The Fairholme Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Fairholme Foundation is a private foundation in Coral Gables, Florida. In tax year 2024 it gave $11.8 million in 23 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $10.4 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$11.8 million
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$10.4 million
- Assets$217 million
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2024 was up from $11.7 million the year before.
74% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $11.7 million | 15 | $276 million |
| 2024 | $11.8 million | 23 | $217 million |
How to apply
The Fairholme 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 Fairholme Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to Florida.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 15 | $11.1 million |
| New York | 5 | $275,150 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $250,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $100,000 |
| New Jersey | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation Inc | General purpose | $10.4 million |
| Beaver Country Day School | General purpose | $250,000 |
| Florida State University | General purpose | $250,000 |
| Friendship Circle of Miami | General purpose | $110,000 |
| Gog Foundation | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Wnet | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Worldwide Friends Foundation | General purpose | $100,000 |
| Ica Miami | General purpose | $75,000 |
| Temple Judea | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Whitney Museum of American Art | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Bay Law Enforcement | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Lotus Endowment Fund Inc | General purpose | $50,000 |
| Beit Ruth | General purpose | $25,000 |
| University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Chabad of Panama City | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Bay Education Foundation | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Walton Education Foundation | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Nokuse Education Inc | General purpose | $25,000 |
| Opportunity Project Inc | General purpose | $5,000 |
| Caring for Miami | General purpose | $5,000 |
| University of Miami Athletics | General purpose | $2,500 |
| National Ms Society | General purpose | $150 |
Officers and trustees
- Bruce Berkowitz
- Tracey Berkowitz
Questions people ask
Does The Fairholme Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Fairholme Foundation give?
$11.8 million in tax year 2024, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs The Fairholme Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Bruce Berkowitz (Trustee) and Tracey Berkowitz (Trustee).
What does The Fairholme Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and health.