Leon Levy Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Leon Levy Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2024 it gave $34.2 million in 214 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $8.7 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$34.2 million
- Number of grants214
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$8.7 million
- Assets$491 million
- New grantees40%
Giving in 2024 was down from $35.8 million the year before.
40% 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 | $35.8 million | 198 | $495 million |
| 2024 | $34.2 million | 214 | $491 million |
How to apply
Leon Levy 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 Leon Levy Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 20 states, the most to New York. It also paid $420,016 in 3 grants to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 162 | $33.3 million |
| Massachusetts | 10 | $1.4 million |
| New Jersey | 5 | $1.1 million |
| District of Columbia | 6 | $1.1 million |
| Rhode Island | 1 | $250,000 |
| California | 6 | $231,430 |
| Arizona | 1 | $225,000 |
| Maine | 4 | $121,750 |
| Virginia | 2 | $110,750 |
| Maryland | 2 | $55,000 |
Grants paid in 2024
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York University | Project support. | $8.7 million |
| Graduate Center - City University of New York | Endowment support | $3.3 million |
| New York Academy of Sciences | Project support. | $2.8 million |
| Prospect Park Alliance | Endowment support | $2.0 million |
| City College New York the | Project support. | $1.6 million |
| New York Public Library | Endowment support | $1.4 million |
| Bard Graduate Center | Project support. | $1.0 million |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | Project support. | $1.0 million |
| White Levy Program for Archaeological Publications | Project support. | $1.0 million |
| Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority | Project support. | $1.0 million |
| Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art | Endowment support | $900,000 |
| BNT Fund | Project support. | $648,814 |
| Committee to Protect Journalists | Project support. | $636,156 |
| Immigrant Justice Corps | General support | $625,000 |
| New York Public Radio | General support | $600,000 |
| Public Theater the | Endowment support | $525,000 |
| Anne Frank House | Project support. | $500,000 |
| Brennan Center for Justice | Project support. | $500,000 |
| Mount Sinai | Endowment support | $500,000 |
| National September 11 Memorial & Museum | Project support. | $413,400 |
| Israel Nature and Heritage Foundation of America | Project support. | $400,000 |
| New York Botanical Garden the | Project support. | $375,000 |
| Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts | Project support. | $325,000 |
| Jewish Museum the | Project support. | $285,000 |
| Natural Areas Conservancy | General support | $250,000 |
| Vanguard Charitable | General support | $250,000 |
| American Archaeology Abroad | Project support. | $225,000 |
| New York Philharmonic | Project support. | $214,914 |
| Brooklyn Academy of Music | Project support. | $210,000 |
| Aliph Foundation | Project support. | $200,000 |
| City the | General support | $200,000 |
| Shaharit | Project support. | $180,000 |
| Lod Economic Company | Project support. | $165,000 |
| Public Housing Community Fund | Project support. | $164,333 |
| Harvard Museum of the Ancient Near East | Project support. | $162,500 |
| Center for Reproductive Rights | General support | $150,000 |
| City Parks Foundation | Project support. | $150,000 |
| Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust | Project support. | $139,800 |
| Burle Marx Institute | Project support. | $130,000 |
| Academic Engagement Network | General support | $125,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John Bernstein
- Meredith Ross
- Shelby White
- Tracy White
Questions people ask
Does Leon Levy Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Leon Levy Foundation give?
$34.2 million in tax year 2024, across 214 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs Leon Levy Foundation?
Its 2024 filing lists John Bernstein (Trustee), Meredith Ross (President), Shelby White (Trustee) and Tracy White (Trustee).
What does Leon Levy Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, arts and culture and environment and conservation.