The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern is a private foundation based in Greenwich, Connecticut. Its 2025 filing reports grants to charitable organizations in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, and New Hampshire.
Key facts about The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern
In short: The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern gave $590K across 17 grants in 2025 (avg $35K), mostly in New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 27-0771357
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $589,500
- Grants made (2025)
- 17
- Average grant
- $34,676
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $3,356,484
- Primary geography
- New York (73% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$3.4M
+12.0% YoY
Annual Giving
$590K
-7.0% YoY
Grant Count
17
+41.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$35K
-34.4% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern reported a distributable amount of $274K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
How The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern gives
- 47% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+5%). Method
- In 2025 it paid out 217% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Mission & Focus Areas
The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2025 grantees include organizations whose own missions span breast cancer research and support, film programming, American art, and academic and athletic support for young people. For example, Breast Cancer Alliance says it works to improve survival rates and quality of life for people impacted by breast cancer; Film at Lincoln Center says it supports the art of film and related media; the Whitney Museum of American Art says it presents and collects art of the United States; and Squash Haven says it promotes academic, athletic, and personal growth among New Haven youth.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 17 grants totaling $589,500. Grants ranged from $2,500 to $125,000, with a median grant of $25,000.
The largest reported grants were $125,000 each to the David Lynch Foundation and Weill Cornell Medical College. Other notable awards were $50,000 each to Breast Cancer Alliance, Columbia University, and Film at Lincoln Center; $40,000 to the University of Pennsylvania; and $25,000 each to Dartmouth College, Delacorte Theater, Jewish Federation, and The National Education Equity Lab. The Whitney Museum of American Art received $20,000, and Squash Haven received $7,000.
The foundation states in its 2025 filing that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Ready to take the next step with The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In filing year 2025, 73% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 11% to Connecticut, 7% to Pennsylvania, 6% to Florida, and 4% to New Hampshire.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 17 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $105K (2021) to $1.0M (2020). In 2025 it made 17 grants totaling $590K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was David Lynch Foundation ($125K). Together the top 10 received $540K.
Grant Size Distribution
56 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 37 grants of 56 (66%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| David Lynch Foundation New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $125,000 |
| Weil Cornell Medical College New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $125,000 |
| Breast Cancer Alliance Greenwich, CT | Support of the Organization's Mission | $50,000 |
| Columbia University New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $50,000 |
| Film at Lincoln Center New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $50,000 |
| University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA | Support of the Organization's Mission | $40,000 |
| Dartmouth College Hanover, NH | Support of the Organization's Mission | $25,000 |
| Delacorte Theater New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $25,000 |
| Jewish Federation West Pal Beach, FL | Support of the Organization's Mission | $25,000 |
| The National Education Equity Lab New York, NY | Support of the Organization's Mission | $25,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $3,356,484 | $959,939 | $601,130 | $589,500 |
| 2024 | $2,997,675 | $151,523 | $643,115 | $634,000 |
| 2023 | $3,489,267 | $82,321 | $557,956 | $540,000 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $3,356,484 | $2,997,675 | $3,489,267 |
| Revenue | $959,939 | $151,523 | $82,321 |
| Expenses | $601,130 | $643,115 | $557,956 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $593,454 | $637,172 | $540,100 |
| Net Investment Income | $955,985 | $148,351 | $79,767 |
| Distributable Amount | $273,640 | $291,413 | $280,163 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Jennifer Klein, Betty Lee Stern, and Lauren Rosenkranz as trustees.
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's 2025 filing lists 3 officers; none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Betty Lee Stern
Trustee
On filings since 2020
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jennifer Klein
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Rosenkranz
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Aaron Stern (2020) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Contact
Mailing address: Jennifer Klein-53 Dingletown Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830
Phone: (917) 363-7012
Frequently asked questions about The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern
How much does The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern give each year?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern gave $590K across 17 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $634K across 12 grants.
What is The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's typical grant size?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $34,676, across 17 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern give grants?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern gives mostly in New York: 73% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Connecticut (11%) and Pennsylvania (7%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (9 grants).
Does The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 17 grants with a stated purpose on The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's 2025 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Support of the Organization's Mission" (17 grants).
Who are The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's largest grantees?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's largest 2025 grantees include David Lynch Foundation ($125,000), Weil Cornell Medical College ($125,000) and Breast Cancer Alliance ($50,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 51% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern reported $3.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $593K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $274K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern fund?
The available information does not state a mission for the foundation. Its 2025 grantees include organizations whose own missions span breast cancer research and support, film programming, American art, and academic and athletic support for young people. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern does not accept unsolicited proposals, according to Grantable's research on its published guidelines.
What is The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's EIN?
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 27-0771357. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Connecticut
The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds nonprofits addressing economic mobility, wealth gaps, and urgent community needs, with priorities including homeownership, small businesses, education, quality jobs, and investment in underinvested communities. Its 2025 itemized grants had a median of $26,500, though awards vary widely; grants generally benefit Chicago-region residents, and the Trust directs applicants to open opportunities but does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
The Yelp Foundation
San Francisco, CA
Assets
$6.2M
Grants
644
Total Given
$886K
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health-access initiatives for disproportionately affected populations, including cancer, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation, in the United States and internationally. In 2024, its median grant was $134,090, though awards varied widely; it says application materials are available upon request and advises organizations to contact it about the process, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
Americares Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Americares funds health care organizations and programs focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, access to medicines and medical supplies, and community health services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,073 to $3.86 million, with a median of about $58,700; it works in the United States and internationally, reaching an average of 80 countries each year. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$372.5M
Grants
635
Total Given
$113.3M
American Savings Foundation Inc
New Britain, CT
The American Savings Foundation funds education, human services, and arts and culture, especially direct-service programs benefiting children, youth, families, and people with high needs. Its 2025 grants ranged from $238 to $150,000, with a median of $1,750; it serves 64 Connecticut towns, with a focus on New Britain and Waterbury. The profile says applicants should contact the Foundation for application materials, but does not explicitly state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
613
Total Given
$3.4M
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hartford, CT
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation funds nonprofits addressing community needs, with priorities including racial equity, economic and social mobility, wellbeing, neighborhoods, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $21,600, and it primarily serves 29 Greater Hartford towns. It accepts applications through specific requests for proposals and grant cycles; eligibility varies by opportunity.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
613
Total Given
$52.0M
Eversource Energy Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
The Eversource Energy Foundation funds U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic or workforce development. It gives in Eversource’s service territory in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire; its 2024 median grant was $2,000, though awards ranged from $250 to $700,000.
Assets
$12.5M
Grants
606
Total Given
$6.2M
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
New Haven, CT
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven funds nonprofits working in areas including civic vitality, arts and culture, health, and education, with competitive grants for organizations serving its 20-town region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,154 to $2.8 million, with a median of $15,000; it accepts applications through specific grant programs, while most donor-advised and designated fund distributions are not open to applications.
Assets
$627.4M
Grants
505
Total Given
$23.4M
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc
Norwalk, CT
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation funds equity-focused work including education and youth development, economic opportunity, women and girls’ health, housing, civic engagement, and nonprofit capacity, primarily benefiting Fairfield County residents. Its 2025 grants had a median of $24,080 and ranged from $5,194 to $2 million; it accepts applications for some programs, including rolling capacity-building and small-grant opportunities, while Strategic Partner Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
448
Total Given
$25.7M
Viking Global Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Assets
$7.1M
Grants
423
Total Given
$3.6M
Ion Bank Foundation Inc
Naugatuck, CT
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
419
Total Given
$1.0M
More Funders in Connecticut
The Aaron and Betty Lee Stern down — hundreds of funders to go?