The 1916 Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to providing financial support primarily for the arts, education, and health-related causes. It demonstrates a strong commitment to arts and culture by funding organizations such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, it supports educational institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and Tatnall School, reflecting its focus on education. The foundation also contributes to health charities, including Planned Parenthood and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Its grantmaking is characterized by general support for its recipients, indicating a flexible approach to funding. While it serves a variety of organizations, there is a notable emphasis on supporting both local and international charities.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established arts, education, or health charities and community foundations that can absorb multi‑tens- to hundreds-of-thousands-dollar general support and that have existing relationships or referrals into the funder's network.
Good Fit
- • Organization operates in arts, culture, education, or health sectors.
- • Capacity to accept large unrestricted or general operating grants.
- • Established reputation or a relationship with regional intermediaries or trustees.
- • Located in or connected to Delaware, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or the UK.
Geography
Observed giving in the latest year spans five states plus grants to London, with roughly half of dollars concentrated in Delaware and the remainder distributed across MA, UK, PA, and NJ.
Recipient Variety
In the latest year the foundation funded nine distinct, independent recipients across multiple sectors and regions, but dollars are highly concentrated (the top five recipients received 93% of 2024 giving).
New Applicants
Recent behavior shows new entrants (6 of 9 recipients in 2024), indicating turnover, but the stated policy that grants are only to preselected organizations and the absence of a public application path make it unclear whether unfamiliar applicants can gain access without introductions.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
