The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is a private foundation based in Portland, Maine, that supports thoughtful, independent writing about the visual arts. Its central initiative is the Rabkin Prize, which recognizes visual arts journalists; when resources allow, the foundation also makes project grants for arts writing intended for broad public audiences.
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation at a glance
In short: The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation gave $651K across 76 grants in 2025 (avg $9K), top state New York. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $650,686
- +11.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 76
- +123.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $8,562
- -50.1% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $500
- Total assets
- $25,953,636
- +3.5% vs 2024
- Primary geography
- New York (21% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation’s 2023 filing states that it makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its website also provides a grant inquiry form for U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits; projects led by individuals or organizations without nonprofit status may be considered if they have an eligible fiscal sponsor. The website says the foundation does not fund projects outside arts writing or visual arts journalism, retroactive or completed projects, general operating support unless explicitly invited, or capital campaigns and major infrastructure projects. It does not provide individualized feedback on submissions.
- Review Cycle
- The website lists April 1 and October 1 as inquiry deadlines. The October 1, 2026 deadline has passed.
- Deadline
- The website lists April 1 and October 1 as inquiry deadlines.
- Contact
Mailing address: 50 Market Street 194, South Portland, ME 04106
Phone: (207) 536-1686
Website: https://rabkinfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was America Meredith ($52K). Together the top 10 received $211K.
Organizations only. It also paid 56 grants to individuals ($398,086), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
176 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 131 grants of 176 (74%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it supports arts writing throughout the United States and has particular interest in Maine-based projects. Its 2025 grant dollars went to recipients in multiple states, with the largest shares reported for New York (21%), Oklahoma (16%), California (11%), Illinois (9%), and New Mexico (8%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 76 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation gives
- Giving grew 20% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 104% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $507K (2023) to $698K (2020). In 2025 it made 76 grants totaling $651K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| America Meredith Norman, OK | Visual arts journalism prize; see part ix-a for more information | $52,000 |
| 31 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $386,000 |
| J Wortham Brooklyn, NY | Visual arts journalism prize; see part ix-a for more information | $52,000 |
| Local Media Foundation Lake City, MI | General Arts Writing Grant | $20,000 |
| High Museum of Art Atlanta, GA | Folk Art Grants | $16,500 |
| Artadia Brooklyn, NY | General Arts Writing Grant | $15,000 |
| National Trust for Local News Englewood, CO | Maine Grants | $15,000 |
| Indigo Arts Alliance Portland, ME | Maine Grants | $15,000 |
| Global Impact (Momus) Washington, DC | General Arts Writing Grant | $10,000 |
| The Architectural League of New York New York, NY | General Arts Writing Grant | $7,500 |
Ready to take the next step with The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin 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 | $25,953,636 | $1,558,160 | $1,311,871 | $650,686 | 76 | $1,201,469 | $1,461,323 | $1,160,271 |
| 2024 | $25,068,528 | $1,169,691 | $1,163,307 | $582,800 | 34 | $1,076,128 | $1,072,275 | $1,105,007 |
| 2023 | $21,393,203 | $984,685 | $1,018,845 | $507,000 | 22 | $914,417 | $896,859 | $970,561 |
| 2022 | $21,275,805 | $1,139,745 | $1,031,900 | $542,050 | 23 | $898,599 | $1,045,672 | $1,027,351 |
| 2021 | $24,161,490 | $2,196,355 | $991,470 | $562,750 | 21 | — | $2,099,849 | $1,069,718 |
| 2020 | $21,386,040 | $307,948 | $1,114,606 | $697,500 | 22 | — | $256,807 | $924,436 |
| 2019 | $20,042,681 | $280,257 | $988,442 | $530,000 | 27 | — | $295,233 | $895,687 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation reported a distributable amount of $1.2M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation describes arts writing as a way to build shared understanding, bring critical attention to creative work, and contribute to public life. Its primary funding initiative, the Rabkin Prize, recognizes excellence in visual arts journalism and is awarded through a nomination process. The prize carries an unrestricted award of $50,000. When resources allow, the foundation makes a small number of project-based grants for visual arts writing that engages broad audiences. It also expresses particular interest in writing projects based in Maine and projects related to what has historically been called folk, visionary, outsider, and self-taught art.
The foundation’s grant records include support for organizations working in journalism, arts publishing, and visual arts. For example, Local Media Foundation describes its mission as ensuring a healthy future for local journalism by reinventing news business models; Burnaway says it supports and promotes contemporary visual art and art media in the South through publishing and public programs; and High Desert Test Sites says it supports experimental art engaging with the local environment and community.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the foundation reported 76 grants totaling $650,686. The grants ranged from $287 to $52,000, with a median grant of $500. The foundation’s FAQ says most grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with larger awards made occasionally. The Rabkin Prize is a separate central initiative, awarded through nominations rather than an open application.
