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Ray & Vera Conniff Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.8M
Grant Range
$2K - $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $818,790 (2024 fiscal year)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $2,000 - $100,000
  • Median Grant: $16,500
  • Assets: $18.9 million
  • Geographic Focus: National (with grants made across multiple U.S. states)

Contact Details

Address: Fort Mill, SC (administrative address; foundation operates from Cleveland, OH)

EIN: 47-7041724

Note: The foundation does not maintain a public website or publicly listed contact information. Administrative matters are handled by The Private Trust Company NA as co-trustee.

Overview

The Ray & Vera Conniff Foundation was established in 2015 (tax-exempt status granted September 2015) in honor of legendary bandleader and arranger Ray Conniff (1916-2002) and his wife Vera Schmidheiny Conniff (1944-2018). The private foundation holds assets of approximately $18.9 million and distributed $818,790 in charitable grants during the 2024 fiscal year. The foundation made 28 grants in 2023, totaling $733,000, continuing a pattern of steady grantmaking (25 awards in 2022, 18 in 2021, 16 in 2020). Ray Conniff was renowned for his innovative arranging style, using voices to double instruments, and recorded over 100 albums beginning in 1954. He was known during his lifetime for supporting music education and arts programs for underprivileged youth. The foundation is managed by Tamara Conniff as co-trustee, a prominent music industry executive who served as the first female executive editor of Billboard magazine and currently leads Amplified Music Rights.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates a single discretionary grantmaking program with no formal application cycles. Grants are awarded on a trustee-discretion basis.

Grant Size: $2,000 - $100,000 (median: $16,500)

Geographic Scope: The foundation has funded projects in major cities across the United States, including New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and other locations in California, New York, and Texas.

Priority Areas

  • Human Services: The foundation's primary focus area, supporting multipurpose human service organizations
  • Music Education and Arts: Reflecting Ray Conniff's legacy of supporting music education programs and opportunities for aspiring musicians
  • Youth Development: Programs providing resources and opportunities for young people, particularly in underserved communities

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented. As a private foundation operating on a trustee-discretion model, funding priorities are determined by the trustees based on the foundation's legacy and values.

Governance and Leadership

Tamara Conniff - Co-Trustee (serves without compensation)

  • Music industry executive with extensive experience in music publishing and rights management
  • Partner and CEO of Amplified Music Rights (AMR)
  • Former Executive Vice President of Business Affairs for Roc Nation Music Publishing
  • First female and youngest-ever executive editor of Billboard magazine (2004-2008)
  • Founded Billboard's Women in Music event in 2007
  • Classical pianist by training
  • Campbell Hall alumna ('89)

The Private Trust Company NA - Co-Trustee (received $59,639 in compensation for 2024 fiscal year)

  • Professional trust company managing administrative and fiduciary responsibilities

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Ray & Vera Conniff Foundation does not have a public application process and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Grants are awarded at the discretion of the trustees. Organizations are typically identified through the trustees' existing networks, relationships, and knowledge of the nonprofit sector. The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation where grantmaking decisions are made internally by the board of trustees without external applications.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are awarded on a discretionary basis throughout the year without formal application deadlines or decision cycles.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications. The foundation made 28 grants in 2023 from internally identified opportunities.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - there is no public application process.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, organizations that align with the following characteristics may be more likely to come to the trustees' attention:

  • Strong Connection to Music and Arts: Given Ray Conniff's legacy as a pioneering musician and arranger, organizations working in music education, arts access, and cultural programming align with the foundation's heritage

  • Focus on Youth and Education: Ray Conniff was known for supporting programs that provided musical opportunities for underprivileged youth and believed in nurturing young talent

  • Human Services Excellence: Organizations providing direct human services, particularly multipurpose programs serving multiple community needs

  • Geographic Presence: While based in Ohio and South Carolina administratively, the foundation has demonstrated willingness to fund projects across major U.S. cities and multiple states

  • Established Track Record: As a private foundation making discretionary grants, organizations with proven impact and strong reputations in their fields are more likely to be considered

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No Public Application Process: This foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals - do not submit applications or inquiries
  • Trustee-Driven Grantmaking: All grants are made at the discretion of the trustees based on their knowledge and networks
  • Music Legacy Connection: The foundation honors the legacy of Ray Conniff, a music industry pioneer who valued music education and youth development
  • Consistent Grantmaking: Despite no public process, the foundation maintains steady grantmaking (28 grants in 2023, 25 in 2022) with a median grant of $16,500
  • Wide Geographic Reach: Grants have been made across multiple states, not limited to Ohio or South Carolina
  • Human Services Focus: The foundation's IRS classification emphasizes multipurpose human service organizations
  • Professional Management: The involvement of The Private Trust Company as co-trustee suggests professional fiduciary oversight alongside family/legacy management

References

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