Debs Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Debs Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of higher education and arts organizations.

IP TAKE: The foundation keeps a low public profile, which limits information available on its grantmaking priorities and activities.

PROFILE:  Founded in 1991, the Debs Foundation was established by Morgan Stanley veteran Richard Debs and his wife Barbara, an art historian. Richard Debs was COO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and worked internationally with Morgan Stanley. He’s chair of the international council of the Bretton Woods Committee, a " nonpartisan network of prominent global citizens.” Barbara, meanwhile, is a former president of the New York Historical Society and a trustee emerita of Brooklyn Museum of Art.

Grants for Arts and Culture and Higher Education

Tax filings suggest that the Debs Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of international policy and arts organizations. Grantees have included Brooklyn Museum, Carnegie Hall (Debs once chaired the board), and New York Stem Cell Foundation. Debs has also given to global education organizations, including American University of Beirut, Institute of International Education (Debs has been on the board), Vassar College, and Columbia University.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $100 to $145,000. $1,000 is the most common amount. In a recent tax year, the foundation gave away close to $550,000. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding.

PEOPLE: 

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CONTACT:

 The Debs Foundation

1 Beekman Pl., Apt. 7A

New York City, NY 10022