The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman is a private foundation based in New York, NY. The foundation is dedicated to continuing Dr. Gerald J. Friedman’s philanthropic legacy and supports and promotes medical research, especially in diabetes, nutrition, nephrology, neurology, and oncology.
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman at a glance
In short: The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman gave $4.1M across 7 grants in 2026 (avg $586K), mostly in New York. Source: 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2026)
- $4,101,223
- +13.0% vs 2025
- Grants made (2026)
- 7
- +0.0% vs 2025
- Average grant
- $585,889
- +13.0% vs 2025
- Median grant
- $500,000
- Total assets
- $39,550,076
- -4.3% vs 2025
- Primary geography
- New York (100% of itemized 2026 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2026 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2026; updated October 2026.
How to apply to The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds.
- Contact
Mailing address: Co Baker Tilly 3 Times Sq 25 Fl, New York, NY 10036
Phone: (212) 840-3456
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2026
The largest 2026 recipient was Friedman Diabetes Institute ($1.2M). Together the top 7 received $4.1M.
Grant Size Distribution
36 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was in the $1–5M range: 9 grants of 36 (25%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
All grant dollars reported for filing year 2026 went to recipients in New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2026 grant dollars across all 7 itemized grants.
Cities
How The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman gives
- Giving grew 63% from 2023 to 2026. Method
- In 2026 it paid out 206% 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 2026, annual grant giving ranged from $2.3M (2020) to $4.4M (2024). In 2026 it made 7 grants totaling $4.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Friedman Diabetes Institute New York, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $1,200,000 |
| The Actors Fund of America New York, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $1,000,000 |
| Howl Arts Inc New York, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $881,223 |
| Northwell Health Foundation-Dr Mark Smith New Hyde Park, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $500,000 |
| Friedman Transgender Health and Wellness Program New York, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose | $300,000 |
| Rosie's Theater Kids Inc New York, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $150,000 |
| Northwell Health Foundation-Dara Major New Hyde Park, NY | An unrestricted grant to further the organization's exempt purpose. | $70,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $39,550,076 | $2,998,474 | $4,759,559 | $4,101,223 | 7 | $4,463,613 | $2,768,273 | $2,165,575 |
| 2025 | $41,311,161 | $6,056,127 | $4,524,336 | $3,630,855 | 7 | $4,111,732 | $5,731,727 | $2,175,776 |
| 2024 | $39,779,370 | $3,940,202 | $5,223,456 | $4,435,000 | 4 | $4,893,897 | $3,625,363 | $2,261,912 |
| 2023 | $41,062,961 | $1,392,972 | $3,383,523 | $2,520,000 | 7 | $3,003,978 | $1,054,508 | $2,430,768 |
| 2022 | $42,948,491 | $5,114,921 | $4,883,877 | $4,000,000 | 11 | $4,481,498 | $4,349,383 | $2,208,523 |
| 2021 | $42,624,164 | $1,802,778 | $3,828,800 | $2,926,250 | 11 | — | $1,437,731 | $2,097,334 |
| 2020 | $44,650,295 | $11,885,915 | $3,296,955 | $2,334,443 | 15 | — | $1,154,788 | $1,938,054 |
| 2019 | $27,292,246 | $5,150,513 | $3,188,003 | $2,765,395 | 10 | — | $473,816 | $912,243 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman reported a distributable amount of $2.2M for 2026 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s website says it supports and promotes medical research, especially in diabetes, nutrition, nephrology, neurology, and oncology. It also identifies support for the Gerald J. Friedman Center for Breast and Lymphatic Surgery, the Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute, the Gerald J. Friedman Transgender Health & Wellness Program, and the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.
Its 2026 grants also went to arts and human-services organizations. The Actors’ Fund of America describes its mission as fostering stability and resiliency and providing a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals. Rosie’s Theater Kids says it provides musical theater training and professional theater experience to underserved New York City public school children, enriching children’s lives through the arts.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2026, the foundation reported seven grants totaling $4,101,223. Grants ranged from $70,000 to $1,200,000, with a median of $500,000. The largest grants were $1,200,000 to Friedman Diabetes Institute, $1,000,000 to The Actors Fund of America, $881,223 to HOWL Arts Inc, and $500,000 to Northwell Health Foundation–Dr. Mark Smith. Other grants included $300,000 to the Friedman Transgender Health and Wellness Program, $150,000 to Rosie’s Theater Kids, and $70,000 to Northwell Health Foundation–Dara Major. The filing states that these grants were unrestricted contributions to further each recipient’s exempt purpose.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2026 filing lists Jane Friedman and Mary Ellen Lehmann as presidents, and George Serrano (deceased) and Michael Lehmann as secretaries and treasurers.
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman is led by Jane Friedman, President on every filing since 2019; 1 of 3 officers listed in 2026 is compensated.
Officers on the 2026 filing
Jane Friedman
President
On filings since 2019
10 hrs/week
$45K (2019) → $300K (2026)
Mary Ellen Lehmann
President
New on the 2026 filing
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Michael Lehmann
Secretary & Treasurer
On filings since 2025
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (6)
- Former: George Serrano (2019–2026) — Secretary & Treasurer · Filing note: Deceased
- Former: Judith Kennedy (2019–2025) — Vice President
- Former: Mark Satlof (2019–2022) — Vice President
- Former: Susan Thomases (2019–2022) — Executive Vice President
- Former: Dorothy Friedman (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Jennifer Gerson (2019–2020) — Vice President
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2026. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2026 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2026 filing was $300K, to Jane Friedman (President). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman
How much does The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman give each year?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman gave $4.1M across 7 grants in 2026, according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2025 it gave $3.6M across 7 grants.
What is The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's typical grant size?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's median grant in 2026 was $500,000, and its average grant was $585,889, across 7 grants on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman give grants?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman gives mostly in New York: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (5 grants) and New Hyde Park, NY (2 grants).
Does The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's 2026 grants with a stated purpose (7 of 7) were for general or operating support, per its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's largest grantees?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's largest 2026 grantees include Friedman Diabetes Institute ($1,200,000), The Actors Fund of America ($1,000,000) and Howl Arts Inc ($881,223), according to its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 75% of its itemized 2026 grant dollars.
How large is The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman reported $39.6M in total assets on its 2026 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman fund?
The foundation’s website says it supports and promotes medical research, especially in diabetes, nutrition, nephrology, neurology, and oncology. It also identifies support for the Gerald J. Friedman Center for Breast and Lymphatic Surgery, the Gerald J. Friedman Diabetes Institute, the Gerald J. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman?
The foundation 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 Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's EIN?
The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 13-4034562. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2026.
Does The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman 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
(3)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS January 15, 2020)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2026 (received by the IRS July 13, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Live grants for the work The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
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 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
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
The filing figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0. About GrantGraph Open
Figures come from The Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman'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 Gerald J and Dorothy R Friedman down — hundreds of funders to go?