Lizzie and Jonathan M. Tisch Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Lizzie and Jonathan M. Tisch Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to education, youth, the arts, and healthcare. It also earmarks funds for human services and Jewish causes.

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 Lizzie and Jonathan M. Tisch Foundation was established in 2012. It was founded by businessman Jonathan Tisch and his wife Lizzie, a retail entrepreneur. Jonathan Tisch serves as chairman of Loews Hotels and is also an owner of the New York Giants NFL team. The foundation does not maintain a website lacking transparency, and thus, limiting further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies.

Grants for K-12 and Higher Education, Arts and Culture, Public Health and Access, and Jewish Causes

Tax filings suggest that the Lizzie and Jonathan M. Tisch Foundation primarily funds education, the arts, and youth. It also earmarks funds for human services and Jewish causes.

The couple steadily supports Tufts University, where Tisch is a vice chair of the board of trustees. Tufts is home to the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. The couple are also major benefactors of Lizzie's school, University of Michigan. The couple gave a $10 million gift to The Met to create the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Gallery within its Costume Institute. They also gave $25 million to build the Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Center for Innovation and Active Citizenship at the Frederick Gunn School. The couple have also directed millions to an outfit called The Shed, which was launched to "commission, produce, and present the full spectrum of performing arts, visual arts, and pop culture." Tisch serves on the board of The Shed.

Past grantees have included  Prep for Prep; NYU's Tisch School of the Arts; New York Presbyterian; Citymeals-on-Wheels; Hospital for Special Surgery, home to the HSS Tisch Sports Performance Center; Lincoln Center; and Jewish Communal Fund, which "facilitates and promotes charitable giving to sectarian and non-sectarian organizations through donor advised funds." 

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $750 to around $2.4 million. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $4.2 million. The Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Family Foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch Family Foundation
655 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065