Peter G Peterson Foundation
The Peter G. Peterson Foundation is a private foundation based in New York, New York. Founded by Peter G. Peterson in 2008, it is a nonpartisan organization that uses grantmaking, partnerships, research, and public engagement to address America’s long-term fiscal challenges and support a sustainable fiscal and economic future.
Peter G Peterson Foundation at a glance
In short: Peter G Peterson Foundation gave $28.3M across 111 grants in 2025 (avg $255K), mostly in District of Columbia. 30% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $28,263,945
- +13.2% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 111
- +48.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $254,630
- -23.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $68,750
- Total assets
- $1,179,216,937
- +7.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 30% first-time grantees (22 of 74, 2025)
- Primary geography
- District of Columbia (79% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Peter G Peterson Foundation
- Contact
Application contact: Peter G Peterson Foundation
Mailing address: 888-C Eighth Avenue Box 144, New York, NY 10019
Phone: (212) 542-9200
Email: inquiries@pgpf.org
Website: https://www.pgpf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Peter G Peterson Foundation
Who Peter G Peterson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Election Trust Initiative LLC ($5.0M). Together the top 10 received $20.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
430 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 183 grants of 430 (43%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 79% of grant dollars went to recipients in Washington, D.C., followed by California (8%), New York (4%), Virginia (3%), and Massachusetts (1%). These figures describe the locations of recipients, not necessarily the locations served by their work.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 111 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Peter G Peterson Foundation open to new grantees?
30%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 22 of 74 grantees (30%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $114K; repeat grants $495K. How we count
Medians: $73K first-time, $130K repeat.
- 54% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (−5%). Method
- In 2025 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 (2021–2025). 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 2021 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $23.0M (2021) to $29.9M (2022). In 2025 it made 111 grants totaling $28.3M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Election Trust Initiative LLC Washington, DC | To support nonpartisan initiatives to improve the system for administering elections in the united states. | $5,000,000 |
| Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Washington, DC | To advance responsible fiscal policy and budget process reform through policy research, outreach, and public engagement. | $3,631,455 |
| Peter G Peterson Institute for International Economics Washington, DC | To support non-partisan research and analysis on global and domestic fiscal and economic policy. | $3,000,000 |
| Nuclear Threat Initiative Inc Washington, DC | To support research and international networks to advance nuclear safety and security. | $2,250,000 |
| Net Impact Oakland, CA | To support the execution of up to us, a nationwide nonpartisan initiative empowering college students to educate and engage their peers on America's fiscal challenges and the impact on their future. | $1,585,422 |
| Bipartisan Policy Center Inc Washington, DC | To advance bipartisan fiscal and economic policy solutions through research and public engagement. | $820,000 |
| Bipartisan Policy Center Inc Washington, DC | To educate policymakers and the public about the consequences of the growing national debt. | $779,000 |
| Urban Institute Washington, DC | To support tax policy center's federal tax model and research and analysis of fiscal policy developments. | $640,000 |
| Purchaser Business Group on Health Oakland, CA | To use healthcare claims datasets to analyze variations in pricing and quality. | $515,000 |
| American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research Washington, DC | To advance responsible fiscal policy reform through research, outreach and public engagement. | $450,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Peter G Peterson 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,179,216,937 | $65,789,481 | $58,751,190 | $28,263,945 | 111 | $52,871,994 | $25,753,671 | $56,174,706 |
| 2024 | $1,095,437,638 | $44,626,096 | $50,237,445 | $24,968,422 | 75 | $47,912,584 | $26,253,931 | $52,784,130 |
| 2023 | $1,010,138,977 | $10,201,057 | $42,851,094 | $26,506,470 | 73 | $50,622,552 | $6,001,648 | $50,478,530 |
| 2022 | $1,055,700,983 | $50,280,779 | $45,255,827 | $29,899,957 | 88 | $47,921,634 | $48,644,849 | $50,028,411 |
| 2021 | $983,527,201 | $8,095,949 | $48,509,009 | $23,047,450 | 83 | — | $7,634,955 | $48,929,849 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Peter G Peterson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $56.2M for 2025 — 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 to increase public awareness of the nature and urgency of key fiscal challenges threatening America’s future and accelerate action on them. Its work includes research and analysis, education and awareness, grantmaking and partnerships, engaging young Americans, and strengthening democracy.
The Foundation says it makes grants to research organizations, foundations, universities, associations, and other nonprofits. Examples of grantees’ work include the Nuclear Threat Initiative’s efforts to reduce nuclear, biological, and emerging technology threats; the Urban Institute’s research to equip changemakers with evidence and solutions; and the Purchaser Business Group on Health’s work to increase value in healthcare through purchaser collaboration and the spread of best practices. These describe the grantees’ missions, not the Foundation’s.
Grantmaking
The Foundation supports innovative projects through grants and partnerships. Its featured initiatives include the Solutions Initiative, which brings policy organizations from across the political spectrum together to develop plans for a more sustainable fiscal path; the Up to Us Leadership Network, which empowers young adults to work toward a sustainable economic and fiscal future; and the Election Trust Initiative, a nonpartisan effort to strengthen election administration.
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 111 grants totaling $28,263,945. Individual grants ranged from $2,000 to $5,000,000, with a median of $68,750. Among the largest were $5,000,000 to Election Trust Initiative LLC for nonpartisan election-administration initiatives; $3,631,455 to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget for fiscal-policy and budget-process work; $3,000,000 to the Peter G. Peterson Institute for International Economics for research and analysis on fiscal and economic policy; and $2,250,000 to the Nuclear Threat Initiative for research and international networks to advance nuclear safety and security.
