The Debs Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Debs Foundation is a private foundation in Fort Lee, New Jersey. In tax year 2025 it gave $724,000 in 27 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $125,000. 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$724,000
- Number of grants27
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$125,000
- Assets$1.2 million
- New grantees15%
Giving in 2025 was up from $590,000 the year before.
15% 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 | $369,000 | 37 | $945,526 |
| 2024 | $590,000 | 30 | $609,963 |
| 2025 | $724,000 | 27 | $1.2 million |
How to apply
The Debs 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 Debs Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 11 | $505,000 |
| Rhode Island | 5 | $156,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $30,000 |
| Georgia | 1 | $10,000 |
| Missouri | 1 | $10,000 |
| Massachusetts | 4 | $8,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $2,000 |
| Maryland | 1 | $2,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York Historical Society | For the organization's charitable use | $125,000 |
| Providence Public Library | For the organization's charitable use | $105,000 |
| American University of Beirut | For the organization's charitable use | $100,000 |
| Aumbc Emergency | For the organization's charitable use | $100,000 |
| Doctors Without Borders | For the organization's charitable use | $75,000 |
| Tag | For the organization's charitable use | $50,000 |
| American Museum of Tort Law | For the organization's charitable use | $30,000 |
| Carnegie Hall | For the organization's charitable use | $30,000 |
| Crossroads Rhode Island | For the organization's charitable use | $20,000 |
| Rhode Island Community Food | For the organization's charitable use | $20,000 |
| Carter Center | For the organization's charitable use | $10,000 |
| Docas International of Rhode Island | For the organization's charitable use | $10,000 |
| Felden Krais Foundation | For the organization's charitable use | $10,000 |
| Institute of International Education | For the organization's charitable use | $10,000 |
| Society of the Sacred Heart | For the organization's charitable use | $10,000 |
| Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation | For the organization's charitable use | $5,000 |
| Colgate University | For the organization's charitable use | $2,000 |
| NAACP | For the organization's charitable use | $2,000 |
| Poly Prep Country Day School | For the organization's charitable use | $2,000 |
| Orleans Conservattiion Trust | For the organization's charitable use | $1,500 |
| ACLU | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| Alzheimers Association | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| Butler Hospital | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| Harvard Law School | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| National Museum of African American History | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| Public Citizen Foundation | For the organization's charitable use | $1,000 |
| Apcc (Association to Preserve Cape Cod) | For the organization's charitable use | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Mrs Barbara K Debs
- Mselizabeth A Debs
- Mr Nicholas A Debs
- Ms Isabel Turner Debs
- Ms Zoe Turner Debs
Questions people ask
Does The Debs Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Debs Foundation give?
$724,000 in tax year 2025, across 27 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Debs Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Mrs Barbara K Debs (Chairman), Mselizabeth A Debs (President, Vice Chairman), Mr Nicholas A Debs (Vice President) and Ms Isabel Turner Debs (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The Debs Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and international.