Brian P. Friedman Family Foundation

OVERVIEW:  Brian P. Friedman Family Foundation ‘s grantmaking includes support of arts and Jewish organizations.    

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Grantseekers will need to network to get on this non-transparent funder’s radar.

PROFILE: Established in 1992, the Brian P. Friedman Family Foundation was founded by Jeffries Capital Partners Founder Brian Friedman and his wife Barbara Shulman, a lawyer. Barbara serves on the board of MCC Theater in Manhattan, which the couple supports.

Grants for Jewish Causes, and Arts and Culture

While the foundation restricts public information about itself, its tax filings suggest some support for education, the arts, health, human services, and Jewish causes; however, it appears to prioritize Jewish causes and the arts.

Of late, the couple have directed hundreds of thousands of dollars to a donor advised fund, making the full scope of the family’s giving difficult to pin down.  Other past grantees include Columbia Law School (Brian Friedman’s alma mater), UJA Federation STRIVE, and FACES (Finding A Cure for Epilepsy & Seizures).” It is worth noting that the couple’s son is a doctor who focuses on neurology and epilepsy.

Important Grant Details

Grants have ranged from $50 to $315,000, which went to a Fidelity Charitable account. Tax filings do not indicate whether it accepts unsolicited applications; however, given its lack of transparency, it's likely that it does not.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Brian P. Friedman Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue for getting in touch with the couple, but below is an address:

Brian P. Friedman Family Foundation

520 Madison Ave., 10th Fl.

New York City, NY 10022