The Dillon Fund
The Dillon Fund is a private foundation based in New York, New York. In 2024, it made 54 grants totaling $2,062,009 to charitable organizations, including organizations working in health, education, conservation, human services, and public policy.
The Dillon Fund at a glance
In short: The Dillon Fund gave $2.1M across 54 grants in 2024 (avg $38K), top state New York. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,062,009
- +11.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 54
- +3.8% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $38,185
- +7.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $31,445,861
- +1.0% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- New York (35% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Dillon Fund
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 99 Park Avenue 24Th Floor, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 315-8300
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Dillon Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was The POLG Foundation Inc ($560K). Together the top 10 received $1.5M.
Grant Size Distribution
228 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 194 grants of 228 (85%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state were New York (35%), Massachusetts (16%), Maryland (16%), Maine (6%), and Florida (5%). The listed grants also included recipients in Illinois, Washington, D.C., Georgia, and Oregon, as well as a recipient whose location was not listed.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 54 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Dillon Fund gives
- 70% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (−9%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 100% 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 (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 $1.6M (2020) to $2.3M (2021). In 2024 it made 54 grants totaling $2.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The POLG Foundation Inc New York, NY | $500k for the benefit of its three-year global Natural History Study, $60k for general contribution | $560,000 |
| Eaglebrook School Deerfield, MA | Dining Hall Project; General Contribution | $255,000 |
| The Nature Conservancy - MDDC Chapter Bethesda, MD | Essential forests fund, barn renovation to create the truman and nellie semans center for conservation learning, baltimore harbor beneficial use, annual operational requirements | $135,000 |
| Living Classrooms Foundation Baltimore, MD | Endowment Fund and annual operational requirements | $110,000 |
| Islesboro Islands Trust Islesboro, ME | Construction of Permanent IIT Center | $100,000 |
| The Conservation Fund Stuart, FL | general contribution | $100,000 |
| Turtle Key Arts Trust | annual budgetary requirements | $62,509 |
| Depaul USA Chicago, IL | for the benefit of MedAid International | $50,000 |
| Jemicy School Owings Mills, MD | general contribution | $50,000 |
| The Brookings Institution Washington, DC | a contribution towards Governance Studies | $50,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Dillon Fund?
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 | $31,445,861 | $2,637,620 | $2,323,657 | $2,062,009 | 54 | $2,123,033 | $2,491,776 | $2,132,772 |
| 2023 | $31,131,898 | $1,055,429 | $2,066,239 | $1,841,907 | 52 | $1,911,352 | $925,689 | $1,969,920 |
| 2022 | $32,142,708 | $2,121,333 | $2,462,619 | $2,199,853 | 57 | $2,271,136 | $1,976,989 | $1,988,154 |
| 2021 | $32,483,994 | $2,601,468 | $2,410,687 | $2,260,915 | 64 | $2,287,753 | $2,466,078 | $2,263,445 |
| 2020 | $32,293,213 | $2,349,627 | $1,725,223 | $1,610,805 | 1 | — | $2,254,407 | $1,905,404 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Dillon Fund reported a distributable amount of $2.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations and purposes. For example, The POLG Foundation received funding for a global natural history study and a general contribution; Eaglebrook School received support for a dining hall project and a general contribution; and The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland and DC chapter received support for conservation-related projects and annual operations.
The grantees describe their own missions in varied terms. The POLG Foundation says it seeks to address unmet medical needs for people with POLG-related disorders. Living Classrooms Foundation describes its work as hands-on education and job training, with a special emphasis on at-risk youth. Islesboro Islands Trust says it works to preserve open space, educate residents about natural ecosystems, and advocate for the environment. The Brookings Institution describes itself as a public policy organization conducting independent research to develop ideas for solving societal problems. DePaul USA says it provides services and programs for homeless individuals in cities across the United States. Other 2024 grantees include the University of Rochester, Human Rights Watch, and Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 54 grants totaling $2,062,009. Grant amounts ranged from $1,000 to $560,000, with a median grant of $15,000.
