Sarah Scaife Foundation Incorporated
The Sarah Scaife Foundation is a Pittsburgh-based private foundation (EIN 25-1113452) that primarily funds public policy programs domestically and internationally. Recent IRS Form 990-PF filings and nonprofit databases show large annual grantmaking and active operations.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established national or regional public-policy research centers, university policy programs, or fellowship initiatives focused on public policy, economics, national security, or regulatory studies.
Good Fit
- • Work focused on public policy, policy research, or policy-oriented fellowships.
- • Capacity to absorb multi-hundred-thousand-dollar operating or program grants.
- • Track record with similar national think tanks or university centers.
- • Programs that align with topics already funded (defense, economics, taxation, regulatory studies).
- • Presence or activity in the DC policy ecosystem or strong national reach.
Geography
The latest year shows grants to organizations in 32 states with only about 5% given in the foundation's home state and roughly 37% concentrated in the DC area, indicating a broadly national footprint with a DC/VA concentration.
Recipient Variety
In the most recent year the foundation made roughly 176 grants to about 151 distinct recipients spanning universities, think tanks, fellowships, and research centers, showing a large and institutionally diverse recipient set.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of turnover exists (18 new recipients in the latest year) and a public website plus application guidance and a mailing/phone contact are available, but a high returning-recipient rate (about 88% returning) suggests selection is relationship-influenced rather than broadly open.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
