The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation logo

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation

Grantmaker Wilmington, DE EIN: 47-1141878 Website

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation is a private foundation based in Wilmington, Delaware. Named for businessman and portrait photographer Bern Schwartz, it seeks to advance public knowledge and appreciation of photography as an art form.

Key facts about The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation

In short: The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation gave $455K across 8 grants in 2024 (avg $57K), mostly in New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

EIN
47-1141878
Latest 990 filing
Form 990 filing, 2024
Annual giving (2024)
$455,000
Grants made (2024)
8
Average grant
$56,875
Median grant
$25,000
Primary geography
New York (96% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
Accepts unsolicited proposals
No
How to apply
The Foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Full details ↓

Data from IRS Form 990 filing, 2024; updated September 2026. Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.

Financial Overview

From 2024 IRS Form 990 filing · View filing

Total Assets

—

Annual Giving

$455K

-96.7% YoY

Grant Count

8

-77.8% YoY

Avg Grant Size

$57K

-85.2% YoY

How The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation gives

  • Giving fell 92% from 2021 to 2024. Method

From the foundation's IRS Form 990 filings. Methodology.

Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.

Mission & Focus Areas

The Foundation’s stated mission is to advance public knowledge and appreciation of photography as an art form and to promote high standards consistent with the work of Bern Schwartz and other noted photographers.

Its 2024 grants included support for photography institutions and projects, including the International Center of Photography, Magnum Cultural Foundation, the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art, and The Philadelphia Photo Review. The International Center of Photography describes its work as advancing understanding and appreciation of photography through exhibitions, collections, and education. Magnum Cultural Foundation says it mentors the next generation of photographers and supports historical and contemporary photography. The Philadelphia Photo Review says it educates the public about photography and provides a forum for aspiring photographers.

Other 2024 recipients included the Victoria and Albert Museum Americas Foundation, Jerusalem Foundation, and Americans for Oxford. The Jerusalem Foundation describes its work as improving the quality of life of Jerusalem residents and creating an open, equitable, and modern society. Americans for Oxford says it supports educational programs, institutions, and posts at Oxford and elsewhere.

Grantmaking

In 2024, the Foundation gave $455,000 through eight grants. Grants ranged from $1,000 to $200,000, with a median of $25,000. Among the largest were $200,000 to the International Center of Photography for its capital campaign at Essex Crossing; $100,000 to Magnum Cultural Foundation for a Philippe Halsman documentary film project; and $67,000 to the Victoria and Albert Museum Americas Foundation for general and unrestricted support. The Foundation also gave $25,000 to the International Center of Photography for general and unrestricted support, $25,000 to Jerusalem Foundation for general and unrestricted support, and $22,000 to Americans for Oxford for general and unrestricted support.

Your AI grants department

Ready to take the next step with The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation?

Fully replaces Grant database subscriptions Instrumentl · Foundation Directory · GrantStation & similar

Geographic Focus

Where this funder awards grants

In 2024, 96% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 3% to California, and 0% to Pennsylvania.

Grant Distribution by State

9states

Share of all 8 itemized 2024 grant dollars.

Cities

New YorkOaklandSan DiegoLa JollaWarwickStanfordPasadenaSan FranciscoWoodburyManhattan BCHMontezumaPomfretWashingtonNovatoBethesdaColumbiaDallasLanghorne

Giving Over Time

Total grant dollars and number of grants per year

$0$5M$10M$15M23 grants202028 grants202123 grants202236 grants20238 grants2024

From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $455K (2024) to $13.8M (2023). In 2024 it made 8 grants totaling $455K.

