The Mike Kelley Foundation For The Arts

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $400,000 (2025)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Approximately 5-6 months from LOI to award announcement
• Grant Range: $32,000 - $50,000 (current Infinite Expansion Grants)
• Geographic Focus: Los Angeles County only
• Registered Charity Number: EIN 30-0434789

Contact Details

Website: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org
Email: grants@mikekelleyfoundation.org
Address: 7019 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Pre-Application Support: Organizations unsure about eligibility or with questions about interdisciplinary programming are encouraged to contact grants@mikekelleyfoundation.org before applying. The Foundation holds an informational webinar each grant cycle (typically in July) to review the application process.

Overview

The Mike Kelley Foundation For The Arts was established in 2007 by the influential contemporary artist Mike Kelley (died 2012). The Foundation seeks to further Kelley's philanthropic work through grants for innovative projects that reflect his multifaceted artistic practice, while also preserving his legacy and advancing understanding of his creative achievements. Executive Director Mary Clare Stevens, who managed Kelley's studio from 2003-2012 and served as a trustee of his estate, has directed the Foundation's vision alongside the Board of Directors since its transition from a working artist's studio to a nonprofit foundation. The Foundation holds a collection of over 1,250 artworks by Mike Kelley spanning from the late 1970s through 2012. The Foundation's first formal grants initiative commenced in 2016, and it has evolved its grant-making strategy over the years, most recently focusing on larger grants to fewer organizations. According to recent financial data, the Foundation generated $925.2k in total revenue and awarded $563,000 in support to 19 organizations in 2023.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Infinite Expansion Grants (IEG) - Current program (launched 2025)

• Grant Amount: Up to $50,000 per award; recent awards ranged from $32,000 to $45,000
• Total Annual Distribution: $400,000 in 2025 to 10 organizations
• Focus: Centers on experimental and thought-provoking work of artists presented by arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations in LA County
• Application Method: Two-stage process beginning with Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submitted through Submittable online portal
• Project Timeline: Projects must culminate in publicly presented work in Los Angeles County by December 2027 (for 2026 grants)
• Budget Allocation: Minimum 70% of grant must go to direct project expenses; maximum 30% can support operating expenses

Previous Grant Programs (for historical context):

• Artist Project Grants (APG): 2016-2020, supported specific artist projects at organizations, approximately $300,000-$400,000 annually
• Organizational Support Grants (OSG): 2021-2024, provided unrestricted funding to 15-18 organizations annually, $400,000 total, individual awards ranged $20,000-$30,000

The Foundation has strategically shifted from supporting more organizations with smaller grants to concentrating resources on fewer organizations with larger awards, recognizing that more substantial support can create greater impact.

Priority Areas

The Foundation supports nonprofit arts institutions whose programming portfolio aligns with MKFA's three core values:

1. Critical Thinking - Projects that challenge assumptions and encourage intellectual engagement
2. Risk-Taking - Innovative, experimental work that pushes boundaries
3. Provocation - Art that challenges viewers and stimulates dialogue

According to Executive Director Mary Clare Stevens: "Kelley was known for ambitious, thought-provoking work that challenged viewers. There were elements of irreverence, experimentation and fearlessness in his practice that continue to be inspiring and influential. I think the grantees reflect this spirit."

The Foundation is particularly interested in supporting work that has proven (or may prove) challenging to undertake or fund due to its content, experimental nature, complexity, or other factors. Recent funded projects address the reclamation and reinterpretation of marginalized histories and identities through performance, sound, installation, and immersive experiences, engaging deeply with complex legacies of race, queerness, displacement, and collective memory.

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations with operating budgets over $5 million
• Organizations located outside Los Angeles County
• Organizations without at least two years of nonprofit status and two years of documented public programs
• Projects that do not culminate in publicly presented work in Los Angeles County
• Retrospective funding (projects must be upcoming)

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership

Mary Clare Stevens, Executive Director
Stevens managed Mike Kelley's studio from 2003-2012 and served as a trustee of his estate, playing a key role in the transition from working studio to nonprofit foundation. She directs the vision of the Foundation with the Board of Directors and oversees all administration, operations, and initiatives.

On the Foundation's mission, Stevens stated: "When Mike Kelley established the Foundation in 2007, he aimed to encourage expansiveness and fearlessness in all disciplines."

Regarding recent grantees, she noted: "This year's grantees have all demonstrated incredible resilience and resourcefulness, but still face their own unique challenges. Unrestricted grants can be used where they are needed most, from strengthening infrastructure to sustaining and building staff to creating visionary programming. It's an honor to support these 18 organizations and the indispensable contributions they make to the arts in Los Angeles."

