The Sondheimer Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Sondheimer Foundation is a private foundation in Los Angeles, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $720,825 in 25 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $100,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$720,825
- Number of grants25
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$100,000
- Assets$16.2 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $600,070 the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $564,150 | 22 | $12.6 million |
| 2024 | $600,070 | 20 | $15.4 million |
| 2025 | $720,825 | 25 | $16.2 million |
How to apply
The Sondheimer Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Sondheimer Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 16 | $283,800 |
| New York | 5 | $260,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $100,000 |
| District of Columbia | 1 | $75,000 |
| Ohio | 1 | $1,025 |
| Minnesota | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Americares | Charitable | $100,000 |
| International Rescue Committee | Charitable | $100,000 |
| ACLU Foundation | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Los Angeles | Charitable | $75,000 |
| World Central Kitchen | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Los Angeles Food Bank | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Cedars-Sinai | Medical | $35,000 |
| Center Theatre Group | Charitable | $30,000 |
| NRDC | Charitable | $30,000 |
| Los Angeles Philharmonic | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Children's Hospital Los Angeles | Medical | $10,000 |
| Kcet | Charitable | $10,000 |
| KCRW | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Southern California Public Radio | Charitable | $10,000 |
| PBS Socal | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Wilshire Boulevard Temple | Charitable | $5,800 |
| Ncjwla | Charitable | $5,000 |
| BABY2BABY | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Lafd | Charitable | $5,000 |
| La Fires | Charitable | $5,000 |
| NAACP Legal Defense Fund | Charitable | $5,000 |
| Geffen Playhouse | Charitable | $3,000 |
| Equity Arc | Charitable | $1,025 |
| American Public Media | Charitable | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jane Rissman
- Richard J Sondheimer
Questions people ask
Does The Sondheimer Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Sondheimer Foundation give?
$720,825 in tax year 2025, across 25 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Sondheimer Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jane Rissman (Vice President) and Richard J Sondheimer (Executive Director and Treasury).
What does The Sondheimer Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture and health.