The Derfner Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Derfner Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, health, education, arts, and human services.

IP TAKE: The foundation lacks transparency, which limits available information. Most donations stay in the New York area, although it will occasionally give nationally to established groups that align with the family’s interests. It does not accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding, which means those interested in funding will want to network to get on this funder’s radar.

PROFILE: The Derfner Foundation was established in 1992. It was established by the late real estate mogul Harold Derfner. It is currently steered by Derfner's son, Peter, and longtime family friend and Derfner Management executive Jay Lieberman. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts further information on its priority areas and grantmaking strategies. According to tax filings, the Derfner Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to Jewish causes, health, education, arts, and human services.

Grants for Jewish Causes, Public Health and Access, Education, Arts and Culture, and Community Development

The late Harold and Helen Derfner established the Derfner Judaica Museum at Hebrew Home at Riverdale and also provided the lead gift to create a spectacular 25,000 square foot outdoor space called "Helen's Terrace" at Hebrew Home at Riverdale, on whose board Harold sat for more than five decades. The family is also heavily involved with Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), home to the Derfner Foundation Communication Center.

Past grantees have included UJA Federation of New York, Riverdale Country School, NY Foundation for the Arts, Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, Hospital for Special Surgery, and American Museum of Natural History. The foundation has also annually given millions to Mount Sinai Department of Surgery and to The Hebrew Home at Riverdale.

Important Grant Details

Grants range from $2,500 to $1.525 million, with most averaging around $25,000. In a recent fiscal year, the foundation gave away around $7 million. The Derfner Foundation keeps a low-profile and does not accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding. 

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

The Derfner Foundation
530 East 76th Street, No 27E.
New York, NY 10021