Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family
The Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation is a private foundation established in 1968 by Howard and Geraldine Polinger. Based in Washington, DC, the Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with a mission spanning over 50 years of philanthropic work. The Foundation is headquartered at 1301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$132.7M
+11.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$5.7M
+13.6% YoY
Grant Count
82
-4.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$69K
+19.1% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family reported a distributable amount of $6.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for families and their communities through support of innovative projects and successful ongoing programs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The Foundation's grantmaking strategy is rooted in the legacy of Howard and Geraldine, guided by the principle of tzedakah (the Hebrew term for righteousness). The Foundation is committed to a grantmaking approach that respects and honors this legacy, responds to current societal needs, and maximizes the impact of philanthropic investments.
Primary funding areas include:
- Jewish Life
- Civic Learning
Grantmaking
The Foundation's grantmaking is characterized by support for both innovative projects and successful ongoing programs. The Foundation emphasizes maximizing the impact of philanthropic investments while honoring the founders' legacy.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation funds locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total Assets: $120M
- Annual Revenue: $1.38M
- Annual Expenses: $6.71M
- Total Liabilities: $0
The Foundation has maintained tax-exempt status since April 1968 (EIN: 52-6078041).
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $132,724,156 | $119,567,391 | $113,073,340 |
| Revenue | $10,389,939 | $1,375,507 | $10,006,691 |
| Expenses | $7,286,153 | $6,713,320 | $6,556,201 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $6,444,150 | $5,699,912 | $5,880,046 |
| Net Investment Income | $4,093,539 | $1,785,487 | $9,455,017 |
| Distributable Amount | $6,074,755 | $5,625,982 | $5,189,938 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Childrens Hospital Foundation ($480,000), American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Inc ($333,334), Harold Grinspoon Foundation ($300,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 350 ORG BOSTON, MA | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $30,053 |
| AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION FOUNDATION INC WASHINGTON, DC | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $8,000 |
| AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE INC NEW YORK, NY | UKRAINE PROGRAM | $1,000 |
| AMERICAN JEWISH JOINT DISTRIBUTION COMMITTEE INC NEW YORK, NY | SECOND CENTURY CAMPAIGN | $333,334 |
| AMERICAN UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON, DC | WAMU | $2,500 |
| ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE NEW YORK, NY | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT | $26,800 |
| ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE NEW YORK, NY | WASHINGTON, DC REGIONAL OFFICE | $85,000 |
| ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE NEW YORK, NY | REACHING RURAL SCHOOLS WITH EFFECTIVE ANTIBIAS EDUCATION | $100,000 |
| ATLAS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER WASHINGTON, DC | INTERSECTIONS FESTIVAL 2023 | $10,000 |
| BENDER JCC OF GREATER WASHINGTON ROCKVILLE, MD | GERRY AND HOWARD POLINGER CONCERT FUND | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board Leadership:
- Mollie Barnathan - Board Chair (became Chair in 2025, third generation family member who has served as Director since 2009)
- Lorre Polinger - Former Board Chair (served 25 years, stepped down in 2025)
Board Directors:
- Arnold Lee Polinger
- Becky Polinger
- Charlie Polinger
- Jan Polinger
Staff:
- Erica Pressman - Chief Executive Officer
- Julia Lipton - Senior Program Officer
- Elizabeth Hecker - Director of Knowledge Management
- Leigh Graham - Operations Assistant
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LORRE BETH POLINGER | PRESIDENT | 5 | — |
| ARNOLD LEE POLINGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| DAVID MARC POLINGER | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| ERICA PRESSMAN | SECRETARY/CEO | 40 | $228,750 |
| MOLLIE BARNATHAN | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| JAN POLINGER CHAVIS | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHARLIE POLINGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| STEVEN POLINGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BECKY POLINGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| JULIE POLINGER | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MIRIAM NSIMBI | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Contact Information
- Phone: (202) 888-6833
- Email: info@polingerfoundation.org
- Website: www.polingerfoundation.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family fund?
The Foundation's mission is to improve the quality of life for families and their communities through support of innovative projects and successful ongoing programs locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The Foundation's grantmaking strategy is rooted in the legacy of Howard and Geraldine, guided by the principle of tzedakah (the Hebrew term for righteousness). The Foundation is committed to a grantmaking approach that respects and honors this legacy, responds to current societal…
How do I apply for a grant from Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family?
The Foundation's grantmaking is characterized by support for both innovative projects and successful ongoing programs. The Foundation emphasizes maximizing the impact of philanthropic investments while honoring the founders' legacy. **Financial Activity (Fiscal Year 2023):** • Revenue: $1.38M • Expenses: $6.71M • Total Assets: $120M • Total Liabilities: $0
Where does Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family make grants?
The Foundation funds locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
What size grants does Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family award?
In 2024, Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family awarded 82 grants totaling $5.7M — an average of about $69K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family reported a distributable amount of $6.1M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family's EIN?
Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6078041. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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