Grant Insights

How this funder distributes its grants

Top Recipients

Top 7 recipients in 2024

International Center of Photography: $225K across 2 grantsInternational Center ofPhotography$225K · 2 grantsMagnum Cultural Foundation: $100KMagnum Cultural Foundation$100KVictoria and Albert Museum Americas Foundation: $67KVictoria and Albert MuseumAmericas Foundation$67KJerusalem Foundation Inc: $25KJerusalem Foundation Inc$25KAmericans for Oxford Inc: $22KAmericans for Oxford Inc$22KSan Diego Museum of Art: $15KSan Diego Museum of Art$15KThe Philadelphia Photo Review: $1KThe Philadelphia Photo Review$1K

The largest 2024 recipient was International Center of Photography ($225K across 2 grants). Together the top 7 received $455K.

Grant Size Distribution

118 grants across all recorded years

50<$50K28$50–100K24$100–250K6$250–500K1$500K–1M9$1–5M$5M+

The most common grant size was under $50K: 50 grants of 118 (42%).

Giving History

Grant recipients and amounts by year

RecipientPurposeAmount
International Center of Photography New York, NYCapital Campaign for ICP at Essex Crossing$200,000
Magnum Cultural Foundation New York, NYsupporting the Philippe Halsman documentary film project$100,000
Victoria and Albert Museum Americas Foundation New York, NYGeneral & Unrestricted$67,000
International Center of Photography New York, NYGeneral & Unrestricted$25,000
Jerusalem Foundation Inc New York, NYGeneral & Unrestricted$25,000
Americans for Oxford Inc New York, NYGeneral & Unrestricted$22,000
San Diego Museum of Art San Diego, CAgeneral operating support of the Museum of Photographic arts at the san diego museum of art$15,000
The Philadelphia Photo Review Langhorne, PAGeneral & Unrestricted$1,000

Financial History

Multi-year comparison from IRS filings

Filing year Grant total Number of grants
2024 $455,000 8
2023 $13,833,679 36
2022 $1,383,428 23
$0$0.5$1$1.520202021202220232024
Metric202420232022
Total Assets———
Revenue———
Expenses———
Qualifying Distributions———
Net Investment Income———
Distributable Amount———

Data update history

When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable

  1. IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024

Leadership & Key People

Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings

The 2024 filing lists Eric A. Schwartz as director and president; Michael L. Schwartz as director, chairman, and grant evaluator; Fred W. Concklin as director, vice president, and treasurer; and Tilda R. Orr as director and secretary.

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation is led by Eric A Schwartz, Director & President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.

Officers on the 2024 filing

  • Eric A Schwartz

    Director & President

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Michael L Schwartz

    Director, Chairman & Grant Evaluator

    On filings since 2020

    5 hrs/week

    No compensation reported

  • Fred W Concklin

    Director, Vice President & Treasurer

    On filings since 2020

    1 hr/week

    No compensation reported

  • Tilda R Orr

    Director & Secretary

    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.

Contact

Mailing address: Foundation Source 501 Silverside Rd, Wilmington, DE 19809-1377
Phone: (800) 839-1754
Website: https://bernschwartz.org

Frequently asked questions about The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation

How much does The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation give each year?

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation gave $455K across 8 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. In 2023 it gave $13.8M across 36 grants.

What is The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's typical grant size?

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $25,000, and its average grant was $56,875, across 8 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

Where does The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation give grants?

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation gives mostly in New York: 96% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (6 grants).

Does The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation give general operating support?

Yes: 75% of The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (6 of 8) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing.

Who are The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's largest grantees?

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include International Center of Photography ($225,000 across 2 grants), Magnum Cultural Foundation ($100,000) and Victoria and Albert Museum Americas Foundation ($67,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990 filing. Together they received 86% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.

What does The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation fund?

The Foundation’s stated mission is to advance public knowledge and appreciation of photography as an art form and to promote high standards consistent with the work of Bern Schwartz and other noted photographers. See mission & focus areas ↑

How do I apply for a grant from The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation?

The Foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑

What is The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's EIN?

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 47-1141878. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.

Does The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation 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 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.

Your AI grants department

Here's the math on researching The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation by hand.

