Creative Visions Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10,222,570 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Rolling basis
• Grant Range: $1,646 - $4,184,422
• Geographic Focus: International (500+ projects across 5 continents)

Contact Details

Website: www.creativevisions.org Phone: (310) 456-1109 Email: [email protected] Fiscal Sponsorship: [email protected] Address: 18820 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 201, Malibu, CA 90265

Overview

Creative Visions Foundation was founded in 1998 by Kathy Eldon and Amy Eldon Turteltaub to honor Dan Eldon, a Reuters photojournalist killed in Somalia at age 22. Operating as both a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and United Nations NGO, Creative Visions has supported over 500 creative activist projects across five continents. The foundation distributed $10,222,570 in grants across 75 awards in 2023. Creative Visions empowers "creative activists"—those who use media and arts to inspire positive social change—primarily through fiscal sponsorship rather than traditional grant-making. Based at The Dan Eldon Center for Creative Activism overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, the foundation has earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 93% score.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Fiscal Sponsorship Program: Rolling basis with $85 application fee

  • Provides 501(c)(3) status to creative projects
  • Administrative fees: 7% (up to $150K), 6% ($150K-$500K), 5% ($500K-$1M), 3% (over $1M)
  • Online application portal available

• Creative Activist Fund: Launched 2024

  • Direct financial aid and resources for creative activists
  • Includes rapid response funding for urgent issues
  • Grant amounts not publicly disclosed

Priority Areas

• Impact media (documentaries, films, journalism, podcasts)
• Arts for social change (music, visual arts, performing arts)
• Projects aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Human rights and social justice initiatives
• Educational programs using creative storytelling

What They Don't Fund

Projects that don't use creative media or arts for social impact are not eligible. Traditional social service programs without creative storytelling components won't align with their mission.

Governance and Leadership

Co-Founders and Co-Chairs: Kathy Eldon (who coined the term "creative activist") and Amy Eldon Turteltaub, established the foundation after Dan Eldon's death.

CEO: Pat Chandler brings 25+ years of business and media management experience.

Board includes: Industry professionals from media, business, and nonprofit sectors who help open doors to new partnerships.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Creative Visions operates primarily through fiscal sponsorship rather than traditional grant applications:

1. Join the free Creative Activist Network for access to resources and networking
2. Complete online application at creativevisions.org/fiscal-sponsorship
3. Pay $85 non-refundable application fee
4. Upon acceptance, receive project gallery feature and donation page

Decision Timeline

Applications reviewed on rolling basis after fee submission. No fixed deadlines.

Success Rates

75 awards made in 2023 (up from 49 in 2020), showing steady growth. Specific acceptance rates not disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified. Contact [email protected] for clarification.

Application Success Factors

• Demonstrate creative activism: Show how your project uses media/arts to drive social change, not just provide services
• Connect to UN frameworks: As a UN NGO, they value alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
• Projects at any stage welcome: Early-stage projects receive support to mature and secure additional funding
• Join the network first: Engage with monthly Sundowners gatherings and community before applying
• Recent successful projects include: "The Undocumented Lawyer" documentary, "American Agitators" campaign, award-winning content for PBS/CNN/OWN

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Not a traditional grantmaker: Primarily offers fiscal sponsorship with 3-7% administrative fees rather than direct grants
• Creative component essential: Must use media/arts for social change—generic service projects won't qualify
• Rolling applications advantage: No deadline pressure; apply when project is well-articulated
• Network engagement matters: Active participation in Creative Activist Network demonstrates commitment
• Application doubles as prep: Their questions mirror other funder applications, helping prepare broader fundraising
• Global reach with local presence: International scope but concentrated activity in CA, NY, FL
• Comprehensive support beyond funding: Accepted projects receive mentorship, workshops, industry connections

References

• Creative Visions Foundation website. "Fiscal Sponsorship." https://www.creativevisions.org/fiscal-sponsorship (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Creative Visions Foundation website. "About." https://www.creativevisions.org/about (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. "Creative Visions Foundation." https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/391902814 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Instrumentl. "Creative Visions Foundation 990 Report." https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/creative-visions-foundation (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Charity Navigator. "Creative Visions Foundation Rating." https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/391902814 (Accessed February 25, 2026)
• Fiscal Sponsor Directory. "Creative Visions." https://fiscalsponsordirectory.org/?page_id=2860 (Accessed February 25, 2026)