Dickler Family Foundation

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OVERVIEW: This funder supports nonprofits in Connecticut, New York, and beyond in the fields of early childhood education, education reform, grassroots community development, reproductive health.

IP TAKE: The Foundation is not very transparent. The family closely oversees grantmaking, which prioritizes the Tri-State area and grassroots organizations, both at home and abroad. Contact information is below, and grantseekers may want to send an LOI to get on this funder’s radar.

PROFILE: The Dickler Family Foundation (DFF) is a low profile funder based in Fairfield, Connecticut. Gerald and Ruth Dickler established this foundation in 1996 to address issues of opportunity and justice for all individuals. Gerald Dickler was an entertainment attorney who represented broadcasters, writers, and artists. Before his death in 1999, Dickler helped establish and served as chairman of the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, which awards grants to artists. He was married to Ruth and had three daughters, who are involved with the foundation’s giving today. DFF priorities include early childhood education, education reform, grassroots community development, and reproductive health.

Grants for Early Childhood Development, Education, and Women and Girls

DFF prioritizes early childhood education in New York City’s public schools, which the couple attended and now wish to support.The Dicklers were avid travelers and became concerned with women’s reproductive health and family planning both domestically and internationally. Organizations pushing for reforms in the areas of DFF’s interest receive grant funding too.

Dickler's grants range from a few thousand to tends of thousands, and grantmaking prioritizes Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. However, the foundation conducts grantmaking across the U.S. and the globe. Dickler funds grassroots groups in the Tri-State area that work in the realm of community development. DFF has collaborated with the New York Community Trust, supported the Trust for Public Land, and funded the Population Council’s work on adolescent girl livelihoods in the past.

Important Grant Details

  • DFF does not provide specific guidelines for grantseekers to follow in order to apply for a grant.

  • Also, the foundation does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals.

  • General questions can be directed to the foundation at info@dicklerfoundation.org or 800-839-1754.

  • The funders’ daughters are Abby Pratt (founder of the New World Fund), Jane Dickler Lebow, and Susan Dickler (board chair for the Ms. Foundation for Women).

  • You may also consider writing to the foundation team with your inquiry at P.O. Box 320186, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.

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CONTACT:

P.O. Box 320186

Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.