Daniel W Dietrich II Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,715,000 (2023)
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
• Grant Range: $1,500 - $2,000,000
• Geographic Focus: Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York

Contact Details

Mailing Address:
c/o Duane Morris LLP
30 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Phone: (215) 979-1000

Foundation Leadership:
Frank G. Cooper, President, Secretary, and Treasurer

Overview

The Daniel W Dietrich II Foundation was established in 2017 as a private grantmaking foundation following the legacy of philanthropist Daniel W. Dietrich II (1941-2015). With assets of $56.6 million, the foundation distributed $3,715,000 in grants during 2023 across seven awards. The foundation honors Dietrich's deep commitment to American art and cultural institutions, particularly those with "spiritual influences" in contemporary and classical arts. Dietrich himself was an art collector, former actor, heir to the Luden's cough drop fortune, and patron of visual, performing, and written arts. The foundation continues his mission of supporting projects that benefit the arts in general, including visual arts, literature, and the performing arts, primarily in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and New York.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Curtis Institute of Music - Daniel W. Dietrich II Young Alumni Fund

• Annual program providing $75,000-$100,000 in total funding
• Individual grants: $1,000 - $10,000
• For Curtis graduates within 10 years of completion
• Application deadline: Mid-February annually

Major Institutional Grants

• Philadelphia Museum of Art: $10 million+ (endowment for Excellence in Contemporary Art)
• Institute of Contemporary Art: $10 million (largest gift in museum history)
• Other cultural institutions in Pennsylvania and New York

Priority Areas

• Visual arts (contemporary and American art)
• Performing arts (opera, classical music)
• Literature and written arts
• Arts education and professional development
• Cultural institutions and museums

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations classified as private foundations
• Non-arts initiatives (implied by exclusive arts focus)

Governance and Leadership

Frank G. Cooper - President, Secretary, and Treasurer
Cooper serves in all three officer roles and oversees grantmaking activities through Duane Morris LLP. He also chairs the related William B. Dietrich Foundation.

The foundation carries forward Daniel W. Dietrich II's collecting philosophy of "American with spiritual influences." Dietrich once described his approach: "Have you ever seen an inchworm crawl up a leaf or twig, and there clinging to the very end, revolves in the air, feeling for something to reach? That's like me. I am trying to find something out there beyond the place on which I have a footing."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The foundation accepts written applications:

Required Submission:

• Two copies of written proposal
• Organization's nature and mission outline
• Detailed description of intended use of funds
• Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter (confirming applicant is NOT a private foundation)

Submission Address:
Daniel W Dietrich II Foundation
c/o Duane Morris LLP
30 South 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103

Decision Timeline

Not publicly disclosed. As a private foundation making only 7 awards annually, decision timelines likely vary based on proposal complexity and board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

• 7 awards made in 2023
• 8 awards made in 2022
• 5 awards made in 2021
• Highly selective given small number of awards and high grant amounts

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Foundation history suggests long-term relationships with certain institutions receiving multiple grants over time.

Application Success Factors

Organizations demonstrating connection to Dietrich's passions have significant advantage:

• American art with spiritual dimensions (Agnes Martin, Edward Hopper, Cy Twombly)
• Classical music and opera (particularly Gustav Mahler)
• Supporting emerging artists in professional transition
• Philadelphia and New York cultural institutions

The foundation shows preference for:

• Established cultural institutions with strong reputations
• Organizations with previous funding relationships
• Philadelphia and Pennsylvania-based arts organizations
• Educational institutions focused on arts training

For Curtis Young Alumni Fund, successful proposals demonstrate:

• Clear, well-articulated projects with specific goals
• How funding will meaningfully advance careers
• Realistic timelines and achievable objectives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly selective: Only 7 annual awards totaling $3.7 million; each application must be exceptionally strong and aligned
• Arts-exclusive focus: Funds arts organizations almost exclusively, emphasizing visual arts, classical music, opera, and literature
• Geographic concentration: Strong preference for Pennsylvania (especially Philadelphia) and New York institutions
• Relationship-driven: Evidence suggests ongoing relationships with core institutions rather than frequent new grantees
• Legacy alignment critical: Demonstrate connection to Dietrich's passions for American art with spiritual dimensions
• Formal written proposals: Follow specified two-copy format with required IRS documentation
• Consider Curtis model: Foundation interest in supporting emerging artists through critical professional transitions

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: Daniel W Dietrich II Foundation (EIN 81-3953762), Form 990-PF filed February 13, 2024
• Grantmakers.io Profile: DANIEL W DIETRICH II FOUNDATION
• Cause IQ: Daniel W Dietrich II Foundation profile
• Curtis Institute of Music: Annual Daniel W. Dietrich II Young Alumni Fund announcements (2022-2024)
• Philadelphia Museum of Art Press Release: "Museum Announces Major Gifts of American Art and $10 Million from the late Daniel W. Dietrich II" (2016)