Among the largest grants were $560,000 to The POLG Foundation, $255,000 to Eaglebrook School, $135,000 to The Nature Conservancy’s Maryland and DC chapter, $110,000 to Living Classrooms Foundation, and $100,000 each to Islesboro Islands Trust and The Conservation Fund. Other grants included $62,509 to Turtle Key Arts Trust and $50,000 each to DePaul USA, Jemicy School, and The Brookings Institution.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists the following officers and directors:
- Charlotte Cunningham — President
- Douglas Dillon Bryan — Director
- Sophie W Bryan — Director
- Douglas D Collins — Director
- Katherine Wolovsky — Director
- Mark M Collins Jr — Director
- Phyllis D Collins — Director
- Robert De Luxembourg — Director
- Joan M Frost — Director
- Frances Collins — Director
- Marcus Siezing — Vice President, Treasurer
- Eileen B Kane — Secretary
The Dillon Fund is led by Charlotte Cunningham, President since 2024 (on filings since 2020); none of the 12 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Charlotte Cunningham
President
Director → President, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas D. Collins
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Douglas Dillon Bryan
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Frances Collins
Director
Director → President & Director, 2021
President & Director → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joan M. Frost
Director
President → Director, 2021
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Katherine Wolovsky
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mark M. Collins Jr.
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Phyllis D. Collins
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert De Luxembourg
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sophie W. Bryan
Director
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eileen B. Kane
Secretary
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Marcus Siezing
Vice President & Treasurer
On filings since 2020
0.2 hrs/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 The Dillon Fund
How much does The Dillon Fund give each year?
The Dillon Fund gave $2.1M across 54 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.8M across 52 grants.
What is The Dillon Fund's typical grant size?
The Dillon Fund's median grant in 2024 was $15,000, and its average grant was $38,185, across 54 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Dillon Fund give grants?
The Dillon Fund's top state is New York, with 35% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Massachusetts (16%) and Maryland (16%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (10 grants), Baltimore, MD (3 grants), Islesboro, ME (3 grants) and Boston, MA (3 grants).
Does The Dillon Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 69% of The Dillon Fund's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (37 of 54) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Dillon Fund's largest grantees?
The Dillon Fund's largest 2024 grantees include The POLG Foundation Inc ($560,000), Eaglebrook School ($255,000) and The Nature Conservancy - MDDC Chapter ($135,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 46% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Dillon Fund?
The Dillon Fund reported $31.4M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.1M (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 Dillon Fund fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants show support for a range of organizations and purposes. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Dillon Fund?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Dillon Fund's EIN?
The Dillon Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-6400226. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Dillon Fund 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 October 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 The Dillon Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Clarence & Anne Dillon Dunwalke Trust
New York, NY
The Trust’s 2025 grants supported organizations working in areas such as housing, education, medical research, arts, environmental conservation, and community services. It made 68 grants ranging from $1,000 to $220,000, with a median of $10,000; recipients were mainly in Maine, New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts. It gives only to preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$29.1M
Grants
68
Total Given
$1.5M
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
Aetna Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
Aetna Foundation supported health and wellness, access to health care, and related community needs; its 2021 grants ranged from $5,000 to $1 million, with a median of $40,000, and went to organizations across multiple states, especially in D.C. and Connecticut. Its 2021 filing was marked final, so it appears to have ended or be winding down grantmaking; that filing said there were no restrictions on who could apply and pointed applicants to its website for application materials.
Assets
—
Grants
65
Total Given
$7.2M
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 Chicago Community Trust
Chicago, IL
The Chicago Community Trust funds eligible nonprofits working to narrow the wealth gap and meet urgent needs, with priorities including economic mobility, education, jobs, homeownership, and community development in metropolitan Chicago and Cook County. Its 2025 grants had a median of $26,500, though amounts varied widely; the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$7.1B
Grants
4,316
Total Given
$1.2B
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
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Dillon Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-dillon-fund-morg_3e99a786deea42a5b20528d355c8eb74
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_136400226_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Dillon Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-dillon-fund-morg_3e99a786deea42a5b20528d355c8eb74},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 Dillon Fund'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 Dillon Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?