Milias Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3,672,425 (2023)
• Total Assets: $92,495,213 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application)
• Decision Time: Not applicable (trustee discretion)
• Grant Range: Unable to determine from available data
• Geographic Focus: Likely California/regional based on location

Contact Details

• Address: 150 S Los Robles Ave Ste 860, Pasadena, CA 91101-4628
• EIN: 95-4512936
• Website: No public website found
• Email: Not publicly available
• Phone: Not publicly available

Overview

The Milias Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in August 1995 and based in Pasadena, California. With total assets of approximately $92.5 million as of 2024, the foundation distributed $3.67 million in grants in 2023. The foundation operates as a family foundation with no paid staff, governed by members of the Milias family and close associates. Revenue primarily comes from investment returns, including sales of assets ($16.96 million in 2024) and dividends ($2.38 million in 2024). The foundation maintains a low public profile with no public website or published grant guidelines.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Specific grant programs and funding amounts are not publicly disclosed. The foundation distributed $3,672,425 in total grants in 2023 through trustee-directed giving.

Priority Areas

Unable to determine from available public information. Grant recipient details are only available through Form 990-PF filings.

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Directors:

• Elizabeth Milias - CEO/President
• Mitchell J. Milias - CFO (previously worked at Primecap Management Co in Pasadena)
• Margot A. Milias - Secretary
• Mitchell C. Milias - Director
• Katherine M. Milias - Director
• Anne M. Ryan - Director

All board members serve without compensation, indicating a commitment to maximizing charitable disbursements.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees, likely based on pre-existing relationships and board member recommendations. As a private family foundation, funding decisions are made internally without soliciting public applications.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - grants are made on a discretionary basis throughout the year as determined by the board of trustees.

Success Rates

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept unsolicited applications.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - no public application process exists.

Application Success Factors

Given the invitation-only nature of this foundation:

• Relationships with board members or their networks are likely essential
• Organizations should focus on building visibility within Pasadena philanthropic circles
• Alignment with causes supported by the Milias family would be advantageous
• Strong local presence in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area may increase chances of consideration

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• The Milias Foundation operates as a private family foundation with no public application process
• All grants are made at trustee discretion, making relationships and network connections critical
• With nearly $100 million in assets and annual giving exceeding $3.6 million, this is a substantial funder
• The foundation maintains minimal public presence - no website, published guidelines, or contact information
• Grant recipient information can only be obtained through Form 990-PF filings
• Board composition suggests a close-knit family operation with trusted advisors
• Organizations seeking support would need to connect through board members' professional or personal networks

References

• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Milias Foundation Profile (accessed January 2025) https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/954512936
• Instrumentl - Milias Foundation 990 Report (accessed January 2025) https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/milias-foundation
• Corporation Wiki - Elizabeth Milias Profile (accessed January 2025) https://www.corporationwiki.com/p/2mw90l/elizabeth-ann-milias
• Various foundation research databases and IRS Form 990-PF resources