The Robert Lemelson Foundation
The Robert Lemelson Foundation, established by Robert Lemelson in 2010, is dedicated to improving global mental health and well-being through education and knowledge. The site lists grantees and initiatives (UCLA programs, fellowships, international projects) and identifies the founder. The contact page states the foundation does not accept unsolicited grant requests.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established research or education institutions (especially university departments), mental health or cultural-research organizations, or organizations with an existing relationship or intermediary connection to the foundation.
Good Fit
- • Existing relationship, referral, or prior collaboration with the foundation, its officers, or past grantees.
- • Work in mental health, anthropology, higher education, or related research and fellowship programs.
- • Capacity to receive designated or large institutional grants (e.g., university foundations).
- • Geographic presence or program activity in California or partnerships with California-based institutions.
Geography
Grants appear across three states but are heavily concentrated in California, which received about 85% of the dollars in the latest year; this indicates a regional/state-level footprint rather than a national program.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows six distinct grantees and a mix of university foundations, national associations, and small nonprofits; that spread indicates a moderate variety of independent recipients rather than a tiny closed beneficiary set.
New Applicants
The foundation publicly states it does not accept unsolicited requests and operates by preselection; although some new grantees appear in the observed years, the visible access route is invitation- or referral-based, so an unfamiliar applicant is unlikely to enter the portfolio without a direct connection.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