Board of Directors (as of April 2025)

• Edward Rada, Chair
• Elizabeth Armstrong, Board Member
• Connie Butler, Board Member
• Gianna Drake-Kerrison, Board Member
• Ken Gonzales-Day, Board Member (appointed 2025)
• Lisa Mark, Board Member (appointed 2025)
• Claire Peeps, Board Member
• Pilar Tompkins Rivas, Board Member
• Cauleen Smith, Board Member (appointed 2025)

The board includes prominent artists, museum leaders, and arts professionals who bring deep knowledge of contemporary art and the Los Angeles arts community.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through a competitive two-stage process via Submittable, the Foundation's online grant application portal:

Stage 1: Letter of Inquiry (LOI)

• Available through Submittable starting in June
• Deadline: Mid-August (typically August 15)
• MKFA audits each LOI to verify organizations meet eligibility criteria and that the proposed artist project aligns with MKFA's core values
• Ineligible LOIs will not receive a link to submit a full application

Stage 2: Full Application (by invitation only)

• Organizations with eligible LOIs receive a link to the full application in early September
• Full application deadline: Late October (typically October 31)
• Applications require confirmation that participating artists are aware their materials will be used

Decision Timeline

2026 Grant Cycle Timeline (representative example):

• June 18, 2025: Letter of Inquiry made available through Submittable
• July 9, 2025, 11:00 AM PST: Informational webinar to review the grants (recording available on website)
• August 15, 2025: Letter of Inquiry deadline (11:59 PM PST)
• September 9, 2025: Eligible submissions receive a link to the full application
• October 31, 2025: Full application deadline
• Award announcements: Typically in spring (March-April) of the following year

Total Timeline: Approximately 5-6 months from LOI submission to award announcement; 8-9 months from LOI to actual project start.

Notification Methods

• Organizations are notified via email about LOI eligibility status
• Award announcements are made publicly on the Foundation's website and through press releases
• Panelists (who change year-to-year) are announced when awardees are made public

Success Rates

The Foundation does not publicly disclose application numbers or acceptance rates. However, based on available data:

• 2025: 10 organizations received grants (Infinite Expansion Grants)
• 2024: 15 organizations received grants (Organizational Support Grants)
• 2023: 18 organizations received grants (Organizational Support Grants)

The grants are described as awarded "on a competitive basis," suggesting selective acceptance, but specific statistics are not available.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations awarded an Infinite Expansion Grant in 2025 will not be eligible to apply again for one to two grant cycles. This restriction applies to successful applicants.

For unsuccessful applicants, the Foundation does not specify waiting periods or restrictions on reapplication. Organizations are encouraged to contact grants@mikekelleyfoundation.org with questions about future eligibility.

Fiscal sponsors can apply multiple times as sponsors as long as the organizations they are sponsoring meet eligibility criteria. Organizations with fiscal sponsor plans should contact the Foundation early in the process.

Application Success Factors

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are evaluated by an independent review panel comprised of artists, curators, art writers, and other arts professionals familiar with the Los Angeles arts community and various modes of artistic practices. Panel composition changes year-to-year.

The review panel evaluates applications based on four key criteria:

1. Significance of the project - Demonstrated through various forms such as: funding and support for an emerging artist, presentation of an under-recognized artist's work, or a group exhibition with a relevant theme
2. Past work of the artist(s) - Track record and quality of artistic practice
3. Past work of the host organization and its capacity to carry out the project - Organizational track record and demonstrated ability to execute complex projects
4. Appropriateness of the budget - Realistic, well-justified budgets that allocate minimum 70% to direct project expenses

Alignment with Core Values

Projects must demonstrably align with the Foundation's three core values of critical thinking, risk-taking, and provocation. According to the guidelines, MKFA specifically looks for work that challenges conventional approaches and may be difficult to fund through traditional sources due to its experimental nature, complexity, or content.

