Dianne and David Stern Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Dianne and David Stern Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to conservation, education, human services, Jewish causes and arts and culture. Giving focuses on New York City and nearby Westchester County.
IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Funding has tapered off significantly since David Stern’s passing in 2020, and it is unclear what direction this foundation will take in his absence.
PROFILE: Established in 2008, the Dianne and David Stern Foundation was founded by the late David J. Stern, an attorney who was the commissioner of the NBA from 1984 until 2014, and his wife, Dianne. The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Dianne and David Stern Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, the environment, animals, Jewish causes, arts and culture, policy and human rights. New York City and nearby Westchster County are geographic priorities.
Grants for the Environment, Animals and Wildlife Conservation
In recent years, this funder has directed a significant portion of its grantmaking to organizations involved in land and animal conservation, although it does not name specific goals for its grantmaking in these areas. Recent recipients include Greenpeace, Earthjustice, Scenic Hudson, Pets Alive, the Fund for Animals and the Forest Animal Rescue by Peace River Refuge and Ranch in Silver Spring, Florida.
Grants for Education
David Stern received his J.D. degree from Columbia Law School. Later in life, he served on Columbia’s board of trustees. The Sterns’ son Eric is also a graduate of Columbia Law. Columbia University is one of the foundation’s largest recipients and receives ongoing support. Other education grantees include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Prep for Prep and Learn Fresh Education, which helps “students to learn fundamental math and social-emotional skills through the game of basketball.”
Grants for Mental Health, Housing and Homelessness
This funder has demonstrated interest in mental health and housing for vulnerable people. Children appear to be a top priority in these areas of giving, and several grantees are located in New York City. These include the Northside Center for Child Development, New Heights Youth and the Grant Street Settlement. In suburban Westchester County, the foundation has supported Scarsdale/Edgemont Family Counseling, the ARC of Westchester and Legal Services of the Hudson Valley.
Grants for Arts and Culture
Arts and culture represent a smaller area of giving for this funder. Grants have supported Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York.
Grants for Jewish Causes
This foundation has supported a handful of Jewish organizations over the years. Grantees include AJC Global Jewish Advocacy and the United Jewish Appeal.
Grants for Work, Economic Opportunity, Women and Girls
In a recent year, the Stern Foundation made a grant to Springboard 2000 Enterprises, which supports the development women-led businesses in the areas of technology and sciences.
Important Grant Details
In a recent year the Diane and David Stern Foundation made only about $25,000 in grants, which represents a steep decline from previous years, when the foundation generally made about $2 million a year. It is unclear what the direction of this foundation will be since David Stern’s passing in 2020. In previous years, however, grants were mostly awarded in amounts of up to $500,000, with an average grant size of about $7,500. New York City an Westchester County are areas of geographic priority.
The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Contact information is provided below.
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CONTACT:
Dianne and David Stern Foundation
1375 Broadway, No 15 Fl
New York, NY 10018
(212) 944-4433
