Hoffen Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Hoffen Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education and Jewish causes. It also modestly earmarks funds for other causes including the arts. 

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. This funder is not very approachable and does not provide a clear way to get in touch, leaving grantseekers with the need to network here.

PROFILE: The Hoffen Family Foundation was established in 2007. It was founded by financier Howard I. Hoffen and his wife Sandra Kim Hoffen, who's also worked as a finance executive. Howard Hoffen is the former chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. Hoffen currently serves as the chairman and CEO of Metalmark Capital, an independent private equity firm. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies.

Grants for Jewish Causes, Higher Education, and Arts and Culture

Tax filings suggest that the Hoffen Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education and Jewish causes. It also earmarks modestly funds for other causes including the arts. 

The couple prioritize Columbia, where they've set up the Hoffen Family Scholarship Fund. Sandra serves on the board of visitors at Columbia College. They also support Harvard Business School, home to the Sandra and Howard Hoffen Fellowship which supports students with an interest or background in nonprofit organizations. The Hoffens collect modern and contemporary art, and are members of the Chairman’s Council at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Past grantees Riverdale Country School (Sandra is a trustee and is an alum of the school), George Jackson Academy, Abraham Joshua Heschel School, UJA Federation, Jewish Communal Fund (home to the Hoffen Family Fund), The Met, and Citymeals on Wheels.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $180 to $6 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave around $6.6 million. The Hoffen Family Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. 

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Hoffen Family Foundation
c/o Sandra Hoffen
P.O. Box 20891
New York, NY 10023