Holly Peterson Foundation
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting arts and culture, education, and mental health initiatives. Its mission is reflected in its funding of various cultural institutions, museums, and educational scholarships, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing community engagement through the arts and education. The foundation primarily serves organizations that promote cultural heritage and educational programming, with a notable focus on supporting core activities of arts organizations. While it has a national reach, a significant portion of its funding is directed toward institutions in New York.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established arts, culture, or museum organizations (often New York–based) seeking operating support, gala/event underwriting, acquisitions, or scholarship funding.
Good Fit
- • Organization is an arts/culture institution or museum with a New York presence.
- • Requests align with core operating support, gala/event sponsorship, acquisitions, or endowed scholarships.
- • Organization is mid-to-large scale or connected into the NY cultural fundraising network.
- • Prior or visible relationships or invitations from foundation leadership or intermediaries.
Geography
Observed giving is highly concentrated in New York—about 79% of dollars in the latest year—with only four states receiving funds that year.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows a broad set of recipients (23 distinct organizations and 31 grants), and the foundation funded many different institutions across the two observed years (27 distinct in 2021), indicating a diverse recipient portfolio despite some dollar concentration.
New Applicants
Direct evidence shows substantial turnover (13 new recipients in the latest year), so new entrants have been funded in practice; however the foundation states it funds only preselected organizations and there is no public application portal, so unsolicited applicants appear unlikely to access funds without being identified or invited.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
