Support » Foundations and Government

Foundations and Government

Foundation grants are often at the forefront of the Armory’s efforts to respond to emerging community challenges and opportunities. Many foundations have been our partners for years, making it possible for us to create new programs and expand our existing efforts.

SPOTLIGHT: The Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust

The Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust has established the Giesen Art High Scholarships at the Armory. The program ensures that all Armory classes for middle and high school students are completely free and underwritten by the Trust. The idea is to make it easy for low- and middle-income youth to participate by removing any financial obstacles.

The Trust is one of the Armory’s first donors. In fact, the Armory grew out of the Pasadena Arts Workshops, which Rowe Giesen and others created in 1974 to ensure that children and youth were able to experience the visual arts.

Today, the Trust has become an important force for supporting innovative new programs. Its programs now benefit several thousand students each year. With a Board active in the arts and with young people in Pasadena, the Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust continues to expand its role in the community. Since its inception, the Trust has distributed almost $2 million dollars to arts organizations in Pasadena.

In addition to its Art High scholarship program, the Rowe and Gayle Trust also supports the annual Art High Open House, an opportunity for students to exhibit their work to the community. (photo from Art High Open House)

Foundation Donors

  • Surdna Foundation
  • Allequash Foundation
  • The Keck Foundation
  • The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
  • Michael J. Connell Foundation
  • Irvine Foundation
  • Ahmanson Foundation
  • Annenberg Foundation
  • The Eisner Foundation
  • The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
  • Pasadena Community Foundation
  • Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation
  • Rose Hills Foundation
  • Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust
  • Pasadena Art Alliance
  • The Getty Foundation
  • Dwight Stuart Youth Foundation
  • Lluella Morey Murphey Foundation
  • B.C. McCabe Foundation
  • National Charity League of San Marino
  • Ann Peppers Foundation
  • E.A. & M.L.A. Burke Foundation
  • Pasadena Arts League
  • Gesner-Johnson Family Foundation

Government Support

  • United States Department of Education
  • Institute of Museum & Library Services
  • Los Angeles County Arts Commission
  • Pasadena Cultural Affairs
  • California Arts Council
  • Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors