Donald and Barbara Zucker Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Donald and Barbara Zucker Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health and the arts. It also earmarks funds for causes like the environment, Jewish causes and education.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. The Zuckers tend to support the same cohort of grantees year after year, making it exceptionally difficult to gain the foundation’s attention. Networking with the family or its past grantees may be the only way in here.

PROFILE: Established in 2006, the Donald and Barbara Zucker Family Foundation was founded by real estate mogul Donald Zucker, his wife, Barbara, and their family. Donald launched Donald Zucker Company, a Midtown-based firm that builds, buys and manages apartment and retail properties. The foundation does not maintain a website, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities. According to tax filings, the Donald and Barbara Zucker Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to health and the arts. It also earmarks funds for the environment, Jewish causes and education.

Grants for Public Health

The Zucker Foundation’s giving for public health appears to place a strong focus on the greater New York City area. Donald and Barbara Zucker gave gifts totaling $61 million to Hofstra University and Northwell Health, including $50 million to establish and endow a scholarship fund for medical students; $10 million to endow the Barbara Hrbek Zucker Emerging Scientists Program at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research; and $1 million to provide scholarship support for students at the Hofstra Northwell School of Graduate Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies. The Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine was renamed the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Donald is on the board of trustees of Northwell Health, while Barbara is on the board of Feinstein Institute for Medical Research.

Grants for Arts and Culture

The Zuckers’ grantmaking for arts and culture also remains close to home, mainly serving landmark arts venues and institutions in New York City. Grantees include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, the Roundabout Theatre and the American Museum of Natural History.

Grants for Environment

Environmental grantmaking is a smaller affair for this funder, although grants have gone to some large national organizations as well some in New York City. The couple gave a $7.5 million gift to New York Aquarium in the 2010s. Barbara is a life trustee of Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the aquarium, home to the a shark exhibit which bears the Zucker name. Other recent grants have gone to the Central Park Conservancy and the Nature Conservancy.

Grants for Jewish Causes

The Zucker Family’s funding for Jewish causes and organizations also centers on New York City and its environs. The foundation does not name specific goals for its Jewish grantmaking, but recent support has gone to the United Jewish Federation of New York, the Anti Defamation League, the Jewish Museum, Young Jewish Professionals and the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous.

Grants for Education

This funder does not name specific interests for its education grants, but it has supported a handful of schools and organizations involved in youth development. According to its tax filings, grantees include Laguardia Community College, Boys and Girls Clubs of Omaha, St. Agnes School in St. Paul, Minnesota and the Girls Scouts of Greater New York.

Important Grant Details

This funder gave away just over $20 million in a recent year. Most grants range from $2,000 to $50,000, with larger grants going to healthcare organizations in the New York area or projects that bear the Zucker name. This funder tends to support organizations over a period of several years. For additional information about past grantmaking, see its recent tax filings.

The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals. Contact information is provided below.

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CONTACT:

Donald and Barbara Zucker Family Foundation
103 W. 55th St. 
New York, NY 10019

(212) 977-4800