Solomon Wilson Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Solomon Wilson Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to educational programming, community involvement, and conservation.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Networking is most likely the best way to see funding from this funder.

PROFILE: The Solomon Wilson Family Foundation was established in 2000. It is steered by technology venture capitalist Fred Wilson, co-founder of Union Square Ventures, and his wife Joanne, an investor. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Solomon Wilson Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to educational programming, community involvement, and conservation.

Grants for K-12 and Higher Education, Community Development, and Environment

Joanne is a trustee of Wesleyan University, which has received steady support. The couple’s three children graduated from the New England school. The Wilsons have also directed seven-figure sums to NYC Foundation for Computer Science, which Fred founded and is chair emeritus. Joanne is outspoken about empowering entrepreneurs, particularly women, and has done so both through non-profit work and in the business world. She chaired Hot Bread Kitchen, a nonprofit committed to increasing access to the culinary industry for women and minority entrepreneurs.

Past grantees include Friends of the High Line (Joanne is on the board), NYU, Sundance Institute, Path Forward (Joanne is co-chair), Educators 4 Excellence, Donorschoose, and Underground Development Foundation, which aims to create an underground park in the tradition of the High Line.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $2,500 to around $1.3 million. The most common grant size is $10,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away approximately $2.3 million. The Solomon Wilson Family Foundation keeps a low profile but does accept applications in writing. There are no submission deadlines or restrictions or limitations on awards.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Frederick R. Wilson
397 W. 12th Street, Apt PH
New York, NY 10014