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Sheila Fortune Foundation

Annual Giving
$0.5M
Grant Range
$4K - $0.0M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $464,400 (2023, per 990 filing)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $4,000 - $10,000
  • Average Grant: $5,600 - $5,900
  • Geographic Focus: Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico
  • Number of Grants: 72 awards in 2024

Contact Details

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20508 Boulder, CO 80308

Email: sheilafortunefnd@gmail.com

Website: www.sheilafortunefoundation.com

Note: The foundation does not list a public phone number.

Overview

The Sheila Fortune Foundation was established in 1998 by Sheila Murray Fortune (10 January 1948 – 25 April 2024) to promote the interests of at-risk youth by providing them opportunities to experience and participate in educational activities through the arts. The foundation operates as a private foundation with total assets of approximately $5.5 million. Its mission centres on helping abused or at-risk children pursue interests in the performing arts, based on the belief that "youths from all backgrounds and experiences are gifted but often lack the opportunity to express and develop their talents." The foundation focuses on measurable programme delivery and breadth of reach, operating with a streamlined approach that supports select programmes in four states. The foundation distributed $407,000 in grants to 72 organisations in 2024.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

The foundation offers non-recurring grants ranging from $4,000 to $10,000, with an average award of approximately $5,600-$5,900. Grants are made to programmes, not individuals. The foundation researches existing programmes and meets with directors or coordinators to determine grant recipients. These are one-time awards without obligation for future funding, though organisations may receive grants in multiple years.

Priority Areas

The foundation supports at-risk youth programmes in the performing arts, including:

  • Music: Orchestra programmes, music lessons, ensemble music education, instrument provision
  • Theatre: Musical theatre, dramatic arts, and performance programmes
  • Dance: Various dance styles and movement education
  • Visual Arts: Painting, drawing, and art classes
  • Circus Arts: Acrobatics and aerial arts
  • Creative Writing: Writing workshops and poetry
  • Film and Photography: Media arts programmes
  • Multidisciplinary Arts: Programmes combining multiple art forms

Programmes must serve abused or at-risk children through waived fees and scholarships to ensure accessibility regardless of ability to pay.

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Programmes outside Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico
  • Programmes primarily focused on physical or emotional care (the foundation defers to other organisations for these needs)
  • General operating support for organisations that don't directly serve at-risk youth in the performing arts

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Ramona Clark

Founder: Sheila Murray Fortune (1948–2024)

The foundation operates with a small staff structure typical of private foundations. Board member information is not publicly disclosed in available databases. The foundation maintains offices in Boulder, Colorado.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IMPORTANT: The Sheila Fortune Foundation has not been accepting applications from new organisations in recent years.

The foundation has been re-evaluating its funding approach and has not been accepting applications from new organisations. The foundation now primarily supports existing grantees and organisations identified through the foundation's own research and relationship-building efforts.

When applications are accepted, the process typically involves:

  • A short application form available on the foundation's website under "Grantee Application"
  • Contact with the foundation to confirm deadlines (when applications are being accepted)
  • The foundation researches programmes and meets with directors before making grant decisions

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly disclosed. The foundation requests applicants contact them directly for deadline information when applications are being accepted.

Success Rates

With 72 awards made in 2024 and 79 in 2023, the foundation has a selective grantmaking process. However, specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly available since much of the grantmaking appears to be relationship-based rather than through open competition.

Reapplication Policy

10-Year Sabbatical Policy: Long-time grantee recipients (10+ years) are respectfully requested to take a two-year sabbatical from applying for funding, a policy that began in 2019. This allows the foundation to support a broader range of organisations.

Non-Recurring Grants: All grants are officially non-recurring, meaning each award does not constitute any obligation for subsequent grants. However, organisations can and do receive multiple grants over time, provided they are not in their sabbatical period.

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation has not been accepting new applications in recent years, the following reflects what the foundation has historically looked for and what existing grantees should emphasise:

Measurable Impact: The foundation prioritises "measurable programme delivery and breadth of reach." Successful programmes demonstrate clear outcomes through both quantitative measures (number of children served, frequency of participation, scholarships awarded) and qualitative measures (artist anecdotes, progress notes, feedback from children and parents).

Serving At-Risk Youth: Programmes must specifically target abused or at-risk children. The foundation's tagline "Abuse is no excuse not to perform in the arts" reflects its commitment to ensuring vulnerable youth can access creative opportunities.

Accessibility: Programmes should demonstrate how they remove financial barriers through waived fees, scholarships, or no-cost programming. Many successful grantees specifically serve schools where 50%+ of students qualify for free/reduced lunch, or target refugee, immigrant, and low-income populations.

Youth Development Indicators: The foundation values programmes that foster:

  • Self-definition and identity development
  • Self-discipline
  • Creative expression
  • Social interactions
  • Competence and achievements
  • Meaningful indicators of change

Examples of Funded Programmes:

  • El Sistema Colorado: Offers free music programming, group classes, and instruments to Denver's under-resourced youth
  • Arts Hub: Partners with Sanchez Elementary (77% free/reduced lunch students) to provide arts programming
  • Beyond Bars: Serves youth who have been incarcerated or are children of incarcerated parents
  • Village Exchange Center: Serves immigrant and refugee populations in metro Denver
  • Expressive Path: Serves at-risk teens who have been abused, abandoned, and neglected
  • Mirror Image Arts: Uses theatre to inspire dialogue and awareness while promoting compassion and empowerment

Financial Accountability: Grantees must submit evaluation reports including project profit and loss statements showing income and expenses. This demonstrates responsible stewardship of grant funds.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Not Currently Open to New Applicants: The foundation has not been accepting applications from new organisations in recent years and primarily supports existing grantees.
  • Relationship-Based Grantmaking: The foundation actively researches programmes and meets with directors rather than relying solely on applications, suggesting relationship-building is key.
  • Focus on At-Risk Populations: Programmes must specifically serve abused or at-risk children; general arts programmes without this focus will not align.
  • Geographic Limitations: Only programmes in Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Mexico are eligible.
  • Modest Grant Sizes: Expect grants in the $4,000-$10,000 range; the foundation makes numerous smaller grants rather than fewer large ones.
  • Non-Recurring Structure: Plan for one-time funding; do not assume ongoing support, though multiple grants over time are possible.
  • Long-Term Grantees Take Sabbaticals: Organisations that have received funding for 10+ years must take a two-year break, creating opportunities for others.
  • Measurable Outcomes Required: Be prepared to demonstrate impact through specific metrics and qualitative evidence in evaluation reports.

References

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