The Foundation’s grant information says that an inquiry meeting its eligibility requirements and current funding areas may be followed by an invitation from staff to submit a detailed application. The program description identifies U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least two years of existence and annual budgets of at least $1 million as eligible applicants. It also says the Foundation avoids funding organizations outside the United States or involved in political activities. The filing states that giving is not restricted to preselected organizations.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Michael A. Peterson as Director, Chairman & CEO; Joan Ganz Cooney as Director; Michael Shankman as Treasurer; Suk Yun Won as Chief Operating Officer; Loretta Ucelli as EVP, Strategy & Communications; Jeffrey Holland as Vice President, Research; Laura Gordon as Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs; Myra Sung as Vice President, Programs; and Caroline Pearson as Executive Director, PCH, PHTI.
Peter G Peterson Foundation is led by Michael A. Peterson, Director, Chairman & CEO since 2023 (on filings since 2021); 6 of 9 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Michael A. Peterson
Director, Chairman & CEO
Director, Chairman & CEO → Director & Chairman, 2022
Director & Chairman → Director, Chairman & CEO, 2023
On filings since 2021
35 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Caroline Pearson
Executive Director, Pch & Phti
Executive Director & Pch → Executive Director, Pch & Phti, 2024
On filings since 2023
40 hrs/week
$93K (2023) → $551K (2025)
Joan Ganz Cooney
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jeffrey Holland
Vice President & Research
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$266K (2021) → $333K (2025)
Laura Gordon
Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs
Vice President, Committee & Public Affairs → Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, 2023
Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs → Senior Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, 2025
On filings since 2021
35 hrs/week
$191K (2021) → $308K (2025)
Loretta Ucelli
Executive Vice President - Strategy & Communications
Executive Vice President, Strategy & Committee → Executive Vice President - Strategy & Communications, 2023
On filings since 2021
30 hrs/week
$430K (2021) → $290K (2025)
Myra Sung
Vice President & Programs
On filings since 2021
35 hrs/week
$241K (2021) → $274K (2025)
Suk Yun Won
Chief Operating Officer
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$373K (2021) → $470K (2025)
Michael Shankman
Treasurer
On filings since 2021
15 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Jay Want (2021–2022) — Executive Director - Pch
- Former: Susan Tanaka (2021–2022) — Senior Policy Advisor
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $551K, to Caroline Pearson (Executive Director, PCH, PHTI). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Peter G Peterson Foundation
How much does Peter G Peterson Foundation give each year?
Peter G Peterson Foundation gave $28.3M across 111 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $25.0M across 75 grants.
What is Peter G Peterson Foundation's typical grant size?
Peter G Peterson Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $68,750, and its average grant was $254,630, across 111 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Peter G Peterson Foundation that year got $114K on average.
Where does Peter G Peterson Foundation give grants?
Peter G Peterson Foundation gives mostly in District of Columbia: 79% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest state was California (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (73 grants), New York, NY (9 grants), Boston, MA (3 grants) and Oakland, CA (2 grants).
Does Peter G Peterson Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 111 grants with a stated purpose on Peter G Peterson Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "To Support Events and Core Activities." (27 grants).
Who are Peter G Peterson Foundation's largest grantees?
Peter G Peterson Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Election Trust Initiative LLC ($5,000,000), Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget ($3,637,455 across 2 grants) and Peter G Peterson Institute for International Economics ($3,090,000 across 2 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 41% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Peter G Peterson Foundation?
Peter G Peterson Foundation reported $1.2B in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $52.9M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $56.2M (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 Peter G Peterson Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s mission is to increase public awareness of the nature and urgency of key fiscal challenges threatening America’s future and accelerate action on them. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Peter G Peterson Foundation?
Peter G Peterson Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check pgpf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Peter G Peterson Foundation's EIN?
Peter G Peterson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-0316905. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(6)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS February 11, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS February 14, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 17, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Peter G Peterson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
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 William & Flora Hewlett Foundation
Menlo Park, CA
The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation funds education, climate and conservation, the arts, democracy, gender equity, racial justice, and efforts to strengthen nonprofits and philanthropy, with work spanning the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. West, and locations including East and West Africa and Mexico. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $150,000, though amounts varied widely. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but sometimes invites proposals through open processes.
Assets
$14.2B
Grants
2,001
Total Given
$625.0M
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Laura and John Arnold Foundation
Houston, TX
Arnold Ventures funds evidence-based research, policy analysis, and reforms in areas including criminal justice, health care, education, higher education, public finance, and infrastructure, with a focus on improving outcomes for Americans. Its 2024 grants ranged from $685 to $12.5 million, with a median of $122,776. It does not accept unsolicited requests; most proposals come through direct outreach, with periodic RFPs.
Assets
$4.8B
Grants
789
Total Given
$193.3M
The Commonwealth Fund
New York, NY
The Commonwealth Fund supports health care research, policy, and projects that improve access, care quality, affordability, and equity, primarily through grants to health care-focused organizations. In 2025, grants ranged from $75 to $2.35 million, with a median of $15,000; it funds work in the United States and supports international learning and exchange. It accepts letters of inquiry through its online portal on a rolling basis and responds to unsolicited proposals, generally from tax-exempt charities.
Assets
$922.7M
Grants
534
Total Given
$31.3M
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Princeton, NJ
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation funds efforts to improve health and health equity in the United States, including systems change addressing structural barriers to health. In 2024, its grants ranged from $125 to $12.15 million, with a median of $40,000. It typically funds through targeted programs and partnerships; whether it accepts unsolicited requests is not stated.
Assets
$13.4B
Grants
3,093
Total Given
$622.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Peter G Peterson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/peter-g-peterson-foundation-morg_939b371521784f858d2174357abdb33f
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_260316905_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Peter G Peterson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/peter-g-peterson-foundation-morg_939b371521784f858d2174357abdb33f},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-07. 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 Peter G Peterson 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.
Peter G Peterson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?