The Polen Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Polen Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $21,250 in 23 grants; the typical grant was $1,000 and the largest $2,000. 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$21,250
- Number of grants23
- Typical grant$1,000
- Largest grant$2,000
- Assets$454,553
- New grantees20%
Giving in 2025 was up from $19,750 the year before.
20% of its 2025 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $18,750 | 22 | $373,996 |
| 2024 | $19,750 | 21 | $400,829 |
| 2025 | $21,250 | 23 | $454,553 |
How to apply
The Polen 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 The Polen Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 6 states, the most to New York.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 12 | $11,500 |
| District of Columbia | 7 | $6,250 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $1,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $1,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $500 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Charitable | $2,000 |
| Friends of Copake Grange | Charitable | $1,500 |
| Lehigh University | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Women for Women International | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $1,000 |
| International Rescue Comm | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Ccny-Grove School of Engineering | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Americans United | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Anti-Defamation League | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Center for Constitutional Rights | Charitable | $1,000 |
| The Guttmacher Institute | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Raices | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Rainn | Charitable | $1,000 |
| People for the American Way | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Berkshire South Community Center | Charitable | $1,000 |
| World Wildlife Fund | Charitable | $1,000 |
| Individual | Charitable | $750 |
| The Laura Rosenberg Foundation | Charitable | $500 |
| The Lustgarten Foundation | Charitable | $500 |
| Lungevity Foundation | Charitable | $500 |
| City Harvest | Charitable | $500 |
| Heifer International | Charitable | $500 |
| End of Life Choices Ny | Charitable | $500 |
Officers and trustees
- Russell Polen
- Signe Adam
- Tara E Polen
Questions people ask
Does The Polen Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Polen Foundation give?
$21,250 in tax year 2025, across 23 grants, with a typical grant of $1,000.
Who runs The Polen Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Russell Polen (Trustee), Signe Adam (Trustee) and Tara E Polen (Managing Direct).
What does The Polen Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly international and education.