James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation
Preselected recipients only
James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation is a private foundation in Shaker Heights, Ohio. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.0 million in 70 grants; the typical grant was $5,000 and the largest $250,000. 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$1.0 million
- Number of grants70
- Typical grant$5,000
- Largest grant$250,000
- Assets$2.6 million
- New grantees27%
Giving in 2025 was down from $1.3 million the year before.
27% 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 | $1.1 million | 76 | $4.2 million |
| 2024 | $1.3 million | 70 | $3.3 million |
| 2025 | $1.0 million | 70 | $2.6 million |
How to apply
James and Susan Ratner 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 James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 8 states, the most to Ohio.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 45 | $836,983 |
| New York | 14 | $67,300 |
| District of Columbia | 5 | $52,500 |
| California | 2 | $26,667 |
| Pennsylvania | 1 | $25,000 |
| Connecticut | 1 | $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | 1 | $2,500 |
| Alabama | 1 | $1,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University Hospitals of Cleveland | James & susan ratner scholarship | $250,000 |
| Cleveland Museum of Art | Lobby renovation project fund | $100,000 |
| Park Synagogue | Operating support fund | $60,000 |
| United Way of Greater Cleveland | Annual fund | $35,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Cleveland | Humanitarian relief in gaza fund | $30,938 |
| Playhouse Square Foundation | Trustee appeal / chairman's challenge / dazzle challenge fund | $28,500 |
| Cleveland Museum of Art | Trustee fund | $25,000 |
| Health Equity Fund of Greater Ohio | Annual fund | $25,000 |
| J Street Education Fund | Annual fund | $25,000 |
| MQ Foundation | Annual fund | $25,000 |
| Musical Arts Association | Annual fund | $25,000 |
| New Israel Fund | Campaign support | $25,000 |
| Park Synagogue | Annual fund | $25,000 |
| University Circle Inc | The circle fund | $25,000 |
| Playhouse Square Foundation | Center stage benefit | $22,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Cleveland | Humanitarian relief in gaza fund | $20,938 |
| Case Western Reserve University | Trustee annual campaign fund | $20,000 |
| Medwish International | Medbash sponsorship fund | $20,000 |
| Hammer Museum | Annual fund | $16,667 |
| Greater Cleveland Food Bank Inc | Annual fund | $15,000 |
| Save the Children Federation Inc | Annual fund | $15,000 |
| HT Ministries | Annual fund | $10,000 |
| Israaid US | Annual fund | $10,000 |
| J Street Education Fund | Annual fund | $10,000 |
| Ohio Contemporary Ballet | Spring fund | $10,000 |
| Physicians for Human Rights Inc | Annual fund | $10,000 |
| US Holocaust Memorial Museum | Beyond our walls fund | $10,000 |
| University Hospitals of Cleveland | Annual fund | $10,000 |
| Park Synagogue | Annual fund | $8,333 |
| Values-In-Action Foundation | Values matter sponsorship | $5,500 |
| Bethany Baptist Church | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Kids' Book Bank | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Cleveland Music School Settlement | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Hopewell Inn | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Legal Aid Society of Cleveland | Annual fund | $5,000 |
| Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage | Heritage award sponsorship fund | $5,000 |
| Park Synagogue | Ilana skoff memorial fund | $5,000 |
| Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc | Commanders for israel's security fund | $5,000 |
| Pef Israel Endowment Funds Inc | Commanders for israel's security fund | $5,000 |
| Sparkyouth NYC Inc | Sparkyouth awards benefit | $5,000 |
Officers and trustees
- James Ratner
- Susan Ratner
Questions people ask
Does James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation give?
$1.0 million in tax year 2025, across 70 grants, with a typical grant of $5,000.
Who runs James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists James Ratner (Vp/Dir) and Susan Ratner (Pres/Dir/Sec).
What does James and Susan Ratner Family Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, health and arts and culture.