Richard S. and Karen Lefrak Charitable Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Richard S and Karen Lefrak Charitable Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of arts, cultural, and health organizations.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

PROFILE:  Founded in 1990, the Richard S. and Karen Lefrak Charitable Foundation’ was established by New York and billionaire real estate mogul Richard Lefrak and his wife Karen, a children’s book author.  He serves as chairman and CEO of LeFrak, a privately held, family-run company based in New York that owns, develops, and manages real estate. He remains one of the biggest landlords in the tri-state area. 

Grants for Arts and Culture, and Public Health and Access

The foundation does not appear to have specific grantmaking programs; however, tax records show that it prioritizes support for the arts and health. Past grantees include The Society of MSKCC, New York Philharmonic, Roundabout Theatre Company, Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Central Park Conservancy, Harlem Academy, and American Museum of Natural History, the recipient of a seven-figure gift recently. Richard LeFrak is a vice chairman of the board of the American Museum of Natural History. Lefrak gave $10 million to the American Museum of Natural History in 2012.

Important Grant Details

Grants generally range from $500 to $2 million. The foundation gave away $3.6 million recently. Given the foundation's lack of transparency and public presence, it is unclear whether it accepts unsolicited applications; however, when foundations suppress this information, it likely does not.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Richard & Karen LeFrak Charitable Foundation

1105 N. Market Street, No. 801

Wilmington, DE 19801