Arete Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $5.4 million (2024)
• Success Rate: Not available
• Decision Time: Not available
• Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
• Geographic Focus: Philadelphia region (presumed based on location)

Contact Details

No public website or contact information available for grant inquiries.

Overview

The Arete Foundation is a private foundation based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with tax-exempt status granted in July 1986. With total assets of approximately $42.6 million and annual charitable disbursements of $5.4 million as of 2024, the foundation represents a significant philanthropic presence in the Philadelphia region. The foundation maintains a low public profile with no public website or published grant guidelines, suggesting a private approach to philanthropic giving.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Information about specific grant programs is not publicly available.

Priority Areas

Funding priorities and focus areas are not publicly disclosed.

What They Don't Fund

Exclusions are not publicly specified.

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is led by:

• Thomas Elliott - Chief Financial Officer
• Jeffrey Brotman - Vice President
• Donna Zanghi - Executive Director

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The Arete Foundation appears to operate as a private foundation that awards grants through trustee discretion or pre-existing relationships rather than through open applications.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Success Rates

Not available due to private grant-making approach.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Due to the private nature of this foundation's grant-making, traditional application success factors do not apply. Organizations seeking support would need to establish relationships with the foundation's leadership or trustees through professional networks or mutual connections.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Arete Foundation distributes approximately $5.4 million annually but does not accept public grant applications
• With no public website or published guidelines, this appears to be a private foundation with discretionary giving
• Organizations cannot apply directly for grants from this foundation
• The foundation maintains significant assets ($42.6M) suggesting stable, long-term grant-making capacity
• Professional networking and relationship building would be the only potential pathway to consideration

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Arete Foundation Profile (accessed December 31, 2025)
• CauseIQ Foundation Profile - Financial Data 2019 (accessed December 31, 2025)