Friends Research Institute Inc
Friends Research Institute Inc. is a Baltimore, Maryland–based public charity, formed in 1955. Its mission is to advance innovative research that promotes health and well-being. Its work includes research on medical, mental-health, and drug-related topics, as well as grants administration for research projects.
Key facts about Friends Research Institute Inc
In short: Friends Research Institute Inc gave $2.4M across 12 grants in 2025 (avg $197K), top state New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- EIN
- 52-0701445
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $2,367,687
- Grants made (2025)
- 12
- Average grant
- $197,307
- Median grant
- $191,852
- Total assets
- $8,483,431
- Primary geography
- New York (45% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990 · View filing
Total Assets
$8.5M
+5.4% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.4M
+305.9% YoY
Grant Count
12
+9.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$197K
+272.0% YoY
How Friends Research Institute Inc gives
- 50% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2025). 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
Friends Research Institute states that it is dedicated to “advancing innovative research to promote health and well-being.” Its history includes research on serious and persistent mental illness, and its 2024 filing describes medical, mental-health, and drug-abuse research studies, as well as studies of the effects of different drugs.
The 2025 filing lists 12 grants, each designated for a research study. Recipients included universities, medical colleges, research organizations, and health-service organizations. Among the recipients described in their own words, Thomas Jefferson University says it is a comprehensive university focused on education, research and discovery across fields including health, medicine and science. New York University describes its primary missions as education, research and scholarship, and patient care. Emory University says its mission is to create, preserve, teach and apply knowledge in the service of humanity.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the institute reported 12 grants totaling $2,367,687. Grant amounts ranged from $20,430 to $524,875, with a median of $191,852. The largest awards included $524,875 to Weill Cornell Medical College for a research study, $412,948 to Maryland Treatment Centers Inc. for a research study, and $239,830 to RTI International for a research study. Other notable awards were $221,657 to Thomas Jefferson University and $200,504 to New York University, both for research studies.
Ready to take the next step with Friends Research Institute Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The institute is based in Baltimore, Maryland. For 2025 grants, reported shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York 45%, Maryland 25%, North Carolina 10%, Pennsylvania 9%, and Texas 6%. The listed recipients also included organizations in California and Georgia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 12 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2024 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $583K (2024) to $2.4M (2025). In 2025 it made 12 grants totaling $2.4M.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Weill Cornell Medical College ($525K). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
23 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $100–250K range: 9 grants of 23 (39%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Weill Cornell Medical College Ithaca, NY | Research Study | $524,875 |
| Maryland Treatment Centers Inc Baltimore, MD | Research Study | $412,948 |
| RTI International Durham, NC | Research Study | $239,830 |
| Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA | Research Study | $221,657 |
| Columbia University New York, NY | Research Study | $219,294 |
| New York University New York, NY | Research Study | $200,504 |
| University of Maryland-Baltimore Baltimore, MD | Research Study | $183,199 |
| Baymark Health Services Lewisville, TX | Research Study | $147,093 |
| Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene Inc Menands, NY | Research Study | $124,913 |
| The Regents of University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | Research Study | $52,500 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $8,483,431 | $11,786,193 | $10,462,035 | $2,367,687 (12 grants) |
| 2024 | $8,050,902 | $10,185,535 | $10,313,209 | $583,389 (11 grants) |
| 2023 | $6,513,614 | $10,784,781 | $10,418,142 | 0 grants |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,483,431 | $8,050,902 | $6,513,614 |
| Revenue | $11,786,193 | $10,185,535 | $10,784,781 |
| Expenses | $10,462,035 | $10,313,209 | $10,418,142 |
| Net Investment Income | $177,251 | $125,098 | $136,361 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS April 10, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 12, 2026)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 5, 2020)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Robert G. Rassp, Esq., as chairman; Curtis L. Decker, JD, as vice chairman; Timothy A. Redmond, CPA, as treasurer; and Faith S. Feingold, MS, LCSW-C, as secretary. Directors listed were Carmine G. D’Alessandro, JD; Sheldon Glass, MD; Wallace B. Pickworth, PhD; Jennifer C. Jordan, JD, MSCC; Steven Williams, PhD, SPHR; and Janet Klein Brown, MSW, JD.
Friends Research Institute Inc is led by Steven Bcarswell, President since 2025 (on filings since 2019); 9 of 20 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Steven Bcarswell
President
Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2019
18 hrs/week
$142K (2019) → $63K (2025)
Robert G. Rassp Esq.
Chairman
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mishka Terplan
Medical Director
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$134K (2022) → $214K (2025)
Sheldon Glass Med MD
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steven Williams Phd Sphr
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Wallace B. Pickworth PhD
Director
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Janet Klein Brown Msw JD
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Carmine G. D'alessandro JD
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer C. Jordan Jd Mscc
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Clem Mueller CPA
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cathy Reback
Snr Research Scientist
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$188K (2019) → $175K (2025)
Frank Vocci
Snr Research Scientist
President → Snr Research Scientist, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$242K (2019) → $250K (2025)
Jan Gryczynski
Vice President
Snr Research Scientist → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$180K (2019) → $228K (2025)
Michael Gordon
Snr Research Scientist
Research Scientist → Snr Research Scientist, 2020
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$162K (2019) → $232K (2025)
Michele L. Hipsley
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$143K (2019) → $197K (2025)
Shannon Mitchell
Snr Research Scientist
Research Scientist → Snr Research Scientist, 2020
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$185K (2019) → $199K (2025)
Babak Tofighi
Snr Research Scientist
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$175K (2025)
Curtis L. Decker JD
Vice Chairman
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Faith S. Feingold Ms Lcsw-C
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Timothy A. Redmond CPA
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (7)
- Former: Karli Hochstatter (2024) — Research Scientist
- Former: Charles O'Keeffe (2019–2023) — Director
- Former: Robert Pschwartz (2019–2023) — Snr Research Scientist
- Former: Jennifer Jordan Roth Esq. (2019–2021) — Director
- Former: Jesse Fletcher (2021) — Research Scientist
- Former: Paul W. Pfotenhauer (2019) — Treasurer
- Former: Susan Tangires (2019) — Director - Epoch
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $250K, to Frank Vocci (SNR Research Scientist). 9 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Contact
Mailing address: 1040 Park Avenue Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: (410) 837-3977
Website: https://friendsresearch.org
Frequently asked questions about Friends Research Institute Inc
How much does Friends Research Institute Inc give each year?
