Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Foundation focuses on Jewish causes and health and human services in New York City.

IP TAKE: The foundation has a minimal web presence, and provides no clear guidelines for grantseekers.

PROFILE: The Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Foundation was established by Goldman Sachs partner Richard Friedman and is wife, Susan, in 1993. Friedman earned his B.A. from Brown University in 1979 and his MBA from the University of Chicago in 1981. He joined Goldman Sachs the year he graduated from business school. He eventually became partner and currently chairs the firm’s merchant banking division. The Friedmans’ foundation supports education, Jewish causes and human services with a strong focus on New York City.

In New York City, Jewish causes are Friedman’s largest area of giving, with synagogues, cultural and political organizations receiving funding. Human services nonprofits have also received significant support from this funder, as have select private high schools in the city. In the early 200s, the Friedmans gave $20 million to Mount Sinai Medical Center to establish the Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine. To a lesser extent, the foundation has also given to some of New York City’s landmark cultural institutions.

In a recent year, the Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Foundation gave away over $10 million in grants, most of which remained in New York City. While grants and contributions occasionally top $1 million, most grants remain in the $10,000 to $25,000 range. Past New York City grantees include the UJA Federation of New York, Central Synagogue, the Horace Mann School, the American Jewish Committee, Park Avenue Synagogue and the Robin Hood Foundation.

This funder does not maintain a website and little is known about its specific funding practices. It does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals for funding. The foundation can be reached at 518-640-5000, and an address is provided below.

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CONTACT:

Richard A. and Susan P. Friedman Family Foundation

Bowling Green Sta., P.O. Box 73

New York City, NY 10274

(518) 640-5000