Stella and James Melillo Foundation

EIN 68-0575267 · TN · NTEE B82

Invitation only Typical grant ~$2.5K Funds in CA, WA
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Giving Profile

In 2025, Stella and James Melillo Foundation based in TN paid 13 grants totaling $98K to 13 organizations across 2 states. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $36.5K, with a median of $2.5K. Its largest recipients included DVS, STESA of Santa Barbara, and Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — giving is by invitation only.

Foundation at a Glance

Total assets
$218,318
Giving (latest yr)
$98,000
Filing year
2025
Itemized grants
13
Median grant
$2.5K
Recipients
13
States reached
2
Officers/trustees
1
Unsolicited applications
No — invitation only

Where the Money Goes

Top recipients

  • Dvs$36,500
  • STESA of Santa Barbara$20,000
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art$10,000
  • Various Donee$10,000
  • New Beginnings$5,000

Where grants went

  • California$92,000 · 11 grants
  • Washington$6,000 · 2 grants

Grants Paid (13)

Dvs
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$36,500
STESA of Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$20,000
Various Donee
Montecito, CA
charitable
$10,000
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$10,000
New Beginnings
Seattle, WA
charitable
$5,000
MOXI Museum
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$4,500
Museum of Modern Art
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$2,500
Museum of Natural History
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$2,500
Ucsb
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$2,000
Sanctuary Center
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$2,000
SBHS Doms Athletics
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$1,000
Santa Barbara Opera
Santa Barbara, CA
charitable
$1,000

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

No. Stella and James Melillo Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications — its grantmaking is by invitation only. Cultivating a relationship or securing an introduction is typically required.

Stella and James Melillo Foundation is classified as a Education funder. Schools, universities, scholarships, and educational programs. Its recent grants reached organizations across 2 states.

In its most recent filing, Stella and James Melillo Foundation reported 13 itemized grants totaling $98K. Individual grants ranged from $1K to $36.5K (median $2.5K).

Recent recipients include DVS, STESA of Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, among 13 organizations in total. The full grant list is on this page.

Stella and James Melillo Foundation is a private foundation based in Tennessee, per its IRS 990-PF filing.

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