Abner Rosen Foundation

VERVIEW: The Abner Rosen Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, education, and Jewish causes. 

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

PROFILE: The Abner Rosen Foundation was established in 1994. It was founded by the late real estate mogul Abner Rosen, whose father Joseph established The Rosen Group, a privately held real estate development and management consortium specializing in shopping centers, office buildings and other commercial property. The company is now steered by Abner's son Jonathan who also manages the Abner Rosen Foundation with his wife Jeannette. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. Tax filings suggest that the Abner Rosen Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, education, and Jewish causes. 

Grants for Arts and Culture

Jonathan Rosen received his first coin from his parents on his 10th birthday and has collected regularly ever since. The couple have steadily supported The American Numismatic Society (ANS). Rosen is also an avid collector of ancient art and is is one of the world's most important private collectors of Mesopotamian cylinder seals. Jonathan's son Adam is also a serious collector of ancient art and coinage. Other previous arts grantees include The Met, Central Park Conservancy, and The Pierpont Morgan Library.

Grants for Jewish Causes and Higher Education

While the foundation does not appear to have clearly defined grantmaking priorities, tax records show that support for Jewish causes and for education factor into its giving. Past grantees include New York University (including its Institute for the Study of the Ancient World), American Friends of Israel Museum, and American Friends Lands Museum Jerusalem, the recent recipient of a 7-figure gift. 

Grants for Wildlife and Animal Welfare

The foundation’s giving in this area is not particularly robust; however, some groups that have received support include Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $12,500 to $1 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $3.2 million. The Abner Rosen Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

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CONTACT:

Abner Rosen Foundation
40 East 69th Street
New York, NY 10021