Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,575,740 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $300,000
• Geographic Focus: 5-county Kansas City metropolitan area

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts
c/o Commerce Bank, Trustee
PO Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248

Phone: (816) 234-2000

Overview

The Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts was established in 1986 following the dissolution of the Kansas City Philharmonic in 1982—an experience that profoundly impacted its founder. With assets of approximately $49 million and annual giving of over $2.5 million, the foundation has consistently supported arts organizations throughout the greater Kansas City metropolitan area for nearly four decades. The foundation honors the legacy of Richard J. Stern (1913-2001), a Harvard MBA graduate who became president of Stern Brothers investment banking firm and played a pivotal role in financing major Kansas City developments. He served on the boards of the Kansas City Philharmonic, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and was a founding board member of the Kansas City Symphony.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Arts Organizations: General operating support and specific projects ($1,000 - $300,000)
• Performing Arts: Theater, dance, music, and opera programs
• Arts Education: Educational programs and curriculum development at arts institutions
• Capital Projects: Facilities renovation and expansion for arts venues

Priority Areas

The foundation exclusively funds organizations engaged in supporting the arts in the 5-county Kansas City metropolitan area:

• Performing Arts (theater, dance, orchestras, opera)
• Visual Arts (museums and art institutes)
• Arts Education (particularly at colleges and universities)
• Music (symphonies, chamber music, and music education)
• Arts Infrastructure (renovation and expansion of arts facilities)

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations outside the 5-county Kansas City metropolitan area
• Private foundations (only 501(c)(3) public charities)
• Non-arts organizations
• Individual artists
• Organizations without tax-exempt status

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is managed by Commerce Bank serving as corporate trustee. This bank-managed structure means professional trust officers at Commerce Bank make grant decisions based on the foundation's charitable mission and guidelines established by Richard J. Stern. Commerce Bank has served as trustee since the foundation's inception.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through trustee discretion. Organizations interested in funding should submit a brief letter of inquiry to:

Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts
c/o Commerce Bank, Trustee
PO Box 419248
Kansas City, MO 64141-6248

Letters should include:

• Clear statement of organization's purpose
• Documentation of 501(c)(3) public charity status
• Demonstration of arts focus in the 5-county Kansas City area
• Confirmation the applicant is not a private foundation

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. Grant awards appear throughout the year based on trustee review schedule.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation awarded 68 grants in 2024, 79 in 2023, and 73 in 2022.

Reapplication Policy

No specific policy published. Many organizations receive recurring support, suggesting ongoing relationships are welcomed.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic alignment is essential: Must be located in and serve Jackson, Clay, or Platte Counties (Missouri) or Johnson or Wyandotte Counties (Kansas)
• Clear arts focus: Organizations where arts programming is the primary mission are prioritized
• Established track record: Foundation favors organizations with demonstrated history and stability in the Kansas City arts community
• Strategic initiatives: Recent grants show support for season programming, curricular improvements, capital projects, and professional development
• Appropriate grant sizing: With a median grant around $19,000 but awards up to $300,000, requests should match organizational capacity and project scope

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic eligibility is absolute - must be in the 5-county Kansas City metropolitan area
• Introductory letters may be your best approach since there's no formal application process
• Demonstrate connection to Kansas City's arts ecosystem through collaborations and community impact
• Consider starting with modest requests to build relationship with the foundation
• Emphasize educational and capacity-building components in your proposals
• Be prepared for relationship building over time rather than immediate funding
• Clearly document 501(c)(3) public charity status in all communications

References

1. Grantmakers.io Profile - Richard J Stern Foundation for the Arts. https://www.grantmakers.io/profiles/v0/436313811-richard-j-stern-foundation-for-the-arts/
2. Candid Foundation Directory - Richard J Stern Foundation for the Arts. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=STER074
3. Cause IQ - Richard J Stern Foundation for the Arts. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/richard-j-stern-foundation-for-the-arts,436313811/
4. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/436313811
5. Instrumentl 990 Report - Richard J Stern Foundation For The Arts. https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/richard-j-stern-foundation-for-the-arts
6. Kansas City Ballet - "The Richard J. Stern Foundation Supports Arts." https://kcballet.org/blog/the-richard-j-stern-foundation-supports-arts/
7. Wikipedia - "Richard J. Stern." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_J._Stern
8. Commerce Bank Contact Information. (816) 234-2000