Joel Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Joel Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to arts education.

IP TAKE: The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines.

PROFILE: Established in 2012, the Joel Foundation was founded by singer-songwriter Billy Joel and family. 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 Joel Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to arts education..

The Joel Foundation typically makes grants for general support. It made a $1 million pledge to Exploring the Arts (ETA),  founded by legendary singer Tony Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto. ETA is dedicated to strengthening arts education in public high schools. Billy Joel is also a strong supporter of the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA). He conducted a Master Class for LIHSA students and has visited them in their classrooms. He pledged $1.5 million in 2016 to LIHSA and recently gave a scholarship to a budding pianist and recent LIHSA graduate to attend Berklee College of Music.

Grants range between $5,000 and $250,000. In a recent year, the foundation gave away $540,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking primarily focuses on New York City, including Long Island. Past local grantees include The Perlman Music Program and Sing for Hope.

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

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Joel Foundation
360 Hamilton Ave, Ste 100
White Plains, NY 10601