Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation
The Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation is a private foundation based in Bethesda, Maryland. Its 2024 filing reports grants to charitable organizations, and the foundation states that it contributes only to preselected organizations.
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation at a glance
In short: Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation gave $21K across 17 grants in 2024 (avg $1K), top state New York. 24% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $20,950
- +11.1% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 17
- -32.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $1,232
- +63.4% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,000
- Total assets
- $323,916
- +4.2% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 24% first-time grantees (4 of 17, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- New York (31% 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 Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Co Pkfod 2 Bethesda Metro Ctr 54, Bethesda, MD 20814-6319
Phone: (301) 608-3900
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Rock Point School ($5K). Together the top 10 received $19K.
Grant Size Distribution
102 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 102 grants of 102 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest reported shares of grant dollars went to recipients in New York (31%), Maryland (27%), and Vermont (24%), followed by Florida (8%) and Washington, DC (5%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation open to new grantees?
24%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 4 of 17 grantees (24%) were first-time recipients. With only 17 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 6 points. First grants averaged $1K; repeat grants $1K. How we count
Medians: $1K first-time, $1K repeat.
- 71% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+16%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 135% 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 $18K (2020) to $21K (2024). In 2024 it made 17 grants totaling $21K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Point School Burlington, VT | General Operating Support | $5,000 |
| Friends of the Israel Defense Forces New York, NY | General Operating Support | $2,500 |
| The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Inc North Bethesda, MD | General Operating Support | $2,000 |
| Bradley Hills Education Foundation Corporation Glen Echo, MD | General Operating Support | $1,500 |
| Jewish National Fund Keren Kayemeth Leisrael Inc New York, NY | General Operating Support | $1,500 |
| Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Inc Rye Brook, NY | General Operating Support | $1,500 |
| The Printmaking Legacy Project Inc Rockville, MD | General Operating Support | $1,500 |
| American Jewish International Relations Institute Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| Breakthrough T1 D New York, NY | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
| Mote Marine Laboratory Sarasota, FL | General Operating Support | $1,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Robert and Lillian Philipson 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 | $323,916 | $62,300 | $28,036 | $20,950 | 17 | $25,239 | $9,141 | $18,680 |
| 2023 | $310,970 | $31,037 | $25,688 | $18,850 | 25 | $23,170 | $14,491 | $17,067 |
| 2022 | $341,522 | $12,113 | $25,206 | $19,000 | 20 | $19,246 | $6,153 | $19,099 |
| 2021 | $351,381 | $24,639 | $26,212 | $18,000 | 23 | — | $6,657 | $19,359 |
| 2020 | $352,954 | $32,041 | $24,423 | $17,700 | 17 | — | $10,532 | $18,698 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $19K 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 available filing information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants went to organizations working in areas that include education, health, Jewish community and human-rights causes, and environmental conservation. These are examples of grantees’ work, not stated foundation priorities: Friends of the Israel Defense Forces describes its mission as supporting the health, well-being, and education of Israel’s protectors; Mote Marine Laboratory describes work advancing marine and environmental sciences; and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust describes work conserving and restoring fisheries and habitats.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation gave $20,950 through 17 grants. Grants ranged from $100 to $5,000, with a median grant of $1,000. The largest award was $5,000 to Rock Point School for general operating support. Other notable grants included $2,500 to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces; $2,000 to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington; and $1,500 each to Bradley Hills Education Foundation, Jewish National Fund Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and The Printmaking Legacy Project. Each of these listed grants was for general operating support.
Other 2024 recipients included Mote Marine Laboratory ($1,000), American Jewish International Relations Institute ($1,000), and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust ($500). Mote Marine Laboratory describes its work as advancing marine and environmental sciences through research, education, and public outreach. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust describes its work as conserving and restoring bonefish, tarpon, and permit fisheries and habitats.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Richard L. Philipson as director, president, and treasurer; Samuel B. Philipson as director and vice president; and Kathy McNally as director and secretary.
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation is led by Richard L. Philipson, Director, President & Treasurer since 2023 (on filings since 2020); none of the 3 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Richard L. Philipson
Director, President & Treasurer
President & Treasurer → Director, President & Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Kathy McNally
Director & Secretary
Secretary → Director & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samuel B. Philipson
Director & Vice President
Vice President → Director & Vice President, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/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 Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation
How much does Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation give each year?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation gave $21K across 17 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $19K across 25 grants.
What is Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's typical grant size?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,000, and its average grant was $1,232, across 17 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation that year got $1K on average.
Where does Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation give grants?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's top state is New York, with 31% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Maryland (27%) and Vermont (24%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (3 grants) and Rockville, MD (2 grants).
Does Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (17 of 17) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's largest grantees?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Rock Point School ($5,000), Friends of the Israel Defense Forces ($2,500) and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Inc ($2,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 45% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation reported $324K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $25K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $19K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation fund?
The available filing information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2024 grants went to organizations working in areas that include education, health, Jewish community and human-rights causes, and environmental conservation. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation?
The foundation states that it 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 Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's EIN?
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6035785. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation 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
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Inc
North Bethesda, MD
The Federation funds Jewish communal organizations and programs, including services for people in need, Jewish learning and engagement, youth and family programs, inclusion, community security, and work connecting the region with Israel and Jewish communities abroad. In 2025 it made 360 grants, with a median award of $20,000; grants ranged from $5,001 to $3.3 million, primarily supporting organizations in Greater Washington as well as national and international partners. It issues requests for proposals when opportunities are available; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited funding requests.
Assets
$388.5M
Grants
360
Total Given
$34.1M
Gulf Coast Community Foundation Inc
Venice, FL
Gulf Coast Community Foundation funds arts and culture, civic and economic development, education, the environment, health and human services, and disaster response, with grants generally serving Sarasota and Charlotte counties, DeSoto County, Boca Grande, Lakewood Ranch, and Longboat Key, Florida. In 2025, grants ranged from $5,030 to $2,101,739, with a median of $16,251; Community Grants are capped at $25,000 per nonprofit per fiscal year. It accepts letters of inquiry for Community Grants; Catalytic and Initiative Grants are by invitation.
Assets
$533.7M
Grants
651
Total Given
$45.0M
The Community Foundation of Sarasota CO Inc
Sarasota, FL
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County funds nonprofit programs in areas including education, health care, basic needs, animal welfare, arts, and community capacity building. Its programmatic grants average $10,000–$25,000 and support organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$518.5M
Grants
540
Total Given
$41.2M
Greater Washington Community Foundation
Washington, DC
The Greater Washington Community Foundation supports nonprofits working across areas such as economic opportunity, education, health, arts, and human services, with an emphasis on equity and economic justice. Its 2025 grants had a median of $20,000, and it generally funds organizations serving DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and specified Northern Virginia communities; it offers scheduled open competitive grant rounds as well as invite-only opportunities.
Assets
$518.3M
Grants
1,417
Total Given
$116.9M
Pledgeling Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Pledgeling Foundation regrants donor-directed contributions to a wide range of eligible U.S. public charities and vetted international charities, with no stated issue-area focus. Its 2024 grants had a median of $12,301 and ranged from $5,001 to $1.6 million; funding goes worldwide, with the largest share in California. It processes grants based on donor recommendations, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$13.3M
Grants
918
Total Given
$31.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from Robert and Lillian Philipson 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.
Robert and Lillian Philipson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?