The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc
Preselected recipients only
The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $30.4 million in 9 grants; the typical grant was $7,500 and the largest $30.2 million. 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$30.4 million
- Number of grants9
- Typical grant$7,500
- Largest grant$30.2 million
- Assets$43.8 million
- New grantees56%
Giving in 2025 was up from $20.3 million the year before.
56% of its 2025 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 | $18.1 million | 9 | $53.7 million |
| 2024 | $20.3 million | 10 | $52.7 million |
| 2025 | $30.4 million | 9 | $43.8 million |
How to apply
The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc 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 James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 9 | $30.4 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jewish Communal Fund | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $30.2 million |
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $120,000 |
| Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $50,000 |
| Uja-Federation of New York | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $10,000 |
| New York University | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $7,500 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $5,500 |
| New York Public Library | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $5,000 |
| New York City Police Foundation | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $5,000 |
| Center for Educational Innovation | To further educational, religious, medical, cultural, societal and environmental causes. | $2,500 |
Officers and trustees
- James S Tisch
- Merryl H Tisch
- Alan H Hirschfeld
- Barry L Bloom
- Barbara Lawrence
Questions people ask
Does The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc give?
$30.4 million in tax year 2025, across 9 grants, with a typical grant of $7,500.
Who runs The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc?
Its 2025 filing lists James S Tisch (President, Director), Merryl H Tisch (SNR. Vice President, Direc), Alan H Hirschfeld (Assistant Secretary) and Barry L Bloom (Treasurer) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does The James & Merryl Tisch Foundation Inc fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, education and environment and conservation.