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Conru Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,590,000 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Rolling basis with timely responses
  • Grant Range: $3,000 - $100,000
  • Geographic Focus: Prioritizes Washington state, but not strictly limited to US-based nonprofits

Contact Details

Primary Contact: nonie@conruartfoundation.org
Alternative Contact: wendy@publicdisplay.art
Phone: 206-285-7242
Website: https://www.conru.org/ and https://conruartfoundation.org/
Address: 200 W Mercer Street E300, Seattle, WA 98119

Overview

The Conru Foundation was established in 2017 by Andrew Conru, a technology entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford who founded FriendFinder Network. With approximately $36.5 million in assets, the foundation distributed $1,590,000 across 46 grants in 2023. The foundation describes its approach as "strategic and data-driven, ensuring that each grant serves as both a reflection of our values and an investment in a better future." The foundation supports innovative projects and organizations that align with its core values of critical thinking, evidence-based problem-solving, and the pursuit of knowledge. In recent years, founder Andrew Conru has shifted focus toward initiatives that bring people together and foster understanding, with increasing emphasis on supporting the arts and education. In 2025, the Conru Art Foundation launched a major $50 million initiative to support artists and expand public access to the arts in Seattle.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grantmaking Program: $3,000 - $100,000

  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis via email inquiry
  • No fixed deadlines
  • Review process aims for timely responses

Conru Art Foundation - Salon Bonus Program: Grants with venue access

  • Five-year, $2.5 million commitment ($500,000 annually) announced in December 2025
  • Recipients receive both financial support and fully funded access to ArtLove Salon venue (valued at $10,000+ per event)
  • 16,000 sq ft space at 110 Union Street, Seattle, featuring over 200 artworks

Seattle Prize Masters Fellowship: Artist residency program

  • $50,000 annual stipend for two-year program
  • Free studio space in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square
  • Expert mentorship and professional development
  • 5-10 artists selected per cohort
  • For early-career artists dedicated to classical, representational painting

Priority Areas

Environmental Stewardship: The foundation supports environmental conservation efforts, with past grants to American Conservation Coalition and American Lands Project.

Educational Advancement: Funding for educational institutions and organizations that promote critical thinking and evidence-based learning, including Rose Hulman Institute of Technology and Empowered Pathways.

Media Integrity: Support for journalism and media organizations, including Grist Magazine and free speech advocacy through Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression.

Arts and Culture: Significant focus on Seattle-based arts organizations, including Seattle Theatre Group, Seattle Art Museum, Gage Academy of Art, Vashon Center for the Arts, Good Foot Arts Collective, Northwest African American Museum, and Urban ArtWorks.

Humanitarian Causes: Including LGBTQ+ support (Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign Foundation), women's health (Planned Parenthood Federation of America), and international aid (Doctors Without Borders).

Climate and Sustainability: Organizations working on climate solutions and sustainable practices.

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publish a formal list of funding exclusions. Based on available information:

  • Grants are restricted to US-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations only
  • No specific restrictions documented beyond this eligibility requirement

Governance and Leadership

Founder: Andrew Conru, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, technology entrepreneur who founded FriendFinder Network and other internet companies.

Andrew Conru on his philanthropic approach: "We are disrupting the standard grant model. Money is essential, but visibility and connection are what truly drive change."

The foundation operates with a strategic and data-driven approach, with Conru's recent focus shifting toward initiatives that bring people together and foster understanding through arts and education.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Conru Foundation accepts letters of inquiry via email at any time on a rolling basis.

Application Steps:

  1. Email nonie@conruartfoundation.org (or wendy@publicdisplay.art) with a brief description of your initiative
  2. Explain how your project aligns with the foundation's mission and core values (critical thinking, evidence-based problem-solving, pursuit of knowledge)
  3. The foundation reviews applications as they are received
  4. No formal application form or online portal required

For Seattle Prize Masters Fellowship: Visit seattleprize.org for specific application details and timing.

Decision Timeline

The foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis and aims to provide timely responses to all inquiries. Specific timeframes are not publicly disclosed, but the rolling review process means applications are evaluated as received rather than in batches.

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly disclosed. In 2023, the foundation made 46 grants totaling $1,590,000, demonstrating active grantmaking across diverse areas.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publish a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Contact the foundation directly for guidance on reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Core Values: The foundation explicitly seeks organizations that demonstrate "critical thinking, evidence-based problem-solving, and the pursuit of knowledge." Applications should clearly articulate how the proposed project embodies these values.

Strategic and Data-Driven Approach: The foundation describes its grantmaking as "strategic and data-driven." Applications should include clear metrics, evidence-based approaches, and demonstrate potential for measurable impact.

Potential for Significant Impact: According to Inside Philanthropy, the foundation seeks "innovative projects" with "potential for significant, scalable impact." Emphasize how your work can create meaningful, lasting change.

Connection and Community Building: As Andrew Conru stated, "visibility and connection are what truly drive change." Recent funding patterns show increased emphasis on initiatives that bring people together, particularly through arts and education.

Examples of Funded Projects:

  • American Conservation Coalition ($200,000, 2021): Conservative environmental advocacy
  • Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression ($200,000, 2021): Free speech and civil liberties
  • Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology ($200,000, 2021): Academic research
  • Seattle Theatre Group: Arts and culture in Seattle
  • Planned Parenthood Federation of America: Women's health
  • Doctors Without Borders: Humanitarian aid

Geographic Preference: While not strictly limited to Washington state, the foundation prioritizes Washington-based organizations, particularly for arts funding. Seattle-based arts organizations have received significant support.

Clear Mission Alignment: Review the foundation's focus areas (environmental stewardship, educational advancement, media integrity, arts and culture) and clearly articulate which area(s) your work addresses.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Email inquiry is the entry point: Keep initial outreach concise but substantive, focusing on mission alignment with the foundation's core values of critical thinking, evidence-based problem-solving, and knowledge pursuit
  • Rolling deadlines work in your favor: Applications are reviewed year-round, allowing you to apply when your project is ready rather than waiting for set deadlines
  • Grant range provides flexibility: With awards from $3,000 to $100,000, both smaller pilot projects and larger initiatives can be funded
  • Data and evidence matter: The foundation's "strategic and data-driven" approach means applications should include clear metrics and evidence-based methodologies
  • Washington state organizations have an edge: While not exclusively funding Washington, there is a clear geographic preference, especially for arts organizations
  • Connection and visibility are valued: Andrew Conru's emphasis on "visibility and connection" as drivers of change suggests highlighting networking, collaboration, and community-building aspects of your work
  • Recent shift toward arts and education: Be aware that the foundation's focus has increasingly shifted toward initiatives that bring people together, particularly through arts and education, though other focus areas remain active

References

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