H. van Ameringen Foundation

OVERVIEW: The H. van Ameringen Foundation supports community development projects and LGBTQ organizations that address stigma and fighting for equality.

IP TAKE: While H. van Ameringen Foundation largely works under the public radar, it is a major ally of LGBTQ and community development causes. That said, it is so low profile that it is hard to get through the door here. It also has a tendency to support institutions rather than smaller local and grassroots groups, which makes it harder for smaller outfits to receive funding. However, call this approachable funder to learn more about how grantees can get on their radar.

PROFILE: Established in New York by Henry P. van Ameringen in 1967, the H. van Ameringen Foundation focuses its grantmaking on HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ, prison reform programs, as well as programs advocating for the legalization of marijuana. In a 2008 issue of Time, van Ameringen is described as being a member of the “homosexual justice league that can quietly swoop in wherever anti-gay candidates are threatening and finance victories for the good guys.” In a Huffington Post piece, Ameringen wrote that he began funding HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ organizations with the “goal of combating stigma that had cost the lives of many people I knew.” In addition to LGBTQ funding, the foundation makes grants to broadly support community development initiatives.

Not to be confused with the van Ameringen Foundation (founded by Arnold Louis van Ameringen in 1950), the H. van Ameringen Foundation maintains a low public profile, does not operate a website, and does not employ a formal staff.

Grants for LGBTQ
According to its latest tax filings, van Ameringen broadly supports LGBTQ organizations across the U.S. The foundation has awarded past grants to organizations such as the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the Gill Foundation. GLSEN is an organization that supports LGBTQ students at the K-12 level and the Gill Foundation advocates for LGBTQ equality.

Grants for Housing and Homelessness, Community Development
The foundation does not appear to have a grantmaking program dedicated to homelessness or community development, but tax filings reveal that van Ameringen has supported organizations in this area in the past. Previous grantees in this field include Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Drug Policy Alliance for addiction service funding, Ali Forney Center to support homeless shelters, and Galvan Initiative Foundation to provide housing and related services to low-income and otherwise disadvantaged residents of Hudson, NY.

Important Grant Details:
Though van Ameringen awards grants in the $150,000 to $500,000 range, most grant typically fall in the $5,000 to $100,000 range. The foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications or requests for funding.

PEOPLE:

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CONTACT:

37 W. 12th St., No. 11E

New York, New York 10011

(212) 255-0102