Four Friends Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Four Friends Foundation is a private foundation in Albany, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $1.2 million in 38 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $110,000. 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$1.2 million
- Number of grants38
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$110,000
- Assets$51.5 million
- New grantees74%
Giving in 2024 was up from $1.0 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 | $1.0 million | 21 | $40.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.2 million | 38 | $51.5 million |
How to apply
Four Friends 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 Four Friends Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 26 | $733,829 |
| California | 4 | $230,000 |
| Michigan | 5 | $199,400 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $50,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $10,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $3,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Cedars Sinai Women's Guild | Unrestricted | $110,000 |
| Inside Out Literary Arts | Restricted to capacity building | $104,400 |
| Urban Arts Partnership | Capacity building | $103,200 |
| Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls | Capacity building | $100,600 |
| L A County Museum of Art | Unrestricted | $65,000 |
| Bronx Documentary Center | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Brooklyn Conservatory of Music | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| City Meals on Wheels | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Jewish Hospice & Chaplaincy Network | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| The Arts Connection Inc | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| The Noel Pointer Foundation | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| Upbeat NYC Inc | Unrestricted | $50,000 |
| National Dance Institute | Capacity building | $30,461 |
| Chrysalis | Unrestricted | $30,000 |
| American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Impact Society Global | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Motion Picture & TV Fund | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Peoples Theatre Project | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Young People's Chorus of New York City | Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Perfect Earth Project | Unrestricted | $22,000 |
| Art Students League of New York | Unrestricted | $20,000 |
| American Museum of Natural History | Unrestricted | $19,568 |
| Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund | The giving fund | $18,000 |
| Beam Center | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Brooklyn Youth Chorus | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Central Park Conservancy | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Intempo Music | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Mind-Builders Creative Art Center | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Shakespeare in Detroit | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Sphinx Organization | Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Red Hook Initiative | Unrestricted | $9,000 |
| Actvf PTA | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Alex House Project | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| College Access Research & Action | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Foundation for Advancement of Haitian Midwives | Unrestricted | $5,000 |
| Zeno Mountain Farm | Capacity building | $3,000 |
| Extreme Kids & Crew | Unrestricted | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Robert Shaye
- Eva Shaye
- Katja Shaye
Questions people ask
Does Four Friends Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Four Friends Foundation give?
$1.2 million in tax year 2024, across 38 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Four Friends Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists Robert Shaye (Trustee), Eva Shaye (Trustee) and Katja Shaye (Trustee).
What does Four Friends Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, youth programs and education.