The Gottesman Fund
The Gottesman Fund is a private foundation based in New York, New York. Its 2025 filing lists 98 grants totaling $94,726,986, with most grant dollars going to recipients in New York.
The Gottesman Fund at a glance
In short: The Gottesman Fund gave $94.7M across 98 grants in 2025 (avg $967K), mostly in New York. 32% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $94,726,986
- +13.1% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 98
- -1.0% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $966,602
- +14.2% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $150,000
- Total assets
- $502,409,826
- -65.0% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (31 of 98, 2025)
- Primary geography
- New York (93% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Gottesman Fund
- 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: First Fam Llc 399 Park Ave 28 Fl, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (914) 450-6926
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Gottesman Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Montefiore Health System Albert Einstein College of Medicine ($27.9M). Together the top 10 received $77.9M.
Grant Size Distribution
482 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 150 grants of 482 (31%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, 93% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York. The reported shares for other recipient states were New Jersey, 2%; Washington, DC, 2%; Maryland, 1%; and California, 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 98 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Gottesman Fund open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 31 of 98 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $1.5M; repeat grants $708K. How we count
Medians: $80K first-time, $150K repeat.
- 54% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 280% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 161% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2025). 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 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $24.9M (2022) to $94.7M (2025). In 2025 it made 98 grants totaling $94.7M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Montefiore Health System Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx, NY | General Support | $27,938,620 |
| NLI USA Inc New York, NY | General Support | $15,000,000 |
| PEF Israel Endowment Fund New York, NY | General Support | $12,273,000 |
| American Museum of Natural History New York, NY | General Support | $6,000,000 |
| The Shefa School New York, NY | General Support | $5,400,000 |
| Foundation for Jewish Camp New York, NY | General Support | $3,000,000 |
| Yeshiva University New York, NY | General Support | $3,000,000 |
| The New York Public Library New York, NY | General Support | $2,000,000 |
