Ares Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $12,092,316 (2023)
• Success Rate: N/A (no public application process)
• Decision Time: N/A (invitation only)
• Grant Range: $50,000 - $4,500,000
• Geographic Focus: United States, India, Asia, Europe, North America

Contact Details

Website: https://www.aresfoundation.org/
Address: 2000 Avenue Of The Stars, 12th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90067-4733
Phone: Not publicly available
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The Ares Charitable Foundation (EIN: 84-3666714) is a grant-making organization launched in June 2021 by Ares Management Corporation. With over $66 million in total commitments since its founding, the foundation accelerates equality of economic opportunity through grants that provide career preparation and reskilling, encourage entrepreneurship, and deepen understanding of personal finance. The foundation operates with a unique performance-based funding model, where about two dozen Ares investment funds pledge up to 5% of their annualized, realized net performance income. The foundation executes its philanthropy "with the same rigor, discipline and entrepreneurial spirit that Ares brings to its investment activities," according to leadership.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates through signature initiatives and employee-directed grants rather than traditional grant programs:

• CREST Initiative: $25 million over 5 years - Climate-resilient workforce development in US and India
• AltFinance: $30 million over 10 years - Diversifying alternative investment industry through HBCU partnerships
• Ownership Works: $1 million over 5 years - Employee ownership programs
• ELEVATE: New initiative (2024) - Supporting Latino entrepreneurs
• Employee-Directed Grants: $1.8 million in 2023 - Organizations chosen through regional committees

Priority Areas

• Career preparation and reskilling programs
• Entrepreneurship development and business creation
• Personal finance education and financial literacy
• Climate-resilient workforce development
• Diversity in alternative investment careers
• Employee ownership and wealth building

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation does not fund:

• Organizations outside their three core programming areas
• Individual requests
• General operating support unrelated to their initiatives
• Programs without measurable workforce or economic impact

Governance and Leadership

Co-Chairs:

• Michael Arougheti - CEO and President of Ares Management, Co-Founder
• Joel Holsinger - Partner and Co-Head of Alternative Credit (appointed March 2025)

President and Executive Director: Michelle Armstrong - Managing Director at Ares; previously held leadership roles at Goldman Sachs, MetLife, and Project Management Institute

Board Members include: Caroline Blakely (Rebuilding Together CEO), Greg Margolies (Partner, Ares), Michael Weiner (Former General Counsel)

Quote from CEO Michael Arougheti: "Our belief is that delivering value to stakeholders goes beyond financial returns – it's about ensuring that all members of society have equitable access to knowledge, resources and opportunities so that they can achieve their full potential."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through:

• Strategic partnerships initiated by foundation leadership
• Employee-directed grants determined by regional committees
• Invitation-only relationships with organizations aligned with their mission

Getting on Their Radar

Based on research into this specific funder:

• Employee Connections: The employee-directed grants program offers the most accessible pathway - Ares employees can champion organizations through regional grantmaking committees
• Strategic Partner Networks: Connect through existing grantees like Jobs for the Future, World Resources Institute, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, or Wharton School
• Michelle Armstrong Engagement: The President actively serves on boards including National Jazz Museum of Harlem - sector events where she speaks may offer networking opportunities
• Regional Committees: Ares has regional Grant Review & Diligence Committees (e.g., Asia committee co-chaired by Sharad Bajpai) that evaluate opportunities in specific geographies

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are determined through strategic planning and employee committees rather than application review cycles

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process to measure success rates against

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation-only funding model

Application Success Factors

Since Ares operates through strategic selection rather than open applications, organizations should focus on:

• Demonstrating Scale: Ares funds major initiatives ($500K minimum typical) with potential for systemic change across sectors or regions
• Employee Volunteer Integration: All Ares grants include volunteer components through their Ares in Motion (AIM) program - organizations that can meaningfully engage employee volunteers have an advantage
• Measurement Capability: The foundation partnered with FSG to develop rigorous evaluation frameworks - organizations must demonstrate ability to track outputs, outcomes, and long-term impact
• Strategic Alignment: Programs must clearly address one of three areas: career preparation/reskilling, entrepreneurship, or personal finance education
• Geographic Relevance: Focus on regions where Ares has operations, particularly US metropolitan areas, India, and financial centers globally
• Partnership Approach: Foundation prefers collaborative models with multiple stakeholders rather than single-organization initiatives

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Ares Charitable Foundation makes substantial grants ($50K - $4.5M) but has no public application process
• Best pathway for smaller organizations is through employee-directed grants via Ares staff connections
• Foundation commits to 5-10 year partnerships rather than one-time grants
• All grants must align with career preparation, entrepreneurship, or financial literacy missions
• Strong emphasis on measurable impact and evaluation - developed framework with FSG consulting
• Unique funding model tied to investment performance provides sustainable but variable funding capacity
• Organizations should focus on relationship building through employee networks and partner organizations

References

• Ares Foundation Official Website. https://www.aresfoundation.org/ (Accessed March 2026)
• Ares Philanthropy 2023 Annual Report. https://aresfoundationreport.aresmgmt.com/2023-annual-report/ (Accessed March 2026)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - IRS Form 990 filings for EIN 84-3666714. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/843666714 (Accessed March 2026)
• Business Wire Press Release: "Ares Management Corporation Launches Ares Charitable Foundation" (June 22, 2021)
• Business Wire Press Release: "Ares Charitable Foundation Awards $25 Million to Launch CREST Initiative" (April 20, 2022)
• Business Wire Press Release: "Ares Charitable Foundation Launches ELEVATE Initiative" (October 21, 2024)
• Candid/Foundation Directory Profile. https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?collection=grantmakers&activity=result&key=CEI9895247 (Accessed March 2026)
• Jobs for the Future - CREST Initiative. https://www.jff.org/idea/climate-resilient-employees-sustainable-tomorrow-crest/ (Accessed March 2026)
• EMpower Press Release: "Ares Charitable Foundation Awards $500,000 Grant" (December 2024)