May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation
The May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation is a private foundation located in New York. Its 2024 filing reports grants to organizations in New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and Mississippi, including organizations working in education, health care, human services, and charitable giving.
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation at a glance
In short: May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation gave $555K across 19 grants in 2024 (avg $29K), mostly in New York. 47% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $555,480
- +39.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 19
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $29,236
- +39.9% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $7,973,347
- +1.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 47% first-time grantees (9 of 19, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (72% 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 May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The foundation requires a written letter explaining how the grant funds would be spent and the charitable purposes served. Its filing states that it does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. Awards are not restricted beyond requiring that funds be spent on a charitable purpose as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- Review Cycle
- The foundation imposes no submission deadlines.
- Deadline
- The foundation imposes no submission deadlines.
- Contact
Application contact: 2A Co Gordon Herlands Randolp Llp
Mailing address: Attn Elisabeth Mccarthy, Lexington Ave, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 986-1200
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Build on Inc ($105K). Together the top 10 received $487K.
Grant Size Distribution
90 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 76 grants of 90 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 72% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 27% to Connecticut, 1% to Vermont, and 1% to Mississippi.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 19 itemized grants.
Cities
Is May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation open to new grantees?
47%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 9 of 19 grantees (47%) were first-time recipients. With only 19 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $25K; repeat grants $33K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $25K repeat.
- 37% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 82% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 181% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). 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 $305K (2021) to $555K (2024). In 2024 it made 19 grants totaling $555K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Build on Inc Stamford, CT | Annual Appeal | $105,000 |
| Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation New York, NY | General | $100,000 |
| Music That Heals Inc Neoponsit, NY | Tully center, queens center, brooklyn calvary hospital, & adapt school | $72,480 |
| Hassenfeld Childrens Hospital at NYU Langone New York, NY | General | $50,000 |
| Robin Hood Foundation New York, NY | General | $35,000 |
| Birch Family Services Inc New York, NY | General | $30,000 |
| St Mary's Church Brooklyn, NY | General | $25,000 |
| Stamford Hospital Stamford, CT | General | $25,000 |
| The New York Foundling New York, NY | Child Abuse Prevention Program | $25,000 |
| Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens Brooklyn, NY | Catholic Renewal | $20,000 |
Ready to take the next step with May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation?
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 | $7,973,347 | $566,975 | $874,549 | $555,480 | 19 | $754,104 | $466,994 | $416,373 |
| 2023 | $7,896,118 | $878,937 | $706,954 | $396,980 | 19 | $589,334 | $778,232 | $380,782 |
| 2022 | $8,176,456 | $686,712 | $804,396 | $495,480 | 21 | $696,585 | $578,786 | $422,867 |
| 2021 | $9,358,002 | $477,662 | $611,756 | $304,900 | 13 | $499,352 | $367,997 | $431,296 |
| 2020 | $8,089,557 | $413,154 | $680,748 | $401,700 | 18 | — | $314,773 | $357,397 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation reported a distributable amount of $416K 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
The foundation’s mission is not stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants included support for a hospital, scholarship and education organizations, human-services providers, churches, and charitable foundations.
Among the grantees, Birch Family Services describes its work as providing education and community services to individuals and families across the life cycle. The New York Foundling says it serves children, youth, adults, and families through services, support, and advocacy. Futures in Education describes providing tuition assistance to students in Brooklyn and Queens, while Futures and Options says it helps students from diverse and historically underrepresented communities develop skills and confidence for future careers.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 19 grants totaling $555,480. Grant amounts ranged from $3,000 to $105,000, with a median grant of $20,000.
The largest reported grants included $105,000 to Build On Inc. for its annual appeal; $100,000 to the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation for general support; $72,480 to Music That Heals Inc. for programs at the Tully Center, Queens Center, Brooklyn Calvary Hospital, and ADAPT School; and $50,000 to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone for general support. Other reported grants included $35,000 to the Robin Hood Foundation, $30,000 to Birch Family Services, and $25,000 each to St. Mary’s Church, Stamford Hospital, and The New York Foundling.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Terri Rohan as President and CEO, Alexander V. Rohan as Vice President and Assistant Treasurer, and Alfio Manasseri as Secretary.
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation is led by Terri Rohan, President & CEO on every filing since 2020; 2 of 3 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Terri Rohan
President & CEO
On filings since 2020
35 hrs/week
$114K (2020) → $127K (2024)
Alexander V. Rohan
Vice President & Assistant Treasurer
On filings since 2020
16 hrs/week
$46K (2020) → $65K (2024)
Alfio Manasseri
Secretary
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Vincent Rohan (2020) — President & Treasurer · Filing note: Thru 32020
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 $127K, to Terri Rohan (President & CEO). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation
How much does May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation give each year?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation gave $555K across 19 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $397K across 19 grants.
What is May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's typical grant size?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $29,236, across 19 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation that year got $25K on average.
Where does May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation give grants?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation gives mostly in New York: 72% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Connecticut (27%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (7 grants), Stamford, CT (4 grants) and Brooklyn, NY (3 grants).
Does May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 58% of May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (11 of 19) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's largest grantees?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Build on Inc ($105,000), Alfred E Smith Memorial Foundation ($100,000) and Music That Heals Inc ($72,480), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 50% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation reported $8.0M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $754K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $416K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation fund?
The foundation’s mission is not stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants included support for a hospital, scholarship and education organizations, human-services providers, churches, and charitable foundations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation?
The foundation requires a written letter explaining how the grant funds would be spent and the charitable purposes served. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's EIN?
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-6114269. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
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
Other open foundation grants in New York
New York Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
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). May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/may-ellen-and-gerald-ritter-foundation-morg_33d23e66dac04c179b35965cfb600398
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_136114269_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{May Ellen \& Gerald Ritter Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/may-ellen-and-gerald-ritter-foundation-morg_33d23e66dac04c179b35965cfb600398},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation'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.
May Ellen & Gerald Ritter Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?