Chiaroscuro Foundation

The Chiaroscuro Foundation is a U.S.-based private grantmaking foundation. It was established to focus on several key areas, including education, family strengthening, humanitarian work, pro-life activities, religious liberty, and evangelism. The foundation's name, "Chiaroscuro," reflects its mission to "reflect God's light in a dark world"[3].

History and Operations

Chiaroscuro was founded by Sean Fieler, a successful investor and social conservative, in 2009. Fieler is also involved with other philanthropic efforts, such as the American Principles Project, which aims to introduce core American principles into policy and politics[3]. The foundation's activities are primarily based in the United States, although it also undertakes some international projects. One notable initiative is the "NYC 41 Percent" campaign, which focused on reducing abortion rates in New York City by analyzing community data and engaging stakeholders[3].

Grants and Funding

As of recent reports, Chiaroscuro has granted over $34 million to various causes aligned with its mission[3]. The foundation's financial activities are characterized by a substantial focus on charitable disbursements, with most of its expenses dedicated to grants for other organizations[2]. In 2018, it contributed over $1.6 million in grants, reflecting its commitment to supporting projects that match its philanthropic priorities[4].

Governance and Structure

Sean Fieler serves as the chairman of the Chiaroscuro Foundation, with other key personnel including Ana Cecilia Fieler as secretary and director, and Erin Lynn Collins also as a director[2]. Greg Pfundstein has held the position of president, with recorded compensation in previous years[2].

Status

Despite its philanthropic activities, Chiaroscuro Foundation has not appeared on the IRS Business Master File in recent months, suggesting it may have ceased operations or merged with another organization[5]. However, its past initiatives and grants continue to reflect its historical impact on social and religious issues in the U.S. and beyond.

Transparency and Community Engagement

Chiaroscuro has been notable for its transparency regarding its grants and projects, aiming to foster collaboration among like-minded philanthropists. This approach aligns with its goal of building a broader network of social conservatives to support shared causes effectively[3].

[1] https://amphil.com/chiaroscuro-foundation/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/205858767 [3] https://www.philanthropyroundtable.org/magazine/interview-with-sean-fieler/ [4] https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/chiaroscuro-foundation [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/20-5858767