Fernholz Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Fernholz Foundation is a private foundation in Princeton, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.1 million in 7 grants; the typical grant was $200,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.1 million
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$200,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$25.1 million
- New grantees14%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.3 million the year before.
14% 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 | $795,000 | 4 | $20.8 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 7 | $23.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.1 million | 7 | $25.1 million |
How to apply
Fernholz 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.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What Fernholz Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to New Jersey.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 4 | $530,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $250,000 |
| California | 1 | $200,000 |
| New York | 1 | $75,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Institute for Advanced Study | School of mathematics | $250,000 |
| Princeton University Math Department | Department of mathematics | $250,000 |
| Change Maker Trust Inc | Documentary film about applied science | $250,000 |
| Simons Laufer Mathematical Sciences Institute | School of mathematics | $200,000 |
| Columbia University | Department of mathematics | $75,000 |
| Princeton Community Housing Inc | General support - affordable housing | $20,000 |
| Princeton Medical Center | General support - mecial center | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- E Robert Fernholz
- Luisa T Fernholz
- Ricardo T Fernholz
- Ryan Briganti
- Daniel T Fernholz
Questions people ask
Does Fernholz Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Fernholz Foundation give?
$1.1 million in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $200,000.
Who runs Fernholz Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists E Robert Fernholz (Director, Secretary), Luisa T Fernholz (Director, President), Ricardo T Fernholz (Director) and Ryan Briganti (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does Fernholz Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly science and research and education.