Among the largest reported 2025 awards were $52,000 awards to individual recipients for the Visual Arts Journalism Prize, and a $50,000 Lifetime Achievement Award to an individual recipient. Other reported grants included $20,000 to Local Media Foundation for a general arts writing grant, $16,500 to the High Museum of Art for folk art grants, and $15,000 to Artadia for a general arts writing grant. Additional grants included $15,000 each to Indigo Arts Alliance and the National Trust for Local News, and $7,500 each to Burnaway, the Architectural League of New York, and Social Good Fund.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mary Louise Schumacher as executive director, Nancy Karlins Thoman as president, Edgar Allen Beem as secretary, Deborah Irmas as treasurer, and Ax Mina and Rashid Shabazz as trustees. The foundation’s website also identifies Danielle Yovino as gallery manager and curator of the collection.
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation is led by Mary Louise Schumacher, Executive Director since 2024 (on filings since 2023); 1 of 6 officers listed in 2025 is compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mary Louise Schumacher
Executive Director
Executive Director Since → Executive Director, 2024
On filings since 2023
50 hrs/week
$25K (2023) → $150K (2025)
Nancy Karlins Thoman
President
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ax Mina
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rashid Shabazz
Trustee
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Irmas
Treasurer
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Edgar Allen Beem
Secretary
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Susan Larsen (2019–2023) — Executive Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $150K, to Mary Louise Schumacher (Executive Director).
Frequently asked questions about The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation
How much does The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation give each year?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation gave $651K across 76 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $583K across 34 grants.
What is The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's typical grant size?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $500, and its average grant was $8,562, across 76 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation give grants?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's top state is New York, with 21% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were Oklahoma (16%) and California (11%). The most frequent recipient cities were Portland, ME (3 grants), Brooklyn, NY (2 grants), Atlanta, GA (2 grants) and New York, NY (2 grants).
Does The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 13% of The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (10 of 76) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Travel Grants" (42 grants) and "Maine Grants" (5 grants).
Who are The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's largest grantees?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include America Meredith ($52,000), J Wortham ($52,000) and Local Media Foundation ($20,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 56 grants to individuals ($398,086), which are not listed by name. Together they received 19% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation reported $26.0M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $1.2M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation fund?
The foundation describes arts writing as a way to build shared understanding, bring critical attention to creative work, and contribute to public life. Its primary funding initiative, the Rabkin Prize, recognizes excellence in visual arts journalism and is awarded through a nomination process. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation?
The foundation’s 2023 filing 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 Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's EIN?
The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-4091650. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Does The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation 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
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 5, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS February 20, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS February 27, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS March 21, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS March 30, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Live grants for the work The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Andy Warhol Foundation
New York, NY
The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts funds U.S. arts organizations and cultural institutions advancing contemporary visual art, supporting artists, original work, experimentation, and related projects; it also supports some international organizations. Grant sizes vary widely, with a 2025 median of $50,000, and small-scale project grants are $20,000–$30,000. It accepts unsolicited proposals from U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations; international organizations must first submit a letter of inquiry.
Assets
$391.3M
Grants
203
Total Given
$17.2M
Onion Foundation
Auburn, ME
Onion Foundation funds Maine nonprofits working in the arts and environment, including nature learning, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $1,000 to $625,000, with a median of $15,000. It accepts unsolicited requests through its online grant portal.
Assets
$63.6M
Grants
245
Total Given
$4.4M
Terra Foundation for American Art
Chicago, IL
The Terra Foundation for American Art funds exhibitions, permanent-collection projects, and convenings focused on the visual arts of the United States and Indigenous arts of North America, with a typical grant of about $50,000. It supports organizations in the U.S. and internationally, and accepts applications through its open grant programs, which begin with a Grant Inquiry Form.
Assets
$620.6M
Grants
236
Total Given
$15.4M
Democracy Fund Inc
Washington, DC
Democracy Fund supports nonpartisan nonprofits working to strengthen inclusive, multiracial democracy in the United States, including free and fair elections, civic information and participation, and representative, accountable government. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $1.5 million, with a median of $165,000, and went to organizations across the country. It does not accept unsolicited requests; it identifies potential grantees through research and its networks.
Assets
$15.8M
Grants
237
Total Given
$49.2M
John E Fetzer Institute Inc
Kalamazoo, MI
The John E. Fetzer Institute supports invited collaborations that bring spiritual perspectives to social challenges, including faith and public life, spirituality and science, environmental work, and media. Its 2025 grants ranged from $52 to $2.35 million, with a median of $1,000; giving is concentrated in states including New York, Georgia, Washington, D.C., California, and Illinois. It does not accept unsolicited requests or have a public application process.
Assets
$829.6M
Grants
248
Total Given
$12.4M
Marguerite Casey Foundation
Seattle, WA
The Marguerite Casey Foundation supports community organizations, scholars, and initiatives advancing democracy, economic justice, community organizing, and power for excluded communities. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $1.5 million, with a median of $50,000, and went to organizations in multiple states; grants are invitation-only, and it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$876.6M
Grants
208
Total Given
$33.0M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maine
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-dorothea-and-leo-rabkin-foundation-morg_2b40d41d4fd64e92ad04135cd0c7af91
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_134091650_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-dorothea-and-leo-rabkin-foundation-morg_2b40d41d4fd64e92ad04135cd0c7af91},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. 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 Dorothea and Leo Rabkin 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 Dorothea and Leo Rabkin Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?