Marta Heflin Foundation

The Marta Heflin Foundation is a private grant-making foundation established in 2014 in memory of actress Marta Heflin (1945-2013), known for her roles in Robert Altman films including "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" and "A Perfect Couple," as well as Broadway productions such as "Fiddler on the Roof," "Hair," and "Jesus Christ Superstar." The foundation is led by President Lloyd Ronald Walker and Vice President Paul Richard Katz, each compensated $75,000 annually. With $14.5 million in assets and zero liabilities, the foundation operates a high-volume, modest-grant-size strategy, distributing approximately 90-99 grants per year averaging $6,000-$8,000 each. The password-protected website suggests a deliberate gatekeeping approach — the foundation likely operates through invitation or referral rather than open solicitation. Focus areas span arts, education, human services, creative writing, historic preservation, journalism, animal rescue, and environmental education, reflecting the broad cultural interests of its namesake.

The Marta Heflin Foundation distributes approximately $600,000-$767,000 annually across 88-99 grants. In 2024, charitable disbursements totaled $767,235, with 97 awards made. The typical grant ranges from $1,000 to $30,000, making this a high-frequency, modest-grant-size funder. Revenue in 2024 was $1.62M, primarily from asset sales ($1.21M, 74.5%) and dividends ($358K, 22.1%), with $54,800 in other income and zero contributions — indicating the foundation is entirely self-funded from its endowment. Total expenses of $967,535 include $150,000 in officer compensation (15.5% of expenses) and $767,235 in charitable disbursements (79.3%). Assets have remained stable around $14-15M since 2018, with the foundation spending roughly at its investment return rate, suggesting a perpetuity-oriented distribution strategy rather than a spend-down model. The foundation's giving has grown from $616K (2019) to $767K (2024), a 24% increase over five years.

Among NYC-based arts-oriented private foundations of similar size, the Marta Heflin Foundation stands out for its exceptionally high grant volume (97 awards from a $14.5M asset base) and broad thematic scope extending beyond performing arts into education, human services, journalism, and animal rescue. The giving-to-asset ratio of approximately 5.3% exceeds the IRS minimum distribution requirement of 5%, indicating disciplined compliance. Compared to peer foundations like Amphion and Axe-Houghton which focus narrowly on performing arts, Marta Heflin Foundation casts a much wider net across disciplines.

In 2024, the foundation made 97 grants totaling $767,235, continuing its pattern of high-volume modest giving. Notable recent grantees include Treatment Action Group (supporting their 2024 Limited Art Edition, a health-focused initiative at the intersection of art and HIV/TB/HCV advocacy) and Treehouse Shakers (supporting their 2023-2024 theater season). La Mama Experimental Theatre Club, a legendary Off-Off-Broadway institution, has also received support. The foundation's 2024 revenue of $1.62M significantly exceeded its $967K in expenses, adding to the endowment. The password-protected website remains in place, consistent with the foundation's pattern of relationship-based rather than open-application grantmaking. The foundation declared zero live grant opportunities on Instrumentl, confirming there is no publicly advertised funding cycle.

1. This is not an open-application foundation: The password-protected website and absence of publicly advertised grant cycles strongly indicate relationship-based or invitation-only grantmaking. Cold applications are unlikely to succeed. 2. Build relationships through arts networks: Given the founder's deep roots in theater and performing arts (Broadway, Robert Altman films), organizations with connections to the NYC performing arts community may have the strongest entry point. La Mama and Treehouse Shakers both represent this world. 3. Request modestly ($5K-$15K): With 97 awards averaging ~$8K, the foundation clearly prefers to spread funding widely. Requests above $30K are rare outliers. 4. Demonstrate breadth of impact: The foundation funds across arts, education, human services, journalism, animal rescue, and environmental education — organizations working at intersections of these fields may be especially attractive. 5. Contact directly: Phone (646-270-3799) at 1159 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10065. A concise, personal letter of inquiry to Lloyd Ronald Walker (President) or Paul Richard Katz (Vice President) is likely the appropriate first step rather than a formal application.