Abby and David Cohen Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Abby and David Cohen Family Foundation’s grantmaking funds the arts and Jewish organizations. It has also funded education, youth, policy, and health.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. An address is listed below, but beyond sending an unsolicited LOI, networking will be grantseekers best bet here.

PROFILE: Founded in 1999, the Abby and David Cohen Family Foundation prefers a low public profile limiting specifics about its grantmaking priorities and approaches. The Goldman Sachs veteran Abby Joseph Cohen, named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by Ladies Home Journal, and her husband, David established the foundation. Its grantmaking funds the arts, Jewish organizations, policy, health, youth, education, and culture.

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

While the Cohens do not maintain targeted programs or name grantmaking strategies, tax filings suggest the prioritize giving to their mutual alma mater Cornell University. They also support Weill Cornell Medical School, where the Cohens serve as overseers. 

Past grantees include the Jewish Theological Seminary. Rockefeller University, The Met Opera, Roundabout Theater (David serves on the board), American Museum of Natural History, Jewish Theological Seminary (whose board Cohen once chaired), and Council for Economic Education.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $500 to $100,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $509,000. The foundation appears to prioritize larger, established organizations. It is particularly interested in funding large cultural institutions or those that overlap with their personal background.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Abby and David Cohen Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch, but below is an address:

The Abby & David Cohen Family Foundation

P.O. Box 73, Bowling Green Station

New York, NY 10274