LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc
LCU Fund for Women’s Education Inc is a private foundation based in New York, New York. Its mission is to help low-income women complete college by helping them pay rent, primarily through housing grants administered by partner colleges and universities.
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc at a glance
In short: LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc gave $787K across 22 grants in 2024 (avg $36K), mostly in New York. 8% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $786,500
- -0.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 22
- +4.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $35,750
- -4.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $22,411,113
- +6.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 8% first-time grantees (1 of 13, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (100% 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 LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Contact
Mailing address: 244 Fifth Avenue 200, New York, NY 10001
Phone: (212) 627-4555
Website: https://lcufund.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was New York University Silver School of Social Work ($120K). Together the top 10 received $710K.
Organizations only. It also paid 8 grants to individuals ($9,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
92 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 54 grants of 92 (59%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The funder partners with New York City colleges and universities. All grant dollars reported for 2024 went to recipients in New York State.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 22 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc open to new grantees?
8%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 1 of 13 grantees (8%) were first-time recipients. With only 13 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 8 points. First grants averaged $40K; repeat grants $61K. How we count
Medians: $40K first-time, $55K repeat.
- 92% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+3%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 94% 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 $765K (2021) to $847K (2020). In 2024 it made 22 grants totaling $787K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New York University Silver School of Social Work New York, NY | Housing Support | $120,000 |
| City College of New York New York, NY | Housing Support | $107,500 |
| Columbia University School of Nursing New York, NY | Housing Support | $100,000 |
| Lehman College Bronx, NY | Housing Support | $87,500 |
| Columbia University School of Social Work New York, NY | Housing Support | $60,000 |
| New York Academy of Arts New York, NY | Housing Support | $55,000 |
| Phillips School of Nursing New York, NY | Housing Support | $55,000 |
| Bank Street College of Education New York, NY | Housing Support | $45,000 |
| Juilliard School New York, NY | Housing Support | $40,000 |
| New York Studio School New York, NY | Housing Support | $40,000 |
Ready to take the next step with LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc?
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 | $22,411,113 | $1,102,282 | $1,105,805 | $786,500 | 22 | $1,009,663 | $979,614 | $1,071,010 |
| 2023 | $20,979,912 | $1,215,999 | $1,081,138 | $789,000 | 21 | $994,726 | $1,094,902 | $966,392 |
| 2022 | $18,852,970 | $1,227,573 | $1,053,477 | $781,750 | 16 | $958,342 | $1,104,135 | $973,112 |
| 2021 | $23,781,271 | $914,606 | $1,029,180 | $764,500 | 16 | $927,120 | $787,118 | $1,113,301 |
| 2020 | $21,663,372 | $1,273,564 | $1,103,920 | $847,350 | 17 | — | $1,140,729 | $920,962 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc 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 October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The funder supports housing assistance for high-performing, low-income women pursuing degrees in education, health services, public administration, social work, and the visual and performing arts. Its grants go to partner educational institutions, which select eligible students and distribute the housing support.
The grantees’ stated missions illustrate the kinds of organizations it supports. Bank Street College of Education, which received $45,000 in 2024, says its mission is to improve the education of children and their teachers and strengthen individuals and communities. Juilliard School, which received $40,000, says its mission is to cultivate excellence in music, dance, and drama through education for gifted students.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the funder reported 22 grants totaling $786,500. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $120,000, with a median of $25,000. The largest grants included $120,000 to New York University Silver School of Social Work, $107,500 to City College of New York, $100,000 to Columbia University School of Nursing, and $87,500 to Lehman College. Each was designated for housing support.
The funder does not award its regular housing grants directly to individual students. Partner schools distribute the funds under the funder’s eligibility criteria. Students must be enrolled in the junior or senior year of an undergraduate program, or in an approved graduate or professional program, at a current partner institution; pursue a degree in an eligible field; have annual income below $50,000 with limited or no financial assistance from family or outside sources; and demonstrate strong academic or artistic performance. Partner schools may apply additional criteria. Eligible students are directed to contact their school for application details.
