Hess Philanthropic Fund
Preselected recipients only
Hess Philanthropic Fund is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $14.9 million in 72 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $5.1 million. 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$14.9 million
- Number of grants72
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$5.1 million
- Assets$352 million
- New grantees28%
Giving in 2024 was down from $21.3 million the year before.
28% of its 2024 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $14.5 million | 62 | $305 million |
| 2023 | $21.3 million | 69 | $339 million |
| 2024 | $14.9 million | 72 | $352 million |
How to apply
Hess Philanthropic Fund 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 Hess Philanthropic Fund funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 60 | $14.4 million |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $225,027 |
| West Virginia | 1 | $186,000 |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $50,000 |
| District of Columbia | 2 | $20,000 |
| California | 2 | $11,342 |
| Maryland | 2 | $1,505 |
| Texas | 2 | $200 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rockefeller University | Charitable | $5.1 million |
| Metropolitan Opera | Charitable | $2.5 million |
| Museum of Modern Art | Charitable | $1.4 million |
| New York Presbyterian Hospital | Charitable | $1.2 million |
| American Museum of Natural History | Charitable | $600,000 |
| Lincoln Center Theater | Charitable | $540,000 |
| Memorial Sloan Kettering | Charitable | $500,000 |
| Trinity School | Charitable | $350,000 |
| Asia Society | Charitable | $275,000 |
| Harvard College | Charitable | $225,000 |
| Wnet | Charitable | $200,000 |
| Jazz at Lincoln Center | Charitable | $195,000 |
| Conversation Productions | Charitable | $186,000 |
| Council of Foreign Relations | Charitable | $150,000 |
| Henry Street Settlement Art Show | Charitable | $100,000 |
| New York STEM Cell Foundation | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Ny Police Foundation | Charitable | $100,000 |
| Services for the Underserved | Charitable | $76,500 |
| Sesame Workshop | Charitable | $75,000 |
| Congregation Emanu-El | Charitable | $71,100 |
| Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts | Charitable | $60,000 |
| Brown University | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Central Park Conservancy | Charitable | $50,000 |
| New York Historical Society | Charitable | $50,000 |
| The 92nd Street Y | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Montefiore Medical Center | Charitable | $50,000 |
| Sus Services for the Underserved | Chartiable | $50,000 |
| Civilians Theater Company | Charitable | $40,000 |
| Moma PS1 | Charitable | $25,000 |
| New York City Ballet | Charitable | $25,000 |
| New York Presbyterian Hypertension Center | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Seleni Institute | Chartiable | $25,000 |
| Equality Now | Charitable | $25,000 |
| International Council of Moma | Charitable | $22,500 |
| American Associates of the National Theater | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Ladies' Village Improvement Society of East Hampton Inc | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Four Freedoms Park Conservancy | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Tate Americas Foundation | Charitable | $16,000 |
| Manhattan Theatre Club | Charitable | $15,000 |
| Public Theatreny Shakespeare | Charitable | $15,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Marlene Hess
- Peter Hess Friedland
- Margaret Hess Chi
Questions people ask
Does Hess Philanthropic Fund accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Hess Philanthropic Fund give?
$14.9 million in tax year 2024, across 72 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Hess Philanthropic Fund?
Its 2024 filing lists Marlene Hess (Director), Peter Hess Friedland (Director) and Margaret Hess Chi (Director).
What does Hess Philanthropic Fund fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and faith communities.