Renate Hans And Maria Hofmann Trust

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,000,000
• Success Rate: Not applicable (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: Not disclosed
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $15,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: United States and Germany

Contact Details

Program Officer Contact:

• Cheryl B. Anhava, Vice President/Program Officer
• J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Private Foundation Services
• Email: cheryl.b.anhava@jpmorgan.com
• Phone: 212-464-5195
• Address: 390 Madison Avenue, Floor 14, New York, NY 10017

Overview

The Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust, established in 1996 under the will of Renate Hofmann, is a private independent foundation with assets of $37.3 million. The Trust honors the legacy of renowned Abstract Expressionist artist Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) and his two wives, Renate and Maria. Operating with a dual mission, the Trust educates the public about Hans Hofmann's art through museum exhibitions and publications while supporting charitable causes, particularly those serving vulnerable children and individuals with disabilities. The Trust distributes approximately $2 million annually through 12 grants, operating on an invitation-only basis without accepting unsolicited applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Trust operates two distinct grant streams:

• Arts & Culture Grants: Support for museum exhibitions, art conservation, publications, and educational programs related to Hans Hofmann's artistic legacy
• Charitable Grants: Support for organizations serving children and adults with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, primarily channeled through the Association of German Dioceses

Priority Areas

• Hans Hofmann exhibitions and retrospectives
• Art conservation projects for Hofmann works
• Museum educational programs
• Academic endowments in modern art
• Services for vulnerable children
• Programs for persons with disabilities
• Catholic charitable organizations in Germany

What They Don't Fund

• Unsolicited grant requests
• Organizations outside their pre-selected network
• Programs unrelated to Hans Hofmann's legacy or vulnerable populations

Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Corporate Trustee)
• Patricia A. Gallagher, Esq. (Individual Trustee, Compensation: $194,751)

Program Management:

• Cheryl B. Anhava, Vice President/Program Officer, J.P. Morgan Private Bank

The Trust is managed through J.P. Morgan's Private Foundation Services, which handles the operational and grant-making activities under the direction of the trustees.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust does not accept unsolicited grant requests. All grants are awarded through trustee discretion and pre-existing relationships. Organizations are proactively identified and approached by the Trust based on alignment with their mission.

Getting on Their Radar

Museums and cultural organizations interested in Hans Hofmann exhibitions should establish relationships with:

• Major art institutions that have previously hosted Hofmann exhibitions (Metropolitan Museum, BAMPFA, Naples Museum of Art)
• Academic institutions with modern art programs, particularly those with existing Hofmann connections
• The Association of German Dioceses for charitable programs serving vulnerable populations

The Trust has shown a pattern of supporting institutions that:

• Have strong curatorial expertise in Abstract Expressionism
• Can demonstrate educational impact through their programs
• Have existing Hofmann works in their collections
• Collaborate with other institutions on traveling exhibitions

Decision Timeline

Not disclosed due to invitation-only process

Success Rates

Not applicable - grants are proactively awarded rather than competitively applied for

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable due to invitation-only process

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this Trust, traditional application strategies do not apply. Organizations that have successfully received funding demonstrate:

• Direct connection to Hans Hofmann's artistic legacy: Museums with Hofmann works in their permanent collections or those planning significant retrospectives
• Educational mission alignment: Strong educational programs that can effectively interpret Abstract Expressionism to public audiences
• Institutional credibility: Established museums and universities with proven track records in art conservation and exhibition
• Geographic relevance: Locations with historical connections to Hofmann (New York, Massachusetts, Germany)
• Collaborative approach: Willingness to work with other institutions on traveling exhibitions or joint projects

For charitable grants, the Trust primarily works through established intermediaries like the Association of German Dioceses, suggesting that direct approaches from social service organizations are unlikely to succeed.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Do not submit unsolicited grant proposals to this Trust
• Focus relationship-building efforts through J.P. Morgan Private Foundation Services contact
• For art institutions: Develop Hofmann-specific exhibition or conservation proposals before attempting contact
• Consider collaborative proposals with institutions that have existing Trust relationships
• Charitable organizations should explore connections through the Association of German Dioceses
• Maintain awareness that this is a legacy-driven foundation with very specific funding parameters
• Be prepared for long-term relationship development rather than immediate grant opportunities

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Renate Hans And Maria Hofmann Trust Form 990-PF (2023)
• Candid Foundation Directory Online - Renate, Hans and Maria Hofmann Trust profile
• BAMPFA website - Hans Hofmann exhibition history and Trust support
• Metropolitan Museum of Art - Hans Hofmann in The Metropolitan Museum of Art (1999)
• Naples Museum of Art - Hans Hofmann retrospective documentation (2003-2004)
• Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville - Hans Hofmann: Works on Paper exhibition (2017)
• Kunsthalle Bielefeld - Creation in Form and Color: Hans Hofmann (2016-2017)
• Bruce Museum - Walls of Color: The Murals of Hans Hofmann (2015)