James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation

OVERVIEW: The James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, Jewish causes, the arts, health, and policy organizations.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, 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 James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation was established in 1992. It was founded by businessman James Tisch and his wife Merryl, an educator and civic leader. Tisch is President and CEO of Loews Corporation, which was co-founded by his father Larry Tisch. Loews Corporation  is one of the largest diversified companies in the United States. The foundation does not maintain a website, which makes it difficult to locate further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies.

Grants for Education, Jewish Causes, Arts and Culture, Public Health and Access, and Democracy and Civic Engagment

Tax filings suggest that the James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, Jewish causes, the arts, health, and policy organizations.

James Tisch is a member of the board of WNET, and also on the board of The New York Public Library, both of which the Tisches support. Tisch also once chaired the board of WNET. The couple gave $15 million to create Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center. The couple has supported Merryl's alma mater Barnard College and Tisch's alma mater UPenn. They also recently gave a 7-figure gift to Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, home to the The Tisch Cancer Institute (TCI), a "National Cancer Institute-designated center, employs a multidisciplinary approach to cancer research and treatment, with the goal of advancing clinical breakthroughs that help prevent and eradicate cancer." In addition, the Tisches are major supporters of Jewish Communal Fund, the recent recipient of millions from the couple via their foundation. Tisch and several other Tisch family members are trustee emeriti of the board. 

Past grantees include Ramaz School (Merryl once taught at the school), Manhattan Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital (Tisch has served on the board of Mount Sinai Medical Center), Marymount Manhattan College (Merryl has spoken at the school), and New York Historical Society.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $2,500 to around $8.8 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away approximately $10 million. The James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

James S. and Merryl H. Tisch Foundation Inc.
655 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10065