Clarfeld Family Foundation
The Clarfeld Family Foundation was a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. Its 2023 filing is marked as the organization’s final return: the foundation reported that it made distributions in complete liquidation and filed a certificate of dissolution on December 28, 2023. It therefore appears to have wound down and stopped grantmaking.
Key facts about Clarfeld Family Foundation
In short: Clarfeld Family Foundation gave $3.9M across 14 grants in 2023 (avg $281K), mostly in California. Source: 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 82-2595170
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2023
- Annual giving (2023)
- $3,938,675
- Grants made (2023)
- 14
- Average grant
- $281,334
- Median grant
- $11,250
- Primary geography
- California (90% of itemized 2023 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation stated that it made contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2023; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2023 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
Annual Giving
$3.9M
+898.4% YoY
Grant Count
14
+16.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$281K
+755.8% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Clarfeld Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $160K for 2023 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How Clarfeld Family Foundation gives
- 50% of 2023 grantees were also funded in 2022. Method
- Giving grew 3839% from 2020 to 2023. Method
- In 2023 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2023). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2023 grant recipients included Birthright Israel Foundation, whose stated mission is to give eligible young Jewish adults the opportunity to visit Israel on an educational trip; the Smithsonian Institution, which describes its mission as increasing and diffusing knowledge; and Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, which says it cares for people in need and sustains the Jewish community.
Other recipients describe work in services for people with developmental and social disabilities (Chapel Haven Schleifer Center), animal care and welfare (Berkshire Humane Society), and access to behavioral health services for underserved populations (Access Psychology Foundation). These are the grantees’ stated missions, not a stated mission of the foundation.
Grantmaking
In 2023, the foundation reported 14 grants totaling $3,938,675. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $3,463,906, with a median of $11,250. The largest grant was $3,463,906 to Schwab Charitable Fund for the foundation’s donor-advised fund; the filing describes it as an in-kind grant. Other notable grants included $200,000 to Birthright Israel Foundation for an endowment fund, $75,000 to the Smithsonian Institution for its director’s discretionary fund and public relations efforts, and $50,000 to Jewish Federation of the Berkshires for its Israel Fund.
Ready to take the next step with Clarfeld Family Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2023, the reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were California 90%, New York 6%, the District of Columbia 2%, Massachusetts 2%, and Connecticut 1%. These reported shares total 101%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2023 grant dollars across all 14 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2023, annual grant giving ranged from $28K (2019) to $3.9M (2023). In 2023 it made 14 grants totaling $3.9M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2023
The largest 2023 recipient was Schwab Charitable Fund ($3.5M across 2 grants). Together the top 10 received $3.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
32 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 23 grants of 32 (72%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Schwab Charitable Fund San Francisco, CA | Clarfeld Family Foundation donor advisor fund (IN-KIND GRANTS - SEE GENERAL EXPLANATION) | $3,463,906 |
| Birthright Israel Foundation New York, NY | Endowment Fund | $200,000 |
| Smithsonian Institution Washington, DC | director's discretionary fund and public relations efforts | $75,000 |
| Schwab Charitable Fund San Francisco, CA | Clarfeld Family Foundation donor advisor fund | $63,769 |
| Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Inc Pittsfield, MA | Israel Fund | $50,000 |
| Chapel Haven Schleifer Center New Haven, CT | General & Unrestricted | $25,000 |
| Berkshire Humane Society Inc Pittsfield, MA | General & Unrestricted | $12,500 |
| Access Psychology Foundation White Plains, NY | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| American Friends of Magen David Adom New York, NY | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
| Jewish Federation of the Berkshires Inc Pittsfield, MA | General & Unrestricted | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | — | $116,583 | $3,956,448 | $3,938,675 |
| 2022 | $3,922,824 | $159,754 | $408,147 | $394,500 |
| 2021 | $4,171,217 | $125,505 | $78,329 | $61,400 |
| Metric | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $3,922,824 | $4,171,217 |
| Revenue | $116,583 | $159,754 | $125,505 |
| Expenses | $3,956,448 | $408,147 | $78,329 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,953,927 | $406,002 | $77,100 |
| Net Investment Income | $135,859 | $159,754 | $125,505 |
| Distributable Amount | $159,505 | $184,667 | $214,099 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS May 28, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2023
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Officers and directors listed on the 2023 filing:
- Kristen C Clarfeld — Director, Secretary, Treasurer
- Laurence A Clarfeld — Director, Vice President
- Robert A Clarfeld — Director, President
- Richard T Suarez — Vice President, Director
- Robert A Varriano — Director, Vice President
Clarfeld Family Foundation is led by Robert A Clarfeld, Director & President on every filing since 2019; none of the 5 officers listed in 2023 report compensation.
