The James S Peterson Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation based in New York, NY. Established in February 2008, it operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to philanthropic activities. The foundation maintains its office at 399 Park Avenue, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10022.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$8.3M
-1.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$463K
+10.6% YoY
Grant Count
29
-6.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
+18.3% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation supports a diverse range of charitable causes. Primary funding areas include:
- Core charitable activities
- Endowment fund support
- Democracy action initiatives
- Hope Lodge NYC operations
Grantmaking
The foundation demonstrates active grantmaking across multiple sectors. In 2023, the foundation made 38 grants totaling approximately $375,000 (with the largest grants documented at $50,000).
Grant Range
s range from $1,000 to $50,000, reflecting support for both major initiatives and specific program activities.
Ready to take the next step with James S Peterson Foundation?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds organizations based in New York, with particular emphasis on New York City-based charities and initiatives.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending November 2023:
- Total Assets: $8.43 million
- Total Revenues: $316,102
- Total Expenses: $431,678
- Total Liabilities: $0
The foundation maintains a substantial asset base with annual expenses exceeding revenues, indicating strategic deployment of accumulated resources for grantmaking purposes.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $8,342,899 | $8,430,282 | $8,545,858 |
| Revenue | $388,392 | $316,102 | $91,171 |
| Expenses | $475,775 | $431,678 | $492,779 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $468,275 | $429,178 | $492,775 |
| Net Investment Income | $388,392 | $316,102 | $91,167 |
| Distributable Amount | $402,063 | $401,263 | $416,452 |
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
172 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- James S Peterson — Director, Chairman, President
- Michael A Peterson — Secretary & Treasurer
- Michael Shankman — Treasurer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAMES S PETERSON | DIRECTOR, CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| MICHAEL A PETERSON | DIRECTOR & SECRETARY | 0.1 | — |
| MICHAEL SHANKMAN | TREASURER | 2 | — |
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Launa Beuhler Foundation for
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$2K
Grants
4
Total Given
$20K
Uw E J Madden Mem Open Hearts Club 10-214880
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$307K
Hindy's Foundation
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$142K
Grants
8
Total Given
$225K
Jeanne & Thomas Hardy Family Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$3K
Grants
3
Total Given
$3K
Ramsleg Foundation
BRIGHTWATERS, NY
Assets
$543
Grants
1
Total Given
$500
Druckenmiller Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
58
Total Given
$135.7M
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with James S Peterson Foundation on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities