The Riss Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Riss Foundation is a private foundation in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In tax year 2025 it gave $14,000 in 10 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $2,500. 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$14,000
- Number of grants10
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$2,500
- Assets$395,947
- New grantees10%
Giving in 2025 was down from $16,500 the year before.
10% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, so most of its money goes to organizations it already funds.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $17,300 | 10 | $363,907 |
| 2024 | $16,500 | 13 | $373,992 |
| 2025 | $14,000 | 10 | $395,947 |
How to apply
The Riss 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.
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to District of Columbia.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 3 | $6,000 |
| New York | 3 | $4,000 |
| California | 2 | $2,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Area Food Bank | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| World Central Kitchen | Unrestricted | $2,500 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foundation | Unrestricted | $2,000 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Compass Pro Bono | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Lungevity Foundation | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| National Immigration Law Center | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Transgender Law Center | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
| Undue Medical Debt | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Seth Berlin
- Susan L Mayer
Questions people ask
Does The Riss Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Riss Foundation give?
$14,000 in tax year 2025, across 10 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Riss Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Seth Berlin (Secretary) and Susan L Mayer (President).