PRIORITY AREAS
The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) makes grants in three priority areas: Conservation, Performing Arts, and Social Impact.
Conservation
The ocean sustains life on earth. Marine ecosystems foster immense biodiversity that nourishes and provides livelihoods for human communities world-wide. Moreover, the ocean regulates crucial climate processes by absorbing and storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide while simultaneously producing oxygen. Tragically, however, the ocean’s ability to perform these vital functions is imperiled by a host of human-caused threats, including climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing, and pollution.
The PMAFF Conservation program works to counteract these threats by supporting organizations, projects, and programs that conserve and protect marine biodiversity. In 2022-23, we carried out a strategic analysis to identify underfunded marine conservation fields where our investment could have the greatest impact. As a result, we focus our grantmaking on efforts to:
- Implement sustainable and effective Marine Protected Areas;
- Reform international fisheries governance;
- Conserve coral reef ecosystems;
- Conserve shark and ray species;
- Increase legal capacity dedicated to marine conservation;
- End plastic pollution; and
- Combat climate change by decarbonizing maritime shipping and building international efforts for climate action.
We uphold these priorities by working closely with ocean-focused donor advised funds and funding collaboratives to award grants for ocean conservation work.
Read more about the conservation program priorities here.
Please note that we are currently accepting all grant requests by invitation to pre-selected organizations or projects only.
Performing Arts
The PMAFF Performing Arts program supports the presentation, perpetuation, and propagation of performing arts events, focusing on classical music and theater. Grantee organizations include professional performers, presenters (including broadcasters), and educators. We are currently considering grants to the Chicago area, Cleveland, Detroit, and the Mid-Atlantic Region (from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, PA).
Please note that we are currently accepting new grant requests by invitation only to pre-selected organizations or projects only. We also do not fund dance, film, or individual commissions.
Social Impact
The PMAFF Social Impact program works to build equitable, safe, and thriving communities, with a focus on advancing racial justice for individuals and families most affected by systemic inequities. This requires long-term, comprehensive strategies that are shaped and led by those closest to the challenges and opportunities within their communities.
PMAFF is committed to addressing the root causes of persistent inequities, including the profoundly harmful impacts of structural racism. Our support focuses on creating pathways to meaningful opportunities—such as access to quality education, networks of support and healing, financial stability, and employment—while also advancing civic engagement, organizing, and advocacy efforts that drive lasting systemic change.
Communities of color have endured decades of public and private disinvestment, resulting in inequities across social, economic, and civic life. Yet, these same communities are rich with creativity, resilience, and leadership, embodied by individuals, families, businesses, and institutions working toward a more just future. The PMAFF Social Impact program seeks to honor these realities by learning from and investing in thoughtful changemakers. Our priorities are Civic Engagement & Policy Advocacy, Economic Justice & Empowerment, Education & Youth Programs, Justice, and Safe, Healthy, & Thriving Communities. Find more information on these here.
Please note that we are currently accepting new grant requests for organizations or projects based in the Chicagoland area only.
TYPES OF SUPPORT
General Operating
These are the most flexible types of grant. Funds may be applied in any manner in which the organization sees fit, subject to its mission.
Program/Project Grants
These grants are targeted to a specific program or project. Applicants must submit a specified budget and narrative to support their applications.
LIMITATIONS
The PMAFF will not consider grant requests pertaining to:
- Religious institutions or other nonprofit organizations affiliated with a religion
- Debt reduction
- Fundraising events
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service and be designated as a public charity.
If your organization does not currently hold 501(c)(3) status but is working with a fiscal sponsor, you are eligible to apply if the fiscal sponsor can provide a 501(c)(3) determination letter and a written fiscal sponsorship contract.
If you are an international organization applying for a grant within our Conservation priority area, you are also eligible to apply.
GRANT CYCLE
The PMAFF has two grant cycles per year: spring and fall. View 2025 grant cycle dates here.