Friends Research Institute Inc gave $2.4M across 12 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $583K across 11 grants.
What is Friends Research Institute Inc's typical grant size?
Friends Research Institute Inc's median grant in 2025 was $191,852, and its average grant was $197,307, across 12 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Where does Friends Research Institute Inc give grants?
Friends Research Institute Inc's top state is New York, with 45% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990. The next largest states were Maryland (25%) and North Carolina (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were Baltimore, MD (2 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does Friends Research Institute Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 12 grants with a stated purpose on Friends Research Institute Inc's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Research Study" (12 grants).
Who are Friends Research Institute Inc's largest grantees?
Friends Research Institute Inc's largest 2025 grantees include Weill Cornell Medical College ($524,875), Maryland Treatment Centers Inc ($412,948) and RTI International ($239,830), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Friends Research Institute Inc?
Friends Research Institute Inc reported $8.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $11.8M.
What does Friends Research Institute Inc fund?
Friends Research Institute states that it is dedicated to “advancing innovative research to promote health and well-being.” See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Friends Research Institute Inc?
Friends Research Institute Inc has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check friendsresearch.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Friends Research Institute Inc's EIN?
Friends Research Institute Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-0701445. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching Friends Research Institute Inc by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Friends Research Institute Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
Northwestern University funds research, education, faculty and postdoctoral development, and community projects; its ANCHOR grants support partnerships addressing health and resilience in Evanston and Chicago. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $63,000, while listed programs range from up to $3,000 for research-library grants to $25,000–$65,000 for ANCHOR projects. It lists specific funding opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally.
Assets
$20.8B
Grants
383
Total Given
$133.4M
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Yale supports education, research, scholarship, preservation, public service, and community organizations, including through sponsored research and fellowships. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $14.3 million, with a median of about $136,000; recipients were based mainly in Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. The profile does not state whether Yale accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$58.9B
Grants
364
Total Given
$168.2M
Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The foundation primarily supports biomedical research and related programs in reproductive biology, women’s health, pregnancy, and infant health, including some community and research-participant activities. In 2025, grants ranged from $7,933 to $9.49 million, with a median of $113,594, and supported organizations in Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the U.S. It describes application procedures for specific research award programs; whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally is not stated.
Assets
$95.8M
Grants
50
Total Given
$27.0M
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
New York, NY
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society funds global research to stop MS, restore lost function, and develop a cure, including research training and shared resources. Its 2025 grants ranged from $6,000 to $1.62 million, with a median of about $156,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$189.2M
Grants
92
Total Given
$23.2M
National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
New York, NY
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation funds scientific research into serious mental illnesses and brain and behavior disorders, including work on causes, treatment, and prevention. In 2024, its grants ranged from $34,281 to $384,952, with a median award of about $70,000; grants went to research institutions, and no geographic limit is stated. It describes an application process but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$62.4M
Grants
80
Total Given
$8.4M
The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY
Columbia funds research, education and research, and capital projects, primarily through grants to universities and medical and research institutions across the United States, with the largest share going to New York recipients. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $109,000, though awards ranged from $5,350 to $15.1 million. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$26.0B
Grants
417
Total Given
$208.3M
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Vanderbilt University Medical Center supports medical and scientific research, health and educational programs, and related institutional purposes, with grants to universities, medical centers, and research organizations. Its 2025 grants had a median of about $116,000, though awards ranged widely; recipients were based across the U.S., with the most funding going to Tennessee. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.8B
Grants
246
Total Given
$125.1M
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
Cornell’s grantmaking primarily supports research, including work by universities and research organizations, alongside its broader land-grant mission to serve New York State. In 2025 it reported 338 grants, with a median of $96,461 and awards ranging from $5,043 to $5.66 million; 24% of grant dollars went to New York recipients, with others distributed across several states. The profile does not state whether Cornell accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$19.8B
Grants
338
Total Given
$126.7M
American Academy of Neurology Institute
Minneapolis, MN
The American Academy of Neurology Institute funds clinical and neuroscience research, neurologic education, and development of early-career researchers, including work on preventing, diagnosing, and treating brain and nervous-system disorders. Its 2024 grants ranged from $8,000 to $1.05 million, with a median of $150,000, and went to recipients in multiple U.S. states. It does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$130.2M
Grants
21
Total Given
$4.1M
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Washington, DC
AACAP supports child and adolescent mental health research, professional development, and community-focused advocacy, with reported 2024 grants ranging from $6,007 to $294,772 and a median of $12,000; its published pilot research awards offer $15,000. Its 2024 funding went to recipients in several states, led by Colorado, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, and South Carolina. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$32.7M
Grants
19
Total Given
$1.1M
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
More Funders in Maryland
Friends Research Institute Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?