American Express Foundation
Accepts applications
American Express Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $23.2 million in 1,495 grants; the typical grant was $40 and the largest $3.4 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2024.
- Grants paid, 2024$23.2 million
- Number of grants1,495
- Typical grant$40
- Largest grant$3.4 million
- Assets$48.9 million
- New grantees3%
Giving in 2024 was down from $25.7 million the year before.
3% of its 2024 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 | $25.7 million | 9,499 | $71.0 million |
| 2024 | $23.2 million | 1,495 | $48.9 million |
How to apply
| Contact | American Express Philanthropy Amex Tower World Financial Center, New York, NY 10285-4804 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (212) 225-1716 |
| What to submit | - name and address of organization - contact person, title, phone number - geographic area served by organization - history of previous support from the american express philanthropic program, foundation or an american express subsidiary - amount of funds requested - description of project, including info on target groups to be served, needs addressed, program objectives, activities to be undertaken, timetable - detailed project budget - proof of nonprofit status, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt notification - board of directors - latest annual report (if not available, description of organization's overall mission and latest accomplishments) - funding sources |
What American Express Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 51 states, the most to Delaware. It also paid $3.8 million in 5 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 10 | $6.6 million |
| New York | 276 | $5.2 million |
| District of Columbia | 52 | $3.6 million |
| Florida | 138 | $679,934 |
| Massachusetts | 41 | $600,175 |
| Colorado | 19 | $527,009 |
| Virginia | 42 | $498,559 |
| Arizona | 290 | $457,959 |
| California | 92 | $297,029 |
| Connecticut | 19 | $290,513 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Common Purpose Charitable Trust | American express leadership academies | $3.4 million |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | 2024 amex give2gether float funding | $1.9 million |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | 2024 amex give2gether float funding | $1.8 million |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | 2024 amex give2gether float funding | $1.4 million |
| International Rescue Committee Inc | Workforce integration for newcomers (win) 2.0 | $1.0 million |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | 2024 amex give2gether float funding | $800,000 |
| Ocean Conservancy Inc | Trash free seas, resilient communities | $785,000 |
| American National Red Cross | Designated disaster relief fund | $750,000 |
| United Negro College Fund Inc | American express building better futures program | $665,000 |
| Ja Worldwide Inc | Shaping a resilient and confident financial future | $597,425 |
| Covenant House | Career paths for youth overcoming homelessness | $500,000 |
| Hispanic Federation Inc | Nonprofit incubator & COVID vaccination initiative | $500,000 |
| United States Fund for UNICEF | Learning passport and mexico 21st century skills | $450,000 |
| Generation - You Employed Inc | Supporting tech programs in appalachia and the uk | $450,000 |
| Valley of the Sun United Way | Amex colleague engagement in greater phoenix | $400,000 |
| Myriad USA Inc | Australia bef: abcn, two good | $395,000 |
| Big Brothers Big Sisters of America | Career readiness & workplace mentoring | $390,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | Incremental december 2024 funding | $325,000 |
| Myriad USA Inc | Single parent empowerment & career support | $305,000 |
| Myriad USA Inc | Rainwater harvesting in mexico city communities | $285,250 |
| Junior Achievement USA | Building financial confidence in underserved youth | $276,000 |
| American National Red Cross | Designated disaster relief fund | $268,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc | Building resilient futures in the philippines | $265,000 |
| Disability in | Early career talent accelerator | $250,000 |
| National Arbor Day Foundation | 2025 employee engagement global tree planting | $250,000 |
| First Nations Development Institute | Strengthening native programs & feeding families | $250,000 |
| Resource Foundation Inc | Argentina fundes accelerate your future | $240,000 |
| United Way of Broward County | Amex volunteer and support united way broward 2024 | $230,000 |
| American Online Giving Foundation Inc | Incremental 2024 give2gether funding | $225,000 |
| Scholarship America Inc | 2024 scholarship program payment | $219,875 |
| Resource Foundation Inc | Mexico fundes acapulco economic recovery | $200,000 |
| Vital Voices Global Partnership Inc | 2030 impact fund | $200,000 |
| American National Red Cross | General support | $184,824 |
| United States Fund for UNICEF | Learning passport and mexico 21st century skills | $150,000 |
| Myriad USA Inc | Nature restoration and youth engagement in the uk | $130,000 |
| United Way Worldwide | 2023/2024 match for 2022 give2gether campaign | $127,327 |
| Myriad USA Inc | Spain bef: prodis | $126,939 |
| National Urban League Inc | Capacity building and curriculum digitization | $125,000 |
| Head Strong Project Inc | Supporting veterans and mental health | $125,000 |
| Asian American Foundation | Backing equal futures: taaf | $125,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Laureen Seeger
- Stephen J Squeri
- Jennifer Skyler
- David A Kanarek
- Kerri Bernstein
- Madhulika Thomas
- Christophe Y Le Caillec
- Alice Lin Fabiano Resigned July 24
- Laura Stuart
- Amma Anaman Appt Dec 24
- Alice Jowett Appt Dec 24
Questions people ask
Does American Express Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does American Express Foundation give?
$23.2 million in tax year 2024, across 1,495 grants, with a typical grant of $40.
Who runs American Express Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Laureen Seeger (Trustee), Stephen J Squeri (Trustee), Jennifer Skyler (Chair and Trustee) and David A Kanarek (Counsel) among 11 officers and trustees.
What does American Express Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international, education and human services.