Henry T And Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• EIN: 47-2574780
• Annual Giving: $1,203,235 (2023)
• Total Assets: $29,045,579 (2024)
• Average Grant Size: $120,324
• Grant Range: Estimated $100,000 - $250,000
• Number of Grants: 10 grants awarded in 2023
• Geographic Focus: Primarily California (Orange County, Los Angeles), with select national and international arts organizations
• Application Process: No public application process; private family foundation

Contact Details

Location: Costa Mesa, California
EIN: 47-2574780
Tax Status: 501(c)(3) Private Foundation

Note: This is a private family foundation with no official website or publicly listed contact information. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Overview

The Henry T And Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation was established in 2015 as a private family foundation honoring the legacy of Henry T. Segerstrom (1923-2015), a prominent Orange County developer, philanthropist, and arts patron. The foundation continues the Segerstrom family's longstanding commitment to advancing performing arts and arts education, particularly in Southern California.

With assets of approximately $29 million and annual giving of over $1.2 million, the foundation makes selective grants to prestigious performing arts organizations and arts education programs. The foundation is managed by two trustees: Elizabeth Segerstrom, Henry's widow and a prominent arts patron in her own right, and Jennifer Jordan McCall, a leading estate planning attorney and co-chair of Pillsbury Law's Private Client & Family Office Team.

The foundation reflects the Segerstrom family's deep commitment to ballet, symphony, opera, and other performing arts, as well as their dedication to bringing arts education to underserved schools. Elizabeth Segerstrom continues to be actively involved in major cultural institutions including the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, American Ballet Theatre, Carnegie Hall, LA Opera, and Turnaround Arts: California.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates as a private family foundation and does not have formal grant programs or public application cycles. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees based on their philanthropic priorities and relationships with cultural organizations.

Priority Areas

Performing Arts Organizations

• Dance: Strong emphasis on ballet companies, particularly American Ballet Theatre and international dance companies
• Symphony Orchestras: Support for Pacific Symphony and other orchestral organizations
• Opera and Theater: Support for productions and performing arts centers
• International Arts: Support for cultural exchange and international arts organizations (e.g., American Friends of Versailles)

Arts Education

• K-12 Arts Programs: Particularly focused on underserved schools and communities
• Arts Integration: Programs that use arts to transform educational outcomes
• Teacher Training: Professional development for educators in arts education

Geographic Focus The foundation has funded projects in multiple cities including:

• Primary Focus: Costa Mesa, Orange County, Los Angeles, and Southern California
• Secondary Focus: Other California cities (Burbank, Irvine, Long Beach, Napa)
• National: New York (Carnegie Hall, American Ballet Theatre), Chicago, Washington D.C.
• International: France (American Friends of Versailles)

Known Grant Recipients

Based on available data, recent grants have included:

• Turnaround Arts California: $236,235 (arts education in underserved schools)
• American Friends of Versailles: $172,000 (cultural preservation)
• Pacific Symphony: $150,000 (orchestral performances)
• United Ukrainian Ballet: Support for West Coast premiere performances (2023)

What They Don't Fund

Based on the foundation's focus and NTEE classification:

• Organizations outside the performing arts and arts education sectors
• General operating support for non-arts organizations
• Capital campaigns (outside their area of interest)
• Organizations without established track records
• Causes unrelated to arts and culture

Governance and Leadership

Trustees

Elizabeth Segerstrom (Trustee, serving without compensation) Elizabeth Segerstrom is a philanthropist, arts patron, and co-managing partner of C.J. Segerstrom & Sons. She serves on the board of Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is an active supporter of numerous cultural organizations including American Ballet Theatre, Carnegie Hall, LA Opera, Turnaround Arts: California, and American Friends of the Louvre. She has served as co-chair for events at Carnegie Hall and was one of the chairs of the American Ballet Theatre gala. In 2011, she received the Golden Baton Award from the Philharmonic Society for her extraordinary dedication to the arts in Southern California.

Elizabeth has spoken about her commitment to arts education: "Arts programs unfortunately are the first to go with budget cuts in our school systems. Through Turnaround Arts, we're able to give back to these departments directly and hopefully inspire the next generation of performers. I've seen first hand as Turnaround Arts' commitment to our community's students almost immediately increases their confidence, ambition, and focus."

