The Vanderbilt Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Vanderbilt Family Foundation is a private foundation in New York, New York. In tax year 2025 it gave $358,000 in 22 grants; the typical grant was $10,000 and the largest $70,000. 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$358,000
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$10,000
- Largest grant$70,000
- Assets$7.8 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $346,000 the year before.
32% 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 | $305,000 | 27 | $6.8 million |
| 2024 | $346,000 | 28 | $7.1 million |
| 2025 | $358,000 | 22 | $7.8 million |
How to apply
The Vanderbilt Family 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 Vanderbilt Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its US grants went to recipients in 9 states, the most to New York. It also paid $6,500 in 1 grant to recipients outside the US.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 6 | $153,000 |
| District of Columbia | 3 | $102,500 |
| Idaho | 3 | $30,000 |
| Massachusetts | 2 | $15,500 |
| Connecticut | 2 | $13,500 |
| Florida | 1 | $12,500 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $12,500 |
| California | 2 | $7,000 |
| Vermont | 1 | $5,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Democracy Forward Foundation | General exempt purpose | $70,000 |
| American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Inc | General exempt purpose | $55,000 |
| Childrens Storefront | General exempt purpose | $50,000 |
| Neighbors Link | General exempt purpose | $22,000 |
| Protect Democracy Project | General exempt purpose | $20,000 |
| Wood River Land Trust | General exempt purpose | $15,000 |
| Committee to Protect Journalists | General exempt purpose | $12,500 |
| Prism | General exempt purpose | $12,500 |
| Public Citizen Foundation | General exempt purpose | $12,500 |
| Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors | General exempt purpose | $12,500 |
| Idaho Conservation League | General exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Planned Parenthood Federation of America | General exempt purpose | $10,000 |
| Connecticut Farmland Trust | General exempt purpose | $9,400 |
| Appalachian Mountain Club | General exempt purpose | $8,000 |
| First Literacy | General exempt purpose | $7,500 |
| Kiln Theatre | General exempt purpose | $6,500 |
| American Himalayan Foundation | General exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Himalayan Cataract Project Inc | General exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Wood River YMCA | General exempt purpose | $5,000 |
| Community Music School | General exempt purpose | $4,100 |
| North East Community Center | General exempt purpose | $3,500 |
| Kickstart International Inc | General exempt purpose | $2,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Jamie Comstock
- Ellen F Vanderbilt Aidinoff
- Samuel A Hartwell Jr
- William Henry Vanderbilt Jr
Questions people ask
Does The Vanderbilt Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Vanderbilt Family Foundation give?
$358,000 in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $10,000.
Who runs The Vanderbilt Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Jamie Comstock (Trustee), Ellen F Vanderbilt Aidinoff (Trustee), Samuel A Hartwell Jr (Trustee) and William Henry Vanderbilt Jr (Trustee).
What does The Vanderbilt Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly environment and conservation, education and arts and culture.