Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Advancing Social Justice Through Philanthropy in Philadelphia
The Samuel S Fels Fund is a private independent foundation established in 1935 with a steadfast commitment to advancing social justice in Philadelphia. Founded by Samuel S. Fels, a philanthropist and civic leader, we focus on improving conditions for marginalized and historically excluded communities through general operating grants. Our mission aligns with movement-building strategies that advocate for equitable policies, confront systemic inequities, and promote collective healing. Guided by core values of Trust, Justice, Accountability, and Responsiveness, we ensure all operations, grantmaking, and investments reflect our dedication to a more inclusive society.Our approach extends to our investment portfolio, where we prioritize mission-aligned funds and socially responsible practices. With a legacy spanning over eight decades, we continue to honor Samuel Fels vision of fostering community and shared prosperity through strategic philanthropy and ethical leadership.
Services
Movement-Building Grants
Leadership Development Funding
Mission-Aligned Investments
Community Empowerment Programs
Equity-Focused Philanthropy
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We prioritize long-term general operating grants for grassroots organizations
- Our investments align with mission-driven values and social responsibility
- We focus on systemic change through policy advocacy and power-building
- We offer additional leadership development and wellness funding
- Our grantmaking emphasizes accountability and community responsiveness
Services
Movement-Building Grants
We provide three-year general operating grants to Philadelphia organizations advancing racial, social, and economic justice. Our funding supports policy advocacy, systemic reform, and community empowerment initiatives. Grants range from $75,000 to $90,000 with additional wellness funding.
Mission-Aligned Investments
Our investment strategy prioritizes social responsibility by avoiding harmful industries and supporting equitable development. We utilize screens for governance practices and aim for 100% mission alignment across our $80M+ portfolio.
Leadership Development
We offer $30,000 over three years for leadership wellness programs to strengthen organizational sustainability. This funding supports professional growth and resilience in grassroots movements.
Community Empowerment
Our grants focus on collective healing, power-building, and reimagining systems designed with excluded communities. We prioritize initiatives that create economic stability and equitable participation in Philadelphia.
Accountability Frameworks
We implement responsive reporting requirements that emphasize learning and relationship-building over bureaucratic compliance. Annual reports focus on organizational progress and community impact rather than rigid metrics.
People
Uma Viswanathan
President
Uma Viswanathan leads the Samuel S Fels Fund with expertise in equitable development and community-driven philanthropy. She previously served as Director of the Public Interest Technology Program at the Ford Foundation, where she championed technology for social justice. Her leadership emphasizes participatory grantmaking and systemic change.
Michael O'Bryan
Chair
Michael O'Bryan serves as Board Chair with extensive experience in nonprofit governance and social impact strategy. As a senior fellow at the Urban Affairs Coalition, he has driven initiatives focused on youth development and community revitalization in Philadelphia.
Dannyelle Austin
Vice Chair
Dannyelle Austin brings expertise in organizational development and equity-centered leadership as Vice Chair. She has served in executive roles at the Food Trust and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on health equity and community engagement.
Will Gonzalez
Treasurer and Secretary
Will Gonzalez oversees financial stewardship as Treasurer. With a background in public finance and nonprofit accounting, he ensures fiscal practices align with the Fund's mission of social and economic justice.
Ida K. Chen
Board Member
Ida K. Chen contributes expertise in philanthropy and community organizing. As a program officer at the Open Society Foundations, she supported criminal justice reform and immigrant rights initiatives across the United States.
Questions
What communities does the Fels Fund prioritize?
We focus on marginalized and historically excluded communities in Philadelphia through movement-building initiatives.
What grant amounts are available?
General operating grants range from $75,000 to $90,000 over three years, with additional wellness funding.
When is the next grant cycle?
The next grant cycle opens in 2027 for three-year general operating grants.
How are investments aligned with your mission?
80% of assets are in mission-aligned or socially responsible funds, with a goal of 100% alignment.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must be Philadelphia-focused 501(c)(3) organizations or use a fiscal sponsor.