Officers on the 2023 filing
Robert A Clarfeld
Director & President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kristen C Clarfeld
Director, Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Laurence A Clarfeld
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard T Suarez
Vice President & Director
Vice President → Vice President & Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Robert A Varriano
Director & Vice President
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2023. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Frequently asked questions about Clarfeld Family Foundation
How much does Clarfeld Family Foundation give each year?
Clarfeld Family Foundation gave $3.9M across 14 grants in 2023, according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2022 it gave $395K across 12 grants.
What is Clarfeld Family Foundation's typical grant size?
Clarfeld Family Foundation's median grant in 2023 was $11,250, and its average grant was $281,334, across 14 grants on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Clarfeld Family Foundation give grants?
Clarfeld Family Foundation gives mostly in California: 90% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was New York (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsfield, MA (3 grants), San Francisco, CA (2 grants), New York, NY (2 grants) and Tarrytown, NY (2 grants).
Does Clarfeld Family Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 71% of Clarfeld Family Foundation's 2023 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 14) were for general or operating support, per its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Clarfeld Family Foundation's largest grantees?
Clarfeld Family Foundation's largest 2023 grantees include Schwab Charitable Fund ($3,527,675 across 2 grants), Birthright Israel Foundation ($200,000) and Smithsonian Institution ($75,000), according to its 2023 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 97% of its itemized 2023 grant dollars.
What does Clarfeld Family Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Clarfeld Family Foundation?
The foundation stated that it made 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 ↑
How much is Clarfeld Family Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2023, Clarfeld Family Foundation reported a distributable amount of $160K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Clarfeld Family Foundation's EIN?
Clarfeld Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-2595170. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2023.
Does Clarfeld Family Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Clarfeld Family Foundation by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Clarfeld Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Delaware
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
American Electric Power Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The American Electric Power Foundation funds STEM education, basic needs such as hunger and housing, social justice, and environmental protection. Its 2025 grants had a median of $10,000, with awards ranging from $500 to about $1.43 million; funding is concentrated in Ohio, with grants also going to states including Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. It accepts applications only from preselected organizations invited through a local AEP Operating Company and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$43.6M
Grants
753
Total Given
$23.0M
Puget Sound Energy Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The Puget Sound Energy Foundation funds nonprofits serving communities where PSE has a service or generation presence, primarily in Washington, across household needs, education and workforce pathways, climate resilience, and community safety. Grants vary widely; in 2024 they ranged from $13 to $100,000, with a $500 median, while its 2026 disaster-focused competitive program offers up to $15,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible local nonprofits can apply through that competitive program.
Assets
$19.6M
Grants
451
Total Given
$1.2M
First Eagle Investments Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$747K
Grants
389
Total Given
$1.2M
Hagerty Drivers Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$193K
Grants
330
Total Given
$192K
McNabb Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The McNabb Foundation’s website describes support for behavioral health and social services in East Tennessee, while its 2024 grants went to organizations with varied missions, mostly in California. Grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.
Assets
$4.8M
Grants
328
Total Given
$358K
Raskob Foundation for Catholic
Wilmington, DE
The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities supports Catholic organizations, ministries, and projects in the United States and its territories and internationally, across areas such as education, health care, and humanitarian aid. Domestic awards are typically $15,000–$35,000; international grants can be up to $200,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but the profile does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$208.0M
Grants
325
Total Given
$6.2M
Delaware Community Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
Delaware Community Foundation funds nonprofits across areas such as health, education, conservation, arts, and youth services, primarily in Delaware, though it also awards grants elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $21,500, and it invites nonprofits to apply for specific grant programs; the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.
Assets
$392.5M
Grants
323
Total Given
$20.4M
WSFS Cares Foundation
Wilmington, DE
The WSFS CARES Foundation funds qualified nonprofits working in community investment, affordable housing, revitalization and economic empowerment, education and leadership, and services for people in need across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000. The filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$12.3M
Grants
323
Total Given
$2.7M
Webster Bank Charitable Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Webster Bank Charitable Foundation funds established 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low- to moderate-income communities in Webster’s footprint, supporting workforce and community development, financial empowerment, and basic needs. Its 2024 grants had a median of $5,000 and ranged from $50 to $346,732. It accepts applications through an online process on a rolling basis and does not restrict giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$5.0M
Grants
302
Total Given
$4.5M
The Brandsma Family Foundation
Wilmington, DE
Assets
$1.4M
Grants
289
Total Given
$584K
More Funders in Delaware
Clarfeld Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?