Explore Open Grants

Browse active grant opportunities in The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database

Similar Funders

Funders that support many of the same organizations

Marin Community Foundation

Novato, CA

Marin Community Foundation funds equity-focused work, including affordable housing, homelessness, community resilience and power, and arts; its Buck Family Fund supports organizations serving Marin County, including those based elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000 and ranged from $5,050 to $10 million; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$1.3B

Grants

1,573

Total Given

$186.1M

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.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3B

Grants

3,576

Total Given

$3.2B

The New York Community Trust

New York, NY

The New York Community Trust funds projects in areas including arts, education, health, human services, community development, and the environment, primarily in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some opportunities elsewhere. Its 2024 median grant was $20,000, though awards varied widely. It accepts applications through its open competitive grants program and selected RFPs or letters of interest; donor-advised funds do not accept proposals.

Assets

$3.5B

Grants

2,748

Total Given

$193.8M

California Community Foundation

Los Angeles, CA

The California Community Foundation funds work in education, health, housing, immigration, and other community needs, primarily in Los Angeles County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $50,000, though amounts varied widely; it does not accept unsolicited funding requests.

Assets

$2.3B

Grants

2,174

Total Given

$326.6M

American Electric Power Foundation

Wilmington, DE

The American Electric Power Foundation funds STEM education, basic needs such as hunger and housing, social justice, and environmental protection. Its 2025 grants had a median of $10,000, with awards ranging from $500 to about $1.43 million; funding is concentrated in Ohio, with grants also going to states including Texas, Indiana, Virginia, and West Virginia. It accepts applications only from preselected organizations invited through a local AEP Operating Company and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$43.6M

Grants

753

Total Given

$23.0M

Puget Sound Energy Foundation

Wilmington, DE

The Puget Sound Energy Foundation funds nonprofits serving communities where PSE has a service or generation presence, primarily in Washington, across household needs, education and workforce pathways, climate resilience, and community safety. Grants vary widely; in 2024 they ranged from $13 to $100,000, with a $500 median, while its 2026 disaster-focused competitive program offers up to $15,000. It generally does not accept unsolicited requests, but eligible local nonprofits can apply through that competitive program.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$19.6M

Grants

451

Total Given

$1.2M

First Eagle Investments Foundation

Wilmington, DE

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

—

Grants

389

Total Given

$1.2M

Hagerty Drivers Foundation

Wilmington, DE

Assets

—

Grants

330

Total Given

$192K

McNabb Foundation

Wilmington, DE

The McNabb Foundation’s website describes support for behavioral health and social services in East Tennessee, while its 2024 grants went to organizations with varied missions, mostly in California. Grants ranged from $500 to $5,000, with a median of $1,000. It does not accept unsolicited requests and gives only to preselected charitable organizations.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$4.8M

Grants

328

Total Given

$358K

Raskob Foundation for Catholic

Wilmington, DE

The Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities supports Catholic organizations, ministries, and projects in the United States and its territories and internationally, across areas such as education, health care, and humanitarian aid. Domestic awards are typically $15,000–$35,000; international grants can be up to $200,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations, but the profile does not explicitly state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.

Assets

$208.0M

Grants

325

Total Given

$6.2M

Delaware Community Foundation Inc

Wilmington, DE

Delaware Community Foundation funds nonprofits across areas such as health, education, conservation, arts, and youth services, primarily in Delaware, though it also awards grants elsewhere. Its 2025 grants had a median of $21,500, and it invites nonprofits to apply for specific grant programs; the profile does not state whether it accepts general unsolicited requests.

Assets

$392.5M

Grants

323

Total Given

$20.4M

WSFS Cares Foundation

Wilmington, DE

The WSFS CARES Foundation funds qualified nonprofits working in community investment, affordable housing, revitalization and economic empowerment, education and leadership, and services for people in need across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $100,000, with a median of $5,000. The filing says giving is not restricted to preselected organizations, but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.

Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking

Assets

$12.3M

Grants

323

Total Given

$2.7M

More Funders in Delaware

The Bern Schwartz Family Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?

Want AI to do this for you?