The Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation

The grant application period is now closed.

About the Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation

As Walt Disney's housekeeper for 30 years, Thelma Pearl Howard was a caring perfectionist who made a lasting impression on all whose lives she touched.

Lovingly known as "Fou-Fou," Howard was given a few shares of Walt Disney Company stock as holiday and birthday presents.  She had great faith in the Disneys and held on to every share; her faith paid off and eventually made her a wealthy woman. Howard passed away on June 10, 1994, just days before her 80th birthday.

Through Howard's will, the Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation was established at the California Community Foundation in 1994 as a supporting organization to honor her memory and her love for children. It was her wish that a fund be designated for disadvantaged children.

Annual grants from the fund are administered by the community foundation with the help of an independent board of directors. Support is available for specific interest areas. The grantmaking focus is periodically updated to stay aligned with the community foundation's broader commitment to children.  Since 1995, the Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation has awarded more than $3.9 million in grants.

Funding Opportunities

About $300,000 in grants are awarded each year to outstanding Los Angeles County arts-based educational enrichment programs for children in preschool through eighth grade. The average grant award is $25,000. Funding is available for programs that focus on one or more of the following for example:

• Literacy/academic skills development
• Motor skills development
• Improving attitude and/or behaviors toward school

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Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must:

• Be located in and serve many communities and cities of Los Angeles County
• Serve disadvantaged children
• Be a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code

The Thelma Pearl Howard Foundation has distinct preferences for projects that demonstrate meaningful and measurable results for participants. Agencies with strong operations and a growing maturity in their work are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Grants are awarded for specific projects only. General operating support is not available. The foundation will only accept online applications at this time.

Contact Program Assistant Pamela Davis at (213) 413-4130 for more information.

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