Jennifer Jordan McCall (Trustee, serving without compensation) Jennifer Jordan McCall is a partner and co-leader of both the Private Client & Family Office and the Litigation – Trusts, Estates and High Net Worth teams at Pillsbury Law. She is a leading authority on U.S. and international gift and estate planning and is consistently recognized by Chambers USA and Chambers High Net Worth as a leading lawyer in her field. Her expertise in estate planning and wealth management brings important governance perspective to the foundation.

The Segerstrom Legacy

Henry T. Segerstrom (1923-2015) was a visionary developer and philanthropist whose contributions transformed Orange County's cultural landscape. Key achievements include:

• Donated 5 acres of land and $1 million to launch what became Segerstrom Center for the Arts (1979)
• Contributed $52 million for the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall (opened 2006)
• Donated over $2 million to Carnegie Hall, which awarded him the Medal of Excellence in 2010
• Gave over $100,000 to American Ballet Theatre for global advancement and establishing their William J. Gillespie School
• Created enduring partnerships between Segerstrom Center and major arts institutions

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. As a private family foundation, grants are awarded through trustee discretion based on existing relationships with cultural organizations and the trustees' philanthropic priorities.

The foundation does not:

• Accept unsolicited proposals
• Have application deadlines or cycles
• Maintain a grants management system
• Provide application guidelines or forms
• Respond to funding inquiries from unknown organizations

Organizations interested in support from this foundation should understand that grants typically flow to:

• Organizations where trustees have board involvement or close relationships
• Prestigious national and international arts institutions
• Programs aligned with the Segerstrom family's long-term philanthropic interests
• Organizations presenting at or connected to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns, the following specific strategies may be relevant:

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Connections Organizations that present performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts or collaborate with the Center appear to have stronger connections to the foundation. The United Ukrainian Ballet, for example, received support when presenting their West Coast premiere of "Giselle" at Segerstrom Center.

Elizabeth Segerstrom's Board Involvements Elizabeth Segerstrom serves on the board of Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is actively involved with:

• American Ballet Theatre
• Carnegie Hall
• LA Opera
• Turnaround Arts: California
• American Friends of the Louvre

Organizations connected to these institutions may benefit from existing relationships.

Arts Education Focus on Underserved Communities The foundation's significant support for Turnaround Arts: California demonstrates commitment to arts education in underserved schools. Elizabeth Segerstrom has personally hosted retreat attendees and provided special performances for educators in this program.

Special Events and Cultural VIP Gatherings Elizabeth Segerstrom is known to attend cultural events and premieres, particularly at Segerstrom Center. She hosted VIP attendees for the United Ukrainian Ballet's performance, indicating she values supporting emerging or significant cultural presentations.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation operates on a discretionary basis without formal application cycles or decision timelines.

Success Rates

Not available - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation does not have a public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since this foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, the following factors appear to influence their grant-making based on documented giving patterns:

Alignment with Performing Arts Excellence The foundation supports world-class performing arts organizations and presentations. Recipients include prestigious institutions like Carnegie Hall, American Ballet Theatre, Pacific Symphony, and American Friends of Versailles. Organizations should demonstrate artistic excellence and national or international recognition.

Connection to Dance and Ballet There is a particularly strong emphasis on ballet and dance. Henry Segerstrom was a major supporter of American Ballet Theatre, and the foundation supported the United Ukrainian Ballet's West Coast premiere. Dance organizations, particularly ballet companies, appear to be of special interest.

Arts Education Impact on Underserved Communities The foundation's largest single grant went to Turnaround Arts California ($236,235), demonstrating strong commitment to arts education programs that serve underserved schools. Elizabeth Segerstrom's quote emphasizes the importance of preventing arts programs from being cut and inspiring the next generation.

Southern California Focus with National Reach While the foundation has a strong Southern California focus (Orange County, Los Angeles), it also supports select national institutions in New York (Carnegie Hall, American Ballet Theatre) and international cultural organizations. Organizations should have either strong Southern California ties or national/international prestige.

