Kathy and Al Gordon Fund

OVERVIEW:  The Kathy and Al Gordon Fund primarily backs educational causes. It also earmarks funds for causes like the arts, culture and human services.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. Higher ed. institutions with a personal connection to the family see the most funding here, although some other well established community health and human services groups have seen gifts as well.

Unfortunately for grantseekers, the foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited requests for funding, so network will be neccessary to get on this funder’s radar.

PROFILE: The Kathy and Al Gordon Fund was established in 2004 by New York couple Al Gordon and his wife Kathy. Al Gordon is a son of the late Albert Gordon, a Wall Street veteran who helped rebuild Kidder Peabody. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Kathy and Al Gordon Fund primarily funds grantmaking related to education. It also earmarks funds for causes like the arts, culture and human services.

Grants for Higher Education and Community Development

The family has strong ties to Vassar College, where late matriarch Mary Rousmaniere Gordon graduated. The foundation’s grantmaking continues to support Vassar. Al Gordon has also given millions to his alma mater Harvard College.

Past grantees included Inner City Scholarship Fund, Street Squash Harlem, Brooklyn Botanical Garden, Planned Parenthood and Coalition for the Homeless.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $1,000 to $270,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $362,000. The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

Kathy and Al Gordon Fund
570 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021