Friedman Family Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Friedman Family Foundation is the primary philanthropic outlet for Stephen Friedman and family. Jewish causes represent only a portion of this couple’s philanthropy, which also focuses on public health, diseases, global security and higher education. Their support of the Jewish community focuses on leadership development, progressive Judaism and the Reform Movement.
IP TAKE: This is not an accessible or transparent foundation, keeping a low profile and restricting information about it’s grantmaking strategies and interests. As with many smaller foundations of this type, networking is likely one of the only ways for grantseekers to secure funding.
PROFILE: The Friedman Family Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle for Stephen Friedman and his wife, Barbara Benioff Friedman. Born in 1937 in Brooklyn, Stephen Friedman received a B.A. from Cornell University and a law degree from Columbia Law School. He joined Goldman, Sachs & Co. in 1966 and became a partner in 1973. He was chair of the board from 1990-1994 and served as a board member from 2005-2013. Friedman joined the private equity firm Stone Point Capital in 1998, and currently serves as chairman. He is also currently on the Council on Foreign Relations, which has enjoyed ongoing support from the Friedman Family Foundation. Friedman has also held other prominent positions, such as chairman of the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Based in New York, the Friedman Family Foundation does not have a website or much of a web presence. It does not appear to have clearly defined grantmaking programs or accept unsolicited proposals or requests for funding.
Grants for Jewish Causes
The Friedman Family Foundation keeps a low profile, so it's tough to say exactly what the Friedmans look for in their Jewish philanthropy, though supporting progressive Jewish organizations seems to be a priority. This includes significant grants to the UJA Federation of New York, the American Jewish Committee and New York City’s Jewish Museum.
In addition to supporting progressive Jewish causes, the foundation has also supported Jewish leadership and collaboration. Grantees include the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, the American Jewish Committee and the Auburn Theological Seminary, a multifaith collaborative leadership organization.
Grants for Public Health and Access, Diseases, Brain and Cell Research
After Jewish causes, tax records indicate that support for health and healthcare access is the foundation’s largest priority and Weill Medical College of Cornell University is the foundation’s largest health grantee. Many other grants go to cancer research. Previous grantees in this space include Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation, and Hospital for Special Surgery.
Grants for Global Security and Human Rights
The foundation does not have clear grantmaking priorities, but tax records indicate that in addition to support for Jewish causes, it also makes grants to global security and international relations groups. Stephen Friedman is on the Council on Foreign Relations and the foundation sends millions in that direction. The foundation has also given to Foreign Policy Association and Financial Services Volunteer Corps.
Grants for K-12 and Higher Education
The foundation heavily supports Friedman’s alma mater, Cornell University, both the school’s Weill Medical College and the university itself, and has given millions to the school. Other previous grantees include National Academy Foundation, which works to incorporate STEM and work-based learning experiences into schools’ curriculum, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, and Fordham University.
Important Grant Details:
This foundation gives away over $7 million a year, with an average grant size of about $10,000. Most grantmaking stays in New York.
This foundation does not maintain a website or provide a clear avenue for getting in touch; it does not appear to accept unsolicited proposals or make grants to individuals. An address and phone number are provided below.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
The Friedman Family Foundation does not provide a clear avenue of contact, but here's an address:
Friedman Family Foundation
One Beekman Place
New York City, NY 10022
