Paul M. Angell Family Foundation Conservation Program is sponsored by Paul M. Angell Family Foundation.

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation's Conservation program supports organizations, projects, and programs that conserve and protect marine biodiversity.

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation (PMAFF) makes grants in three priority areas: Conservation, Performing Arts, and Social Impact. 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 funding collaboratives to award grants for ocean conservation work. Please note that we are currently accepting grant requests from pre-selected organizations or projects by invitation-only. The arts and artists have a unique ability to connect us to the beauty and complexity of our shared humanity.

They build empathy, call us to action, and encourage us to imagine a future where all cultures, identities, and communities flourish together. The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation’s Performing Arts Program funds a wide range of organizations — from emerging groups to major institutions — so the arts are in reach for everyone.

By equipping our partners with the resources to dream boldly and create dynamic, resonant, and impactful work, we help build an equitable and sustainable arts sector that enriches our lives, uplifts creators, and tells the stories of who we were, are, and can become. NOW OPEN | Envisioning the Future: Holistic Resources for New Work Development. Read the full RFP and register for the June 16 information session here .

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 from pre-selected organizations or projects by invitation-only. Priority will be given to organization or projects based in the Chicagoland area. 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. These grants are targeted to a specific program or project. Applicants must submit a specified budget and narrative to support their applications.

The PMAFF will not consider grant requests pertaining to: Religious institutions or other nonprofit organizations affiliated with a religion 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. Now Open | November Grantmaking Cycle The Paul M.

Angell Family Foundation has two grant cycles per year: April and November. View 2026 grant cycles dates here . Now Open in Performing Arts | Envisioning the Future: Holistic Resources for New Work Development.

This two-year pilot initiative will support nonprofits we have not previously funded to develop and produce new performances across theatre, dance, music, and multidisciplinary live performance art forms. Read the full RFP and register for the June 16 information session here .