The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation
The Alper Family Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in Bethesda, Maryland. It made 18 grants totaling $345,000 in filing year 2024, supporting charitable organizations including educational institutions, arts organizations, and nonprofits working on collaborative problem-solving. Its 2025 filing, the latest on this page, reports 30 grants totaling $4.8 million.
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation at a glance
In short: The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation gave $4.8M across 30 grants in 2025 (avg $159K), mostly in Colorado. 20% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,778,538
- +1285.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 30
- +66.7% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $159,285
- +731.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $3,015,502
- -47.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 20% first-time grantees (4 of 20, 2025; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Colorado (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated November 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation
- 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: 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 The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Alper Skyland Foundation Trust ($4.4M). Together the top 10 received $4.7M.
Grant Size Distribution
118 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 113 grants of 118 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, recipients in Washington, DC received 58% of grant dollars, followed by Colorado with 14%, Virginia with 10%, New York with 9%, and Ohio with 6%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 30 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation open to new grantees?
20%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 4 of 20 grantees (20%) were first-time recipients. With only 20 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 5 points. First grants averaged $1.1M; repeat grants $23K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $15K repeat.
- 70% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 1265% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 119% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $284K (2020) to $4.8M (2025). In 2025 it made 30 grants totaling $4.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Alper Skyland Foundation Trust Fort Collins, CO | Endowment Grant | $4,398,538 |
| Phillips Collection Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $60,000 |
| American University Washington, DC | Museum Exhibitions Fund | $30,000 |
| Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship New York, NY | General Operating Support | $30,000 |
| American University Washington, DC | General Operating Support | $25,000 |
| Capital Jewish Museum Washington, DC | Oral Histroy Initiative and Oral History Recording Booth | $25,000 |
| Colorado State University Foundation Fort Collins, CO | Institute Support | $25,000 |
| Kenyon College Gambier, OH | Philander Chase Conservancy | $12,500 |
| Jazz Aspen Snowmass Aspen, CO | General Operating Support | $10,100 |
| American University Washington, DC | Alper Initiative for Washington Art Endowed Fund | $10,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work 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 | $3,015,502 | $585,081 | $4,871,408 | $4,778,538 | 30 | $395,752 | $519,024 | $333,083 |
| 2024 | $5,760,569 | $790,529 | $441,391 | $345,000 | 18 | $359,321 | $714,297 | $405,907 |
| 2023 | $5,411,431 | $712,032 | $419,614 | $325,000 | 23 | $343,368 | $641,564 | $365,055 |
| 2022 | $5,119,013 | $220,334 | $436,346 | $350,000 | 27 | $387,096 | $186,908 | $366,951 |
| 2021 | $5,335,025 | $983,500 | $392,548 | $300,000 | 20 | $339,253 | $944,462 | $384,344 |
| 2020 | $4,744,073 | $488,300 | $354,914 | $284,000 | 19 | — | $455,409 | $334,255 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation reported a distributable amount of $333K 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
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included general operating support, arts and museum support, university programs and scholarships, and project-based mentoring.
Among its 2024 grantees, the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution describes its work as bringing people across ideological, political, and identity lines together to solve critical issues and strengthen democracy. American University describes its mission as advancing knowledge, fostering intellectual curiosity, building community, and empowering lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The Colorado State University Foundation says it supports Colorado State University facilities and educational programs, as well as faculty, students, and alumni.
The Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship describes itself as providing entrepreneurship education to students from under-resourced communities and offering programs for college students and adult learners. Eastern Mennonite University describes itself as a faith-based university emphasizing peace-building, creation care, experiential learning, and intercultural engagement.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation awarded 18 grants totaling $345,000. Grant amounts ranged from $1,500 to $46,000, with a median of $15,000. Its 2025 filing, the latest on this page, reports 30 grants totaling $4.8 million.
The largest 2024 grants included $46,000 to the Phillips Collection for general operating support; $40,000 to American University for the Alper Initiative for Washington Art Endowed Fund; $40,000 to Colorado State University Foundation for CCC programs and activities; and $40,000 to Convergence Center for Policy Resolution for general operating support. Other grants included $35,000 to American University for its Museum Exhibitions Fund, $30,000 to the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship for general operating support, and $20,000 to Kenyon College for general operating support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Patricia Alper-Cohn as director, president, and secretary, and Richard S Alper as director, vice president, and treasurer.
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation is led by Patricia Alper-Cohn, Director, President & Secretary since 2023 (on filings since 2020); none of the 3 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Patricia Alper-Cohn
Director, President & Secretary
President & Secretary → Director, President & Secretary, 2023
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Richard S. Alper
Director
Vice President & Treasurer → Director, Vice President & Treasurer, 2023
Director, Vice President & Treasurer → Director, 2025
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dawn Watson
Vice President & Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
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.
Frequently asked questions about The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation
How much does The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation give each year?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation gave $4.8M across 30 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $345K across 18 grants.
What is The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's typical grant size?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $159,285, across 30 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation that year got $1.1M on average.
Where does The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation give grants?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation gives mostly in Colorado: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (7 grants), Fort Collins, CO (5 grants), Gambier, OH (3 grants) and Ijamsville, MD (2 grants).
Does The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 33% of The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 30) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's largest grantees?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Alper Skyland Foundation Trust ($4,398,538), American University ($65,000 across 3 grants) and Phillips Collection ($60,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 95% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation reported $3.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $396K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $333K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included general operating support, arts and museum support, university programs and scholarships, and project-based mentoring. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation?
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 The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's EIN?
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-1898610. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated November 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS September 1, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
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
Interfaith America
Chicago, IL
Interfaith America funds leaders and institutions developing projects that strengthen pluralism and cooperation across religious and other differences, including work in higher education, civic life, and workplaces. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,200 to $342,300, with a median of $15,000, and it supports work across the United States. It offers specific grant opportunities with application guidelines; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$47.0M
Grants
93
Total Given
$2.8M
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
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Fund for Strategic Innovation
Palo Alto, CA
The fund supports scientific research, education, emerging technology, youth talent development, and public-interest work addressing challenges such as climate, health, economic opportunity, and security. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $12.5 million, with a median of $100,000, and supported organizations in several U.S. states, including Massachusetts and California, as well as international recipients. It funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
379
Total Given
$244.1M
Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Cleveland, OH
The Jewish Federation of Cleveland funds social-welfare, religious, educational, security, and community programs, with a focus on Cleveland and Ohio as well as Jewish needs in Israel and around the world. Its 2025 grants had a median of $22,250, though amounts varied widely; the available information does not specify whether it accepts unsolicited institutional requests.
Assets
$680.2M
Grants
425
Total Given
$72.7M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-alper-family-foundation-inc-dba-the-teach-to-work-foundation-morg_5626c1feb15e4ef68c77a8067b95b0c3
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_521898610_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-alper-family-foundation-inc-dba-the-teach-to-work-foundation-morg_5626c1feb15e4ef68c77a8067b95b0c3},
note = {Accessed 2026-11-04. 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 The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work 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.
The Alper Family Foundation Inc DBA the Teach to Work Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?