The funder states on its 2024 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Separately, it described one-time $750 emergency rent grants for its own scholars in the 2025–2026 academic year; that cycle has passed.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Linda J. Wright as president, Lindsey Counts as vice president, Sofya Shuster as treasurer, Sara Espinosa as executive director, and Nathaniel Sundel as secretary. It also lists Leslie Ehrlich, Tasia Hawkins, Christina Davis, and Amanda Mwamuka as directors, and Liang Hsu as assistant treasurer.
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc is led by Sara Espinosa, Executive Director on every filing since 2020; 1 of 10 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sara Espinosa
Executive Director
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$113K (2020) → $121K (2024)
Linda J. Wright
President
Board Member → President, 2021
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Ehrlich
Director
President → Board Member, 2021
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Christina Davis
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Tasia Hawkins
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Amanda Mwamuka
Director
New on the 2024 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lindsey Counts
Vice President
Board Member → Vice President, 2021
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sofya Shuster
Treasurer
Board Member → Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Liang Hsu
Assistant Treasurer
Board Member → Director, 2022
Director → Assistant Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Nathaniel Sundel
Secretary
On filings since 2023
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (12)
- Former: Audrey Waters (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Carol Ann Starmack (2020–2023) — Assistant Secretary
- Former: Diana Polvere (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Sandra M. Stevenson (2020–2023) — Secretary
- Former: Christine Evangelides Donovan (2020–2022) — Director · Filing note: Until 622
- Former: Colleen Minde (2020–2022) — Director · Filing note: Until 922
- Former: Yelena Dzhanova (2021–2022) — Director · Filing note: Until 922
- Former: Katharine Legg (2022) — Director · Filing note: Until 822
- Former: Adela Ruiz (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kathy Legg (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Katherine Schmitt (2020) — Secretary
- Former: Valeta Prendergast (2020) — Board Member
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $121K, to Sara Espinosa (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc
How much does LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc give each year?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc gave $787K across 22 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $789K across 21 grants.
What is LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's typical grant size?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $35,750, across 22 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc that year got $40K on average.
Where does LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc give grants?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc gives mostly in New York: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (13 grants).
Does LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 22 grants with a stated purpose on LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Housing Support" (13 grants) and "President's Award for Excellence in Leadership" (8 grants).
Who are LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's largest grantees?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's largest 2024 grantees include New York University Silver School of Social Work ($120,000), City College of New York ($107,500) and Columbia University School of Nursing ($100,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 8 grants to individuals ($9,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 42% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc reported $22.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.0M 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 LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc fund?
The funder supports housing assistance for high-performing, low-income women pursuing degrees in education, health services, public administration, social work, and the visual and performing arts. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines. Check lcufund.org for any change to that policy.
What is LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's EIN?
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-5562262. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc 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 October 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 LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Mutual of America Foundation
New York, NY
Assets
$136K
Grants
539
Total Given
$839K
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
Rocking Chair Foundation
New York, NY
Assets
$244K
Grants
50
Total Given
$70K
Robin Hood Foundation
New York, NY
Robin Hood funds effective poverty-fighting programs serving low-income New Yorkers, including work in education, health, employment, housing, and household support, primarily across New York City’s five boroughs. Its 2024 grants had a median of about $309,000, with amounts ranging from $17,000 to $5.36 million. It does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible organizations can submit an expression of interest and apply to periodic funding opportunities.
Assets
$334.5M
Grants
249
Total Given
$126.3M
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
Morgan Stanley Foundation Inc
New York, NY
Morgan Stanley Foundation supports children’s physical and mental health, along with related work such as food access and play spaces, primarily in communities where Morgan Stanley operates; 2024 grants were concentrated in New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, and California. Its 525 grants ranged from $500 to $1.88 million, with a median of $1,500. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests, though eligible nonprofits can apply separately for its Children’s Mental Health Innovation Awards.
Assets
$105.6M
Grants
525
Total Given
$8.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/lcu-fund-for-women-s-education-inc-morg_83705a68a7cc4b638ee35509c2b49265
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_135562262_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/lcu-fund-for-women-s-education-inc-morg_83705a68a7cc4b638ee35509c2b49265},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. 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 LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc'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.
LCU Fund for Women's Education Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?