The Wechsler Foundation

OVERVIEW:  The Wechsler Foundation backs education and youth, health, the arts, environmental and animal organizations, and Jewish causes.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder is not very approachable and does not provide a clear way to get in touch, leaving grantseekers with the need to network here.

PROFILE: The Wechsler Foundation was established in 1985. It was founded by late businessman Robert Wechsler and family. Wechsler family members, including his son Eric and ex-wife Evelene, a photographer, currently oversee the foundation. Robert worked for companies such as Wechsler Coffee Corporation, Daily Grill, and Restaurant Associates. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Wechsler Foundation funds grantmaking related to education and youth, health, the arts, environmental and animal organizations, and Jewish causes.

Grants for Higher Education, Arts and Culture, Public Health and Access, Jewish Causes, and Community Development

The foundation does not appear to have clear grantmaking programs; however, tax records show that it has given to various education causes, as well as arts and culture groups, community development throughout New York City, and health and Jewish causes. It has directed funds to MoMA, where Evelene has donated her photography. Past grantees include Coalition for the Homeless, Fordham University, New York City Center, New York Philharmonic, Save the Children, Teach for America, American Friends for Hebrew University, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $50 to $37,500, but the most common amoount is $1,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $318,000. The Wechsler Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. 

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Wechsler Foundation
235 E. 22nd Street, Rm Ste 15G
New York, NY 11021