Our Funding Priority

Vitality Arts

Inspiring creativity in adults 55
and better

Grantees

Founder's Message

E.A. Michelson Philanthropy has been engaged in creative aging leadership work since 2012. We are committed to learning about, advocating for, and financially supporting the field. Creative aging, along with questions surrounding ageism and ableism, has become a central issue in the museum field when addressing equity and inclusion in our country.

More than a hundred organizations across the United States have been awarded our foundation’s Vitality Arts grants to help advance creative aging practices in their communities. The American Alliance of Museums and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies received significant capacity building grants. We have supported audience research to better understand the needs of older Americans and how cultural institutions can meet those needs. The hundreds of professional teaching artists who lead creative-aging classes with our support have contributed to a marked increase in quality community art education nationwide. This work offers older people a sense of accomplishment, relieving social isolation and building friendships.

I could list more accomplishments, none of which would have been possible without the dedication and expertise of our team members, in particular Executive Director Teresa Bonner, Program Officer Lindsay Lewis, Communications and Events Manager Sarah Drebelbis, and Grants Manager Suzanne Paki. They have worked tirelessly to support our mission and I am thankful for their contributions each and every day.

We are proud that since 2012 we have distributed more than $23.6 million to non-profit institutions to spur this developing movement of creative aging. From July 2024 onwards, the foundation will step back from direct grant support as we envision the next steps in our philanthropic journey. The work is far from done. Once decisions have been reached about our future philanthropic focus, we will be sure to post updates here.

Thank you for your continuing interest in our work.

Ellen A. Michelson

Founder and President
E.A. Michelson Philanthropy

“I move through my life every day enriched by art. Sadly, sometimes I forget to 'stop and smell the roses.' When I do stop and take notice, my day has just become a bit more fragrant. Art makes the world a better place.”

— Ellen A. Michelson

A bit about us

Teresa Bonner
Executive Director
teresa@eamphil.org
(415) 547-9025

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Lindsay Lewis
Program Officer
lindsay@eamphil.org
(612) 377-8400

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Suzanne Paki
Grants Manager
suzanne@eamphil.org
(612) 377-8400

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