Wolfensohn Family Foundation

OVERVIEW: The Wolfensohn Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, health, Jewish causes, the environment, as well as policy and global organizations.

IP TAKE: The foundation maintains a limited website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines. Tax filings show that this funder may support an organization for more than one year, which makes its grantmaking a crowded space. Its lack of public profile suggests it prefers to choose its own grantees to support, as indicated by its decision to not accept unsolicited proposals. However, call this foundation to introduce your work to them to get on their radar.

PROFILE: Established in 1995, the Wolfensohn Family Foundation was launched by financier James David Wolfensohn and his late wife Elaine, a former teacher and advocate for children and gender equity. The foundation does not maintain a website, which restricts transparency about grantmaking strategies and guidelines. Tax filings suggest that the Wolfensohn Family Foundation primarily funds grantmaking related to the arts, health, Jewish causes, the environment, as well as policy and global organizations.

Grants for Arts and Culture

The Wolfensohn Family Foundation’s tax filings suggest that arts and culture grantmaking is a top priority, particularly support of the performing arts. James and his late wife Elaine were strong backers of Carnegie Hall, whose board he once chaired and where they donated millions. Their daughter Sara is a concert pianist. Institute for Advanced Study is home to Wolfensohn Hall, a lecture and concert hall.

Important Grant Details:

Grants range from $100 to $43,250. In a recent year, the foundation gave away about $280,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on New York City. Past grantees include Orchestra of St. Luke's, Jerusalem Foundation, International Rescue Committee, Metropolitan Museum of Art, BRAC USA. The foundation keeps a low profile and does not accept unsolicited applications.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

E-mail: info@wolfensohn.org