Handler Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Handler Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the environment, education, and youth. It also earmarks funds for causes like the arts and health.

IP TAKE: The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines. Tax filings show that this funder may support an organization for more than one year.

PROFILE: Established in 2001, the Handler Family Foundation was founded by businessman Richard Handler and his wife Martha, an environmental consultant turned writer. Richard is chairman and CEO of Jefferies Group, an American investment bank and institutional securities firm. 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 Handler Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the environment, education, and youth. It also earmarks funds for causes like the arts and health.

Grants for the Environment

The Handler Family Foundation’s tax filings suggest that supporting the environment is a top interest, particularly conservation. Martha serves as president of the Wolf Conservation Center, whose board she joined in 2001. An active environmentalist, Martha learned about the plight of the wolves when she lived and worked out west. Martha has also served on the boards of the Lewisboro Land Trust.

Grants for Education

The foundation’s education grantmaking includes schools with which the family has a personal connection. Richard is an active supporter of his alma mater University of Rochester, in particular. Education grantmaking prioritizes institutions with which the family has a relationship, and does not include K-12 public schools.

Grantmaking Insights

Grants range from $50 to around $90,000. In a recent year, the foundation gave away approximately $265,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses primarily on New York. Past local grantees include Urban Arts Partnership, Children's Academy, Garth Fagan Dance, Lewisboro Land Trust, and Liberty Science Center.

The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited applications.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Handler Family Foundation
1 Jericho Plz.
Jericho, NY 11753