B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation
The B. Robert Williamson Jr. Foundation is a private foundation based in New York, NY. Established in 2012 in memory of Robert Williamson, it provides financial support to nonprofit organizations focused primarily on education and youth empowerment.
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation at a glance
In short: B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation gave $469K across 20 grants in 2025 (avg $23K), mostly in New York. 20% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $469,216
- +22.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 20
- +11.1% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $23,461
- +9.9% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $2,266,223
- -2.1% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (4 of 20, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (68% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Co Chilton 300 Park Ave 19Th Fl, New York, NY 10022-7407
Phone: (646) 443-7864
Website: https://www.brwjrfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was UNC Chapel Hill Foundation ($100K). Together the top 10 received $364K.
Grant Size Distribution
91 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 86 grants of 91 (95%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it primarily works with organizations in New York City and is looking to provide grants in North Carolina and elsewhere as it grows. In 2025, 68% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York and 32% to recipients in North Carolina.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 20 itemized grants.
Cities
Is B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 20 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $22K; repeat grants $24K. How we count
Medians: $22K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 80% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 22% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 418% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $257K (2019) to $469K (2025). In 2025 it made 20 grants totaling $469K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UNC Chapel Hill Foundation Chapel Hill, NC | General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| Pave Schoolspave Academy Charter School Brooklyn, NY | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| Children's Village Dobbs Ferry, NY | General Operating Support | $35,000 |
| Harlem Grown New York, NY | General Operating Support | $35,000 |
| Boys Club of New York New York, NY | General Operating Support | $33,333 |
| Stanly County Family YMCA Albemarle, NC | General Operating Support | $33,333 |
| Culture for One New York, NY | General Operating Support | $27,500 |
| New Life of New York City New York, NY | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| NYU School of Social Work New York, NY | Adaptive Leadership | $20,000 |
| Boys Club of Wake County Raleigh, NC | General Operating Support | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,266,223 | $554,146 | $789,785 | $469,216 | 20 | $501,368 | $271,434 | $120,010 |
| 2024 | $2,314,784 | $514,444 | $234,528 | $384,150 | 18 | $416,001 | $210,386 | $112,561 |
| 2023 | $2,026,618 | $407,743 | $371,047 | $397,650 | 17 | $452,000 | $140,825 | $100,128 |
| 2022 | $1,914,749 | $1,046,606 | $879,411 | $384,985 | 17 | $484,782 | $66,667 | $91,212 |
| 2021 | $1,780,217 | $480,209 | $409,231 | $351,665 | 19 | $374,556 | $171,509 | $79,692 |
| 2020 | $1,441,650 | $380,456 | $345,391 | $290,285 | 13 | — | $51,263 | $60,966 |
| 2019 | $1,221,454 | $338,496 | $318,616 | $257,088 | 14 | — | $51,441 | $57,675 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation reported a distributable amount of $120K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated mission is to support nonprofit organizations focused on the education and empowerment of young people. Its principles include dedication to underserved and vulnerable populations, investment in high-impact preventive strategies, data- and outcomes-based decisions, general operating support, and open communication with grantees.
The grantees’ own descriptions illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Harlem Grown says it uses urban farming, nutrition, and sustainability education and mentorship to inspire young people. Culture for One says it enriches the lives of children in foster care through the arts. Hudson River Community Sailing says it develops leadership and academic success in New York City youth through partnerships with public schools. In North Carolina, the Boys Club of Wake County says it works to help young people reach their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 20 grants totaling $469,216. Grants ranged from $50 to $100,000, with a median grant of $15,000. The largest awards included $100,000 to UNC Chapel Hill Foundation for general operating support; $40,000 to PAVE Academy Charter School for general operating support; $35,000 each to Children’s Village and Harlem Grown for general operating support; and $33,333 each to Boys Club of New York and Stanly County Family YMCA for general operating support. Other grants included $27,500 to Culture for One and $25,000 to New Life of New York City, both for general operating support, and $20,000 to NYU School of Social Work for adaptive leadership.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Caroline C. Williamson as director, president, and treasurer; Richard L. Chilton Jr. as director and senior vice president; and Ann Colley, James Chappelle Hill III, Charles Aycock McLendon Jr., Alexander Tucker Robertson, Caroline Costner Williamson, and Benjamin Robert Williamson III as directors. Allison Overgaard is listed as secretary.
