The Forth Foundation

Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Inc

New York, NY

The Helen Frankenthaler Foundation supports visual arts and education, cultural organizations’ capacity and core programs, and arts-sector energy efficiency and sustainability projects. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,500 to $3.8 million, with a median of $30,000, for organizations in the U.S. and internationally. It says it funds only preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.

Boston Foundation Inc

Boston, MA

The Boston Foundation funds equity-focused work in child well-being, economic opportunity, community wealth, and community leadership, primarily in Greater Boston. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, while specific programs offer awards from up to $15,000 to $50,000; it accepts applications through some competitive initiatives, but whether it accepts unsolicited requests generally is not stated.

Caplan Family Foundation

Owings Mills, MD

Credit Suisse Americas Foundation

New York, NY

Before dissolving on October 16, 2024, Credit Suisse Americas Foundation made general operating grants, with its 2024 awards ranging from $6,954 to $811,880. Nearly all 2024 grant dollars went to organizations in Pennsylvania, with 1% going to Illinois; it accepted written proposals with an IRS determination letter, with deadlines of February 15 and August 15.

Richard and Mary L Gray Foundation

Chicago, IL

The Richard and Mary L Gray Foundation funded a varied mix of cultural, educational, and disability-services organizations, with most 2020 grants going to Illinois recipients. Grants ranged from $500 to $6.37 million, with a median of $5,000; it terminated on December 31, 2020, after distributing its assets. Its filing said a letter requesting a donation was sufficient and there were no deadlines, but the foundation is no longer operating.

Middle East Studies Association

Tucson, AZ

The middle east studies association (MESA) is a non-profit association that fosters the study of the middle east, promotes high standards of scholarship and teaching, and encourages public understanding of the region and its peoples through programs, publications and services that enhance education, further intellectual exchange, recognize professional distinction, and defend academic freedom in accordance with its status as a 501(c)(3) scientific, educational, literary, and charitable organization.

Ernst & Young Foundation

New York, NY

The Ernst & Young Foundation primarily supports higher education and preparation for business careers, with additional grants for educational projects, social justice, and disaster relief. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,056 to $316,005, with a median of $13,525, and went to organizations across the United States.

Ponsold Motherwell Charitable Trust

Stanfordville, NY

The Ponsold Motherwell Charitable Trust supports arts and cultural organizations, educational institutions, and museums, with 2025 grants ranging from $20,000 to $1.15 million and a median of $100,000. Its giving is concentrated in Massachusetts, with additional grants in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, and other states in the region. It funds only preselected charities and does not accept unsolicited requests.

The Ford Foundation

New York, NY

The Ford Foundation funds organizations, individuals, and ideas working to reduce inequality and advance social justice, including work in areas such as immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, gender equity, and arts and culture, through grants around the world. Its 2024 grants had a median of $100,000, with amounts ranging from $45 to $15 million; it does not accept unsolicited requests by mail, email, or phone.

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.