The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in New York, NY. In 2024, it made 11 charitable grants totaling $428,568 to organizations in several states.
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc gave $429K across 11 grants in 2024 (avg $39K), mostly in Michigan. 9% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $428,568
- +16.3% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 11
- -31.3% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $38,961
- +69.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $17,500
- Total assets
- $25,829,641
- +32.0% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 9% first-time grantees (1 of 11, 2024; small sample)
- Primary geography
- Michigan (54% 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 The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc
- 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: 370 Lexington Avenue Apt 310, New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 759-5217
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was University of Michigan ($230K). Together the top 10 received $428K.
Grant Size Distribution
68 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 57 grants of 68 (84%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The reported distribution of 2024 grant dollars was Michigan 54%, New York 20%, Maryland 18%, Georgia 5%, and Florida 2%. The listed grants also included a recipient in New Jersey.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 11 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
9%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 1 of 11 grantees (9%) were first-time recipients. With only 11 grantees, that is a small sample: one grantee more or less moves the share by about 9 points. First grants averaged $9K; repeat grants $42K. How we count
Medians: $9K first-time, $19K repeat.
- 91% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 24% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 26% 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 (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 $227K (2022) to $429K (2024). In 2024 it made 11 grants totaling $429K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI | Charitable | $230,000 |
| Project ALS Inc Huntingtown, MD | Charitable | $76,000 |
| UJA Federation of NY New York, NY | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Kindnessorg New York, NY | Charitable | $25,000 |
| Emory University Atlanta, GA | Charitable | $20,000 |
| Metropolitan Opera House New York, NY | Charitable | $17,500 |
| Boca Raton Community Hospital Boca Raton, FL | Charitable | $10,000 |
| The Jewish Museum New York, NY | Charitable | $10,000 |
| Dwight Englewood School Englewood, NJ | Charitable | $8,650 |
| Congregation Rodeph Sholom New York, NY | Charitable | $5,400 |
Ready to take the next step with The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc?
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 | $25,829,641 | $6,597,852 | $464,754 | $428,568 | 11 | $428,568 | $2,468,114 | $1,641,619 |
| 2023 | $19,567,318 | $1,499,816 | $378,594 | $368,480 | 16 | $368,480 | $1,489,702 | $1,319,213 |
| 2022 | $18,366,271 | $945,184 | $249,424 | $227,150 | 14 | $227,150 | $922,910 | $1,268,907 |
| 2021 | $17,694,295 | $1,924,650 | $390,804 | $345,280 | 17 | $345,280 | $1,839,335 | $1,381,665 |
| 2020 | $16,179,758 | $752,229 | $422,186 | $371,100 | 10 | — | $701,143 | $1,084,455 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.6M 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
No foundation mission is stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants included organizations with varied stated missions. The University of Michigan says its mission is to represent and advocate for its member physicians. Kindnessorg says it works to educate and inspire people to choose kindness, including through research and evidence-based programs. Emory University says its mission is to create, preserve, teach, and apply knowledge in the service of humanity. The Jewish Museum says it collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets art and Jewish culture. DOROT says it alleviates social isolation and loneliness among older adults and provides services to support independent living.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 11 grants totaling $428,568. Grant amounts ranged from $1,018 to $230,000, with a median grant of $17,500.
The largest grants included $230,000 to the University of Michigan, $76,000 to Project ALS Inc, $25,000 each to UJA Federation of NY and Kindnessorg, and $20,000 to Emory University. Other 2024 recipients included the Metropolitan Opera House ($17,500), Boca Raton Community Hospital ($10,000), the Jewish Museum ($10,000), Dwight Englewood School ($8,650), Congregation Rodeph Sholom ($5,400), and DOROT ($1,018). The listed grants were for charitable purposes.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Debra Wasserman as President and Jason Glasser as Vice President.
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc is led by Debra Wasserman, President since 2023 (on filings since 2020); none of the 2 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Debra Wasserman
President
Vice President → President, 2023
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Jason Glasser
Vice President
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Sandra K. Wasserman (2020–2022) — President
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 The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc
How much does The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc give each year?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc gave $429K across 11 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $368K across 16 grants.
What is The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $17,500, and its average grant was $38,961, across 11 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc that year got $9K on average.
Where does The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc give grants?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc gives mostly in Michigan: 54% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were New York (20%) and Maryland (18%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (6 grants).
Does The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 11 grants with a stated purpose on The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Charitable" (11 grants).
Who are The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include University of Michigan ($230,000), Project ALS Inc ($76,000) and UJA Federation of NY ($25,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 77% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc reported $25.8M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $429K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.6M (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 The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc fund?
No foundation mission is stated in the available information. Its 2024 grants included organizations with varied stated missions. The University of Michigan says its mission is to represent and advocate for its member physicians. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc?
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 The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's EIN?
The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-3961422. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc 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
Live grants for the work The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
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 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 New York Community Trust
New York, NY
The New York Community Trust funds nonprofit programs in areas such as arts, education, health, the environment, workforce development, and youth development, including projects that improve services, build organizational capacity, or advance policy and systems change. Its competitive grants mainly serve New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, with some national and international environmental funding; the 2024 median grant was $20,000. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$3.5B
Grants
2,748
Total Given
$193.8M
The Simons Foundation Inc
New York, NY
The Simons Foundation funds research and public engagement in mathematics and the physical, life, autism, and neuroscience sciences. In 2024, it made 1,727 grants, with a median award of $72,000 and amounts ranging from $1,480 to $20 million, supporting organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It states that it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$4.5B
Grants
1,727
Total Given
$272.0M
Local Initiatives Support Corporation
New York, NY
LISC funds affordable housing, community development, small businesses, and related efforts that strengthen inclusive communities, providing grants as well as loans, equity, and technical assistance across the country. Its 2024 grants had a median award of $40,000, though amounts varied widely. Application access is program-specific: for its Rhode Island child care facilities planning grants, applicants are instructed to consult program staff before submitting a request.
Assets
$1.6B
Grants
1,119
Total Given
$102.8M
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund Inc
New York, NY
Wellspring Philanthropic Fund supports human rights and social and economic justice, including work on climate, the environment, civic engagement, and Jewish causes, in the United States and internationally. Its 2024 grants had a median of $200,000, with amounts ranging from $500 to $9.75 million. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests; it plans to end grantmaking by the end of 2028.
Assets
$134.4M
Grants
1,101
Total Given
$326.0M
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-bert-and-sandra-wasserman-foundation-inc-morg_0ae575b8cc654fc192f4c412bf08f190
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_133961422_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Bert \& Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-bert-and-sandra-wasserman-foundation-inc-morg_0ae575b8cc654fc192f4c412bf08f190},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-16. 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 Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc'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 Bert & Sandra Wasserman Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?