Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $1,067,292 (2022)
• Success Rate: N/A (invitation-only)
• Decision Time: N/A (trustee-initiated)
• Grant Range: Varies (average ~$9,200)
• Geographic Focus: National (USA)

Contact Details

• Website: www.ellafitzgerald.com/the-foundation/
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 30432, Spokane, WA 99223
• Note: Does not accept unsolicited applications or inquiries

Overview

Founded in 1993 by legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation carries forward her humanitarian legacy with over $15.6 million in assets. The foundation has awarded over 1,084 grants totaling more than $7.2 million since 2014, focusing on four core areas that reflect Ella's personal passions and struggles. Operating as a private, trustee-initiated foundation from Los Angeles, it honors Ella's desire to "use the fruits of her success to help people of all races, cultures, and beliefs achieve a better life." The foundation maintains long-term partnerships with select organizations, including relationships spanning over 25 years, demonstrating its commitment to sustained impact rather than one-time support.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Music Education & Scholarships: Variable amounts

• Funds 30+ scholarships annually at universities nationwide
• Supports jazz and vocal music programs
• Partners with conservatories and music schools

"A Book Just for Me!" Program: ~$100,000 annually

• Supplies books to 100 nonprofit organizations yearly
• Has distributed 965,122+ books since 2006
• Average cost: $0.99 per book

Medical Research Grants: Multi-year commitments

• Five-year renewable grants to City of Hope for diabetes research
• Ongoing support since 1996

Basic Needs Support: Variable amounts

• Healthcare, food, shelter, and counseling services
• After-school enrichment programs

Priority Areas

• Music education and exposure for children and young adults
• Literacy and book distribution programs
• Medical research (diabetes, heart disease, vision problems)
• Basic needs support for disadvantaged populations

What They Don't Fund

• Unsolicited proposals
• Individual requests
• Organizations outside their preselected network

Governance and Leadership

• Richard D. Rosman - President
• Fran E. Morris Rosman - Vice President, Programs
• Sharon B. Maguire - Education Consultant
• Randal Rosman - Executive Director

The Board of Directors personally identifies and selects all grant recipients, maintaining Ella's vision of helping people from all backgrounds. The foundation operates with a small, dedicated team that has sustained multi-decade partnerships with key institutions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. According to their official website: "We are not able to accept unsolicited grant requests, nor do we have applications." All grants are initiated by the Board of Directors who proactively identify organizations aligned with their mission.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and long-term partnerships, organizations might increase visibility by:

• Demonstrating excellence in jazz education programs, particularly at universities with existing Ella Fitzgerald scholarship programs
• Building relationships with current grantees in their network, including Bob Cole Conservatory, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and City of Hope
• Establishing connections through UNCF member institutions where the foundation has existing scholarship commitments
• Participating in jazz education conferences and events where foundation board members may be present

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - trustee-initiated grants

Success Rates

Not applicable - no public application process

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - invitation only

Application Success Factors

Since the foundation operates on a trustee-initiated model, traditional application strategies don't apply. However, analysis of their grant patterns reveals:

• The foundation maintains 20+ year relationships with select organizations like City of Hope (since 1996)
• They favor institutions with strong jazz and vocal music programs, reflecting Ella's legacy
• Medical research grants focus specifically on conditions that affected Ella personally (diabetes, heart disease, vision)
• Their book program demonstrates preference for cost-effective, high-impact distribution models
• Long-term sustainability matters - they provide multi-year commitments and renewable grants
• Organizations serving diverse populations align with Ella's commitment to helping "people of all races, cultures, and beliefs"

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is a legitimate, active grant-making foundation with $15.6+ million in assets, but it does NOT accept applications
• Focus areas directly reflect Ella Fitzgerald's personal passions (music) and health struggles (diabetes, vision, heart disease)
• The foundation values long-term partnerships - some relationships span 25+ years
• Average grant size is approximately $9,200, but ranges from small book purchases to multi-year research commitments
• Geographic reach is national, with concentrations in California, New York, Texas, and other states with partner universities
• Building visibility in jazz education circles and establishing excellence in their priority areas is the only path to consideration
• The foundation's book program has achieved remarkable scale (965,000+ books distributed) through cost-effective partnerships

References

• Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Official Website - www.ellafitzgerald.com/the-foundation/ (Accessed February 2024)
• Charity Navigator Profile - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/954419236 (Accessed February 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, IRS Form 990 Filings - https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954419236 (Accessed February 2024)
• Cause IQ Foundation Profile - https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/ella-fitzgerald-charitable-foundation,954419236/ (Accessed February 2024)
• Instrumentl 990 Report Analysis - https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/ella-fitzgerald-charitable-foundation (Accessed February 2024)
• City of Hope Partnership Documentation - https://www.cityofhope.org/giving/zhen-bouman-chen-sings-praises-fitzgerald-foundation (Accessed February 2024)
• Candid Foundation Directory Profile - https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile/?key=FITZ020 (Accessed February 2024)
• GuideStar Profile - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/95-4419236 (Accessed February 2024)