYSALIS
$200,000CHARITABLE
LA CITY COLLEGE
$110,000CHARITABLE
THE JAZZ FOUNDATION
$100,000CHARITABLE
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE
$80,000CHARITABLE
LEADERCOMM GLOBAL COMMUNITY
$75,000CHARITABLE
THE PAINTED TURTLE
$50,000CHARITABLE
UCLA FOUNDATION MUSIC PARTNERSHIP
$50,000CHARITABLE
COMMUNITY PARTNERS FBO L A COMMONS
$35,000CHARITABLE
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION PERFORMANCE PREPATORY ACADEMY
$35,000CHARITABLE
THE ASCAP FOUNDATION
$35,000CHARITABLE
RYMAN-CARROLL FOUNDATION PREVIOUSLY RYMAN ARTS
$35,000CHARITABLE
THE INTERNATIONAL TRUMPET GUILD
$33,850CHARITABLE
LA JAZZ SOCIETY
$33,000CHARITABLE
EVERYBODY DANCES LA
$30,000CHARITABLE
SKIRBALL CULTURAL CENTER
$30,000CHARITABLE
ARTWORXLATHE HEART PROJECT
$30,000CHARITABLE
THE UNUSUAL SUSPECTS
$30,000CHARITABLE
KJAZZ CSLUB RESEARCH
$30,000CHARITABLE
LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC
$30,000CHARITABLE
SYMPHONIC JAZZ ORCHESTRA
$25,000CHARITABLE
CREATE LA
$25,000CHARITABLE
JAZZ EDUCATION NETWORK
$25,000CHARITABLE
REDISCOVER
$25,000CHARITABLE
THE WORLD STAGE
$25,000CHARITABLE
MUSIC MENDS MINDS INC
$25,000CHARITABLE
GERRY & FRANCA MULLIGAN FOUNDATION
$25,000CHARITABLE