Cultural Exchange and International Arts Support for American Friends of Versailles ($172,000) and United Ukrainian Ballet indicates interest in international cultural preservation and exchange. Organizations facilitating international cultural dialogue may align with foundation interests.

Relationship to Segerstrom Center for the Arts Many grants appear connected to organizations that perform at or partner with Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This makes sense given Elizabeth Segerstrom's board role and the family's founding support of the Center.

Humanitarian Dimensions of Arts The United Ukrainian Ballet support was structured to benefit BlueCheck humanitarian relief efforts for Ukraine, showing the foundation values arts projects with humanitarian dimensions.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a private family foundation that does not accept unsolicited applications. Do not submit proposals unless you have been specifically invited to do so.

• Grants flow through trustee relationships and discretion. Focus on building authentic relationships with Elizabeth Segerstrom and organizations in her network rather than attempting to apply for funding.

• Performing arts excellence is paramount. The foundation supports world-class ballet, symphony, opera, and theater organizations with established reputations.

• Arts education for underserved communities is a priority. Programs like Turnaround Arts California that use arts to transform educational outcomes for disadvantaged students receive significant support.

• Ballet and dance receive special emphasis. Organizations in these disciplines should note the foundation's strong historical connection to American Ballet Theatre and support for innovative dance presentations.

• Geographic focus is primarily Southern California with selective national reach. Orange County and Los Angeles organizations are prioritized, along with prestigious national institutions like Carnegie Hall and American Ballet Theatre.

• Connection to Segerstrom Center for the Arts matters. Organizations presenting at the Center or collaborating with it may have increased visibility to the foundation's trustees.

References

1. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Henry T And Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation. Available at: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/472574780 (Accessed February 2026)

2. Cause IQ - The Henry T and Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation profile. Available at: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/the-henry-t-and-elizabeth-segerstrom-charitable-fo,472574780/ (Accessed February 2026)

3. Candid Foundation Directory - Henry T and Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation. Available at: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=3610018 (Accessed February 2026)

4. Instrumentl - Henry T and Elizabeth Segerstrom Charitable Foundation 990 Report. Available at: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/henry-t-and-elizabeth-segerstrom-charitable-foundation (Accessed February 2026)

5. Henry T. Segerstrom Official Website - Elizabeth Segerstrom biography. Available at: https://henrysegerstrom.com/home/elizabeth-segerstrom/ (Accessed February 2026)

6. Orange County Business Journal - Elizabeth Segerstrom profile. Available at: https://www.ocbj.com/oc-500/oc-500-2020/elizabeth-segerstrom-2/ (Accessed February 2026)

7. Newport Beach Independent - "Elizabeth Segerstrom and the Power of Giving." Available at: https://www.newportbeachindy.com/elizabeth-segerstrom-and-the-power-of-giving/ (Accessed February 2026)

8. Turnaround Arts California - Professional Development and Annual Retreats. Available at: https://turnaroundartsca.org/ (Accessed February 2026)

9. Henry T. Segerstrom Official Website - Philanthropy and Performing Arts. Available at: https://henrysegerstrom.com/home/philanthropy/ (Accessed February 2026)

10. Pillsbury Law - Jennifer Jordan McCall attorney profile. Available at: https://www.pillsburylaw.com/en/lawyers/jennifer-mccall.html (Accessed February 2026)

11. Newport Beach Independent - "United Ukrainian Ballet Dances West Coast Premiere of Alexei Ratmansky's 'Giselle' at Segerstrom Center June 29 – July 2." Available at: https://www.newportbeachindy.com/united-ukrainian-ballet-dances-west-coast-premiere-of-alexei-ratmanskys-giselle-at-segerstrom-center-june-29-july-2/ (Accessed February 2026)

12. Henry T. Segerstrom Official Website - American Ballet Theatre. Available at: https://henrysegerstrom.com/home/philanthropy/performing-arts/american-ballet-theatre-2/ (Accessed February 2026)

13. Henry T. Segerstrom Official Website - Carnegie Hall. Available at: https://henrysegerstrom.com/home/philanthropy/performing-arts/carnegie-hall/ (Accessed February 2026)