Gray Charitable Trust
Gray Charitable Trust is a private foundation based in New York, NY. In 2024, it reported 21 grants totaling $703,000 to charitable organizations, including organizations working in healthcare, education, arts, disability services, and environmental protection.
Gray Charitable Trust at a glance
In short: Gray Charitable Trust gave $703K across 21 grants in 2024 (avg $33K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 5% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $703,000
- -19.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 21
- -16.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $33,476
- -4.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $25,057,645
- +6.1% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 5% first-time grantees (1 of 21, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (82% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Gray Charitable Trust
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: C/O Bbh Co 140 Broadway Pb-Tax S, New York, NY 10005
Phone: (212) 493-8000
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Gray Charitable Trust funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Trustees of University of Pennsylvania ($200K). Together the top 10 received $638K.
Grant Size Distribution
138 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 104 grants of 138 (75%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, Pennsylvania recipients received 82% of grant dollars, followed by California at 7%, Maryland at 6%, Maine at 1%, and New York at 1%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Gray Charitable Trust open to new grantees?
5%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 1 of 21 grantees (5%) were first-time recipients. With only 21 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $55K; repeat grants $32K. How we count
Medians: $55K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 95% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 23% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 74% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $703K (2024) to $1.0M (2020). In 2024 it made 21 grants totaling $703K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Trustees of University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Healthcare Innovative | $200,000 |
| Commonwealth of Pa DHS Harrisburg, PA | FBO Wills Eye Hospital | $150,000 |
| Altru Vision - a Lions Eye Bank Philadelphia, PA | Optical Coherence | $55,000 |
| Uc Riverside Foundation Riverside, CA | The Rise Program | $52,000 |
| CCSA Foundation Chester, PA | CCSA Math Initiative | $50,000 |
| Magee Rehabilitation Hospital Philadelphia, PA | Full-Time Art Therapist | $50,000 |
| Philadelphia Orchestra Association Philadelphia, PA | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Horizons of Kent & Queen Anne's Chestertown, MD | General Operations | $25,000 |
| Canine Partners for Life Cochranville, PA | The Training of One Team | $16,000 |
| A Better Chance in Lower Merion Ardmore, PA | General Operations | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Gray Charitable Trust?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $25,057,645 | $4,011,943 | $2,578,472 | $703,000 | 21 | $784,556 | $2,266,527 | $1,055,300 |
| 2023 | $23,624,134 | $2,886,575 | $1,567,194 | $876,000 | 25 | $953,083 | $2,405,787 | $1,036,222 |
| 2022 | $22,309,405 | $3,569,821 | $1,798,682 | $793,000 | 28 | $854,680 | $2,625,819 | $1,018,520 |
| 2021 | $20,538,272 | $1,708,848 | $1,826,375 | $917,000 | 30 | $966,116 | $879,139 | $1,038,719 |
| 2020 | $20,655,797 | $1,595,484 | $1,653,003 | $1,045,000 | 34 | — | $1,061,492 | $923,352 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Gray Charitable Trust reported a distributable amount of $1.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the trust is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. For example, UC Riverside Foundation says its mission is to support educational, research, and public functions and programs of the Riverside campus of the University of California. CCSA Foundation says it provides Chester children with high-quality education through specialized arts and academic programming. The Philadelphia Orchestra Association says it shares the transformative power of music with the widest audience.
Other 2024 recipients include Canine Partners for Life, whose mission is to increase the independence and quality of life of people with disabilities or in other situations of need through professionally trained service and companion dogs, and ShoreRivers, which says it protects and restores Eastern Shore waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration, and education.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the trust made 21 grants totaling $703,000. Individual grants ranged from $5,000 to $200,000, with a median of $10,000. The largest grants included $200,000 to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania for “Healthcare Innovative,” $150,000 to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DHS for the benefit of Wills Eye Hospital, and $55,000 to Altru Vision – A Lions Eye Bank for “Optical Coherence.” Other awards included $52,000 to UC Riverside Foundation for “The Rise Program,” $50,000 to CCSA Foundation for “CCSA Math Initiative,” and $50,000 to Magee Rehabilitation Hospital for a full-time art therapist.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Kenneth B Gray Jr. as executive trustee and Doreen H Gray, Kimberley H Gray, Meridith L Gray, and Samuel M Gawthrop Jr. as trustees.
Gray Charitable Trust's 2024 filing lists 5 officers; none of the 5 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Doreen H. Gray
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kenneth B. Gray Jr.
Executive Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kimberley H. Gray
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Meridith L. Gray
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Samuel M. Gawthrop Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "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 Gray Charitable Trust
How much does Gray Charitable Trust give each year?
Gray Charitable Trust gave $703K across 21 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $876K across 25 grants.
What is Gray Charitable Trust's typical grant size?
Gray Charitable Trust's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $33,476, across 21 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Gray Charitable Trust that year got $55K on average.
Where does Gray Charitable Trust give grants?
Gray Charitable Trust gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 82% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were California (7%) and Maryland (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Philadelphia, PA (7 grants) and Surry, ME (2 grants).
Does Gray Charitable Trust give general operating support?
Yes: 52% of Gray Charitable Trust's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 21) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Gray Charitable Trust's largest grantees?
Gray Charitable Trust's largest 2024 grantees include Trustees of University of Pennsylvania ($200,000), Commonwealth of Pa DHS ($150,000) and Altru Vision - a Lions Eye Bank ($55,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Gray Charitable Trust?
Gray Charitable Trust reported $25.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $785K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does Gray Charitable Trust fund?
No mission statement for the trust is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for organizations with varied activities. For example, UC Riverside Foundation says its mission is to support educational, research, and public functions and programs of the Riverside campus of the University of California. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Gray Charitable Trust?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Gray Charitable Trust's EIN?
Gray Charitable Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-7987964. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Gray Charitable Trust 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
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Gray Charitable Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
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 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
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
LISC funds affordable housing, community development, small businesses, and related efforts that strengthen inclusive communities, providing grants as well as loans, equity, and technical assistance across the country. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $40,000, though amounts varied widely. Application access is program-specific: for its Rhode Island child care facilities planning grants, applicants are instructed to consult program staff before submitting a request.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports human rights and social and economic justice, including work on climate, the environment, civic engagement, and Jewish causes, in the United States and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with amounts ranging from $500 to $9.75 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; it plans to end grantmaking by the end of 2028.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Gray Charitable Trust funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 11, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/gray-charitable-trust-morg_1e72c58f21924d2fb2b9dd95ab949ee1
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_237987964_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Gray Charitable Trust funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/gray-charitable-trust-morg_1e72c58f21924d2fb2b9dd95ab949ee1},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-11. 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 Gray Charitable Trust'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.
Gray Charitable Trust down — hundreds of funders to go?