Examples of Funded Projects

2025 Infinite Expansion Grant Recipients (examples of successful approaches):

• 18th Street Arts Center: Revival_ _Revival: A Returning by Sage Ni'Ja Whitson - a processional performance bridging memories held in body, land, water, and voice, highlighting Black, Queer, and Trans presence
• Human Resources Los Angeles: Impaired Erotics by Panteha Abareshi - solo exhibition examining the duality of the disabled body as both spectacle and site of resistance
• Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND): sister dreamer by Lauren Halsey - monumental architectural ode to South Central Los Angeles celebrating Black cultural expression
• Craft Contemporary (2022 OSG recipient): Luis Flores: Because of You, In Spite of You - used unrestricted funds to support this exhibition
• Pomona College Museum of Art (2019 APG recipient): Todd Gray: Euclidean Gris Gris - artist project grant enabled this collaboration

Strategic Advice

• Pre-application consultation is encouraged: The Foundation explicitly welcomes questions before submission. For interdisciplinary organizations or those uncertain about eligibility, contacting grants@mikekelleyfoundation.org early is recommended.
• Attend the webinar: The Foundation holds an informational webinar each cycle to review application requirements and answer questions. The webinar recording is available on their website.
• Emphasize the challenging nature of the work: The Foundation states interest in work that may be difficult to fund elsewhere due to experimental nature, complexity, or content. Don't shy away from explaining why the project is provocative or risky.
• Artist confirmation is required: Ensure participating artists are confirmed and aware their materials will be part of the application before submitting the LOI.
• Budget clarity matters: With 70% required for direct project expenses, clearly delineate how funds will be used. The Foundation evaluates budget appropriateness as a key criterion.
• Demonstrate organizational capacity: Past organizational work and capacity to execute the project are explicitly evaluated. Provide evidence of successful previous projects.
• Focus on LA County impact: Projects must culminate in publicly presented work in Los Angeles County. Clearly articulate the public-facing component and LA engagement.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

1. Core values alignment is essential: Your project must authentically demonstrate critical thinking, risk-taking, and/or provocation in the arts. These aren't buzzwords—they reflect Mike Kelley's artistic legacy and the Foundation evaluates alignment carefully.

2. Two-stage process requires strategic planning: The LOI is a screening mechanism. Only eligible projects receive full application invitations, so the initial letter must clearly establish both eligibility criteria and mission alignment.

3. Larger grants to fewer organizations: The Foundation's strategic shift means they now offer more substantial awards ($32,000-$50,000) to fewer recipients (10 organizations in 2025 vs. 18 in previous years). Applications are highly competitive.

4. Experimental and challenging work is welcomed: Unlike many funders who may be risk-averse, MKFA explicitly seeks work that is difficult to fund elsewhere. If your project is genuinely challenging or provocative, emphasize this as a strength.

5. Small to mid-size organizations only: The $5 million operating budget cap means this funder specifically targets smaller organizations. If you qualify, this is a significant funding opportunity relative to organizational size.

6. Geographic restriction is absolute: Only Los Angeles County organizations with LA County addresses on their IRS determination letters are eligible. No exceptions.

7. Pre-application engagement is valued: The Foundation explicitly encourages questions and offers a webinar. Engaging with these resources demonstrates seriousness and can help refine your approach before investing significant effort in the application.

References

• Mike Kelley Foundation For The Arts official website: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Grants Overview: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/grants/overview (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Application Guidelines: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/grants/guidelines (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Awardees: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/grants/awardees (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Foundation Mission: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/foundation/mission (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Staff and Board: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/foundation/staff and https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/foundation/board (accessed March 10, 2026)
• "Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts Announces Recipients of Inaugural Infinite Expansion Grants," MKFA News, 2025: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/news/2025/mike-kelley-foundation-for-the-arts-announces-recipients-of-inaugural-infinite-expansion-grants (accessed March 10, 2026)
• "Ken Gonzales-Day, Lisa Mark and Cauleen Smith Join the Board of the Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts," MKFA News, April 2025: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/news/2025/ken-gonzales-day-lisa-mark-and-cauleen-smith-join-the-board-of-the-mike-kelley-foundation-for-the-arts (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Beverly Press & Park Labrea News: "Mike Kelley Foundation for the arts announces grant recipients," April 2024: https://beverlypress.com/2024/04/mike-kelley-foundation-for-the-arts-announces-grant-recipients/ (accessed March 10, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - The Mike Kelley Foundation For The Arts (EIN: 30-0434789): https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/300434789 (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Cause IQ - The Mike Kelley Foundation for the Arts: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-mike-kelley-foundation-for-the-arts,300434789/ (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Inside Philanthropy: "More Than Mega-Gifts: An Arts Foundation Ramps Up Support for 'Hard-to-Fund' Work," 2018: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2018-4-25-michael-kelly-foundation-for-arts-grants (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Mike Kelley Foundation | The Brooklyn Rail, December 2018: https://brooklynrail.org/2018/12/criticspage/Mike-Kelley-Foundation/ (accessed March 10, 2026)
• Grants Spotlight: https://mikekelleyfoundation.org/grants/spotlight (accessed March 10, 2026)