The foundation’s website identifies Caroline Williamson as president, treasurer, and director, and Richard L. Chilton Jr. as director and senior vice president. It says the trustees are directly involved in grantmaking.
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation is led by Caroline Costner Williamson, Director, President, Treasurer & Director since 2020 (on filings since 2019); none of the 8 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Caroline Costner Williamson
Director, President, Treasurer & Director
Director, President & Director → Director, President, Treasurer & Director, 2020
On filings since 2019
17.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alexander Tucker Robertson
Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ann Colley
Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Benjamin Robert Williamson III
Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Charles Aycock McLendon Jr.
Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
James Chappelle Hill III
Director
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard L. Chilton Jr.
Director & Senior Vice President
On filings since 2019
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Allison Overgaard
Secretary
On filings since 2024
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Jonathan M. Wainwright (2019–2024) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation
How much does B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation give each year?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation gave $469K across 20 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $384K across 18 grants.
What is B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's typical grant size?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $23,461, across 20 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation that year got $22K on average.
Where does B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation give grants?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation gives mostly in New York: 68% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was North Carolina (32%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (10 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (4 grants).
Does B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 95% of B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (19 of 20) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's largest grantees?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include UNC Chapel Hill Foundation ($100,000), Pave Schoolspave Academy Charter School ($40,000) and Children's Village ($35,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 37% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation reported $2.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $501K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $120K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation fund?
The foundation’s stated mission is to support nonprofit organizations focused on the education and empowerment of young people. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation?
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's EIN?
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-5374818. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS April 22, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS April 26, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS October 25, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS June 14, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 9, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS June 13, 2022)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS June 15, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Live grants for the work B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
- Nixa Affiliate Grantmaking Program Up to US $10,000 · Due October 19, 2026
- Community and School Grants $28,000 total pool; 10-15 grants expected · Due October 19, 2026
- Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund $500 - $5,000 for ongoing programs; up to $15,000 for Strategic Initiative Grants · Due October 19, 2026
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Pinkerton Foundation
New York, NY
The Pinkerton Foundation funds direct-service programs for children, young people, and families in economically disadvantaged New York City communities, especially in academic development, career readiness, cultural enrichment, and support for youth affected by foster care or the criminal justice system. Its 2023 grants ranged from $500 to $850,000, with a median of $75,000. It accepts letters of inquiry through its Grant Portal at any time.
Assets
$689.1M
Grants
445
Total Given
$38.6M
The New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
Robertson Foundation
New York, NY
The Robertson Foundation funds education, environmental work, and medical research, with a focus on long-term, transformational efforts; its 2024 grants ranged from $45 to $21 million, with a median of $10,000. Grant dollars went mainly to organizations in New York, California, and North Carolina. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$300.8M
Grants
256
Total Given
$105.2M
Altman Foundation
New York, NY
The Altman Foundation funds education, health, community strengthening, cultural engagement, youth development, arts, and nonprofit services in New York City’s five boroughs, with particular interest in underserved communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $250,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry on a rolling basis only for its Health portfolio; it is not accepting full proposals from organizations that are not current grantees.
Assets
$286.5M
Grants
216
Total Given
$12.9M
The Ford Foundation
New York, NY
The Ford Foundation funds organizations and initiatives working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work on civic engagement, civil rights, climate justice, disability rights, and technology and society. In 2024, its grants ranged from $45 to $15 million, with a median of $100,000, supporting work in the U.S. and internationally. It says most grants are identified by the foundation and it does not accept unsolicited proposals by mail, email, or phone; limited opportunities may be offered separately.
Assets
$17.5B
Grants
4,007
Total Given
$844.7M
The Achelis & Bodman Foundation
New York, NY
The foundation funds arts and culture, education, employment, health, public policy, and youth and family programs, focusing mainly on New York City and northern New Jersey, especially Newark and Monmouth County. Grants are typically $25,000–$100,000. It accepts unsolicited requests from eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in New York City and northern New Jersey; start with an inquiry letter by email.
Assets
$143.1M
Grants
158
Total Given
$6.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 18, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/b-robert-williamson-jr-foundation-morg_c2e3b08dea97496191d312b17de4b49b
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_455374818_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/b-robert-williamson-jr-foundation-morg_c2e3b08dea97496191d312b17de4b49b},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-18. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
B Robert Williamson Jr Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?