Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable is a private foundation based in Rochester, New York. Its 2024 filing reports 21 grants totaling $84,000 to charitable organizations.
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable at a glance
In short: Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable gave $84K across 21 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in New York. 33% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $84,000
- -10.7% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 21
- -8.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $4,000
- -2.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Total assets
- $1,459,315
- +15.7% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 33% first-time grantees (5 of 15, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (80% 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 Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: 166 Thackery Road, Rochester, NY 14610
Phone: (585) 244-0370
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee ($21K across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $77K.
Grant Size Distribution
85 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 85 grants of 85 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The 2024 grant dollars were reported as 80% to recipients in New York and 20% to recipients in Florida.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 21 itemized grants.
Cities
Is Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable open to new grantees?
33%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 5 of 15 grantees (33%) were first-time recipients. With only 15 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 7 points. First grants averaged $6K; repeat grants $6K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $2K repeat.
- 47% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+11%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 109% 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 $75K (2021) to $94K (2023). In 2024 it made 21 grants totaling $84K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces New York, NY | PTSD Program for Service Members | $10,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Sarasota, NY | 2024-2025 Annual Campaign | $10,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Sarasota, NY | 2025 Annual Campaign | $10,000 |
| Jewish Family Services of Rochester Rochester, NY | Brighton Food Cupboard $2,000; St. Adult/Holocaust Program $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Sarasota, FL | 2024 Annual Campaign | $7,000 |
| WXXI Public Broadcasting Council of Rochester Rochester, NY | General Support | $5,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Rochester, NY | Roc Strong Campaign | $5,000 |
| Embracing Our Differences Sarasota, FL | Annual Luncheon | $3,500 |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester Rochester, NY | Ignite Grants Spring 2025 Campaign | $3,000 |
| Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee Sarasota, FL | Classroom Without Borders | $2,500 |
Ready to take the next step with Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable?
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 | $1,459,315 | $341,028 | $94,526 | $84,000 | 21 | $84,000 | $248,199 | $76,918 |
| 2023 | $1,261,381 | $66,177 | $104,302 | $94,100 | 23 | $94,100 | $52,801 | $74,193 |
| 2022 | $1,383,732 | $117,221 | $91,143 | $81,600 | 19 | $81,600 | $13,477 | $76,632 |
| 2021 | $1,357,654 | $167,461 | $88,123 | $75,400 | 14 | $75,400 | $52,229 | $80,734 |
| 2020 | $1,278,316 | $162,052 | $87,377 | $77,100 | 8 | — | $101,089 | $66,254 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable reported a distributable amount of $77K 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 foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for Jewish organizations and community campaigns, food assistance, arts and education, public broadcasting, youth sports, and programs for service members.
Among its grantees, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces says it provides support for the health, well-being, and education of Israel’s protectors. Embracing Our Differences says it uses arts and education to inspire kindness and respect. All Faiths Food Bank says it works with partners to provide healthy solutions to end hunger in its community. Jewish Senior Life Foundation says its primary purpose is to generate financial support for Jewish Senior Life and its affiliates, and to enhance the lives of residents, patients, and families. The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra says it aims to inspire, engage, and enrich its community through music.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation awarded 21 grants totaling $84,000. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $10,000, with a median grant of $2,500.
Notable 2024 grants included $10,000 to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces for a PTSD program for service members; $10,000 to Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester for its 2024–2025 annual campaign; and $10,000 to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for its 2025 annual campaign. Jewish Family Services of Rochester received $8,000 for the Brighton Food Cupboard and an adult/Holocaust program. Other listed grants included $7,000 to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for its 2024 annual campaign, $5,000 to WXXI Public Broadcasting Council of Rochester for general support, and $5,000 to Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester for the ROC Strong campaign.
Additional 2024 grants included $3,500 to Embracing Our Differences for its annual luncheon; $3,000 to Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester for its Ignite Grants Spring 2025 campaign; $2,500 to Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee for Classroom Without Borders; $2,500 to Northeast Bulldogs Youth Sports Association for uniforms; and $2,500 to Temple Brith Kodesh for a children’s and family High Holidays singer.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Deborah J Gordon as chair, Michael A Gordon as vice chair, Andrew Gordon as treasurer, and Stacy Gordon Tulgan as secretary.
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable is led by Deborah J. Gordon, Chair on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Deborah J. Gordon
Chair
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Andrew Gordon
Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.1 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael A. Gordon
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stacy Gordon Tulgan
Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.1 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 Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable
How much does Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable give each year?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable gave $84K across 21 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $94K across 23 grants.
What is Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's typical grant size?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $4,000, across 21 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable that year got $6K on average.
Where does Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable give grants?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable gives mostly in New York: 80% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was Florida (20%). The most frequent recipient cities were Rochester, NY (10 grants), Sarasota, FL (5 grants), Sarasota, NY (3 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable give general operating support?
Yes: 19% of Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (4 of 21) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's largest grantees?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's largest 2024 grantees include Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee ($21,000 across 4 grants), Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester ($19,000 across 4 grants) and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces ($10,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 60% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable reported $1.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $84K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $77K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants include support for Jewish organizations and community campaigns, food assistance, arts and education, public broadcasting, youth sports, and programs for service members. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's EIN?
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-3687152. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable 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
Live grants for the work Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
CornellWeinstein Family Foundation
Pittsford, NY
The CornellWeinstein Family Foundation supports charitable organizations, including those focused on education, community services, and Jewish community life, with grants concentrated in New York. Its 2025 grants ranged from $600 to $35,000, with a median of $8,300; it gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.2M
Grants
21
Total Given
$237K
Jewish Community Federation of Greater Rochester NY Inc
Rochester, NY
The Federation funds Jewish community organizations and initiatives, education, social services, community programs, and some broader local nonprofit work, with a focus on Rochester and connections to Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,300 to $317,878, with a median of $14,100; its IGNITE! program offers up to $25,000 per project and microgrants up to $2,500. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$52.8M
Grants
67
Total Given
$2.7M
Max and Marian Farash Charitable
Rochester, NY
The foundation funds Jewish life, out-of-school-time programs, arts, and community response, primarily supporting organizations in Monroe and Ontario counties, as well as Jewish organizations and initiatives locally and globally. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $2,156,000, with a median of $27,500. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online grant-management system.
Assets
$341.9M
Grants
139
Total Given
$13.0M
Myron S & Helen K Silver
Rochester, NY
Assets
$601K
Grants
16
Total Given
$28K
Harold & Joan Feinbloom Family
Pittsford, NY
The foundation supports arts and culture, community and family services, Jewish organizations, public broadcasting, health, and animal welfare, with most 2025 funding going to New York and additional grants in Michigan and other states. Its 85 grants ranged from $200 to $64,050, with a median of $1,000. It gives only to preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.9M
Grants
85
Total Given
$222K
Ames-Amzalak Memorial Trust
Pittsford, NY
The trust supports New York organizations working in areas including healthcare, arts, Jewish community services, and services for people with disabilities. Its 2025 grants ranged from $500 to $50,000, with a median of $2,000; it funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.2M
Grants
50
Total Given
$273K
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/michael-and-deborah-gordon-charitable-morg_922e715b7fa24917880a6c82c5635fb4
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_823687152_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/michael-and-deborah-gordon-charitable-morg_922e715b7fa24917880a6c82c5635fb4},
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 Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable'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.
Michael and Deborah Gordon Charitable down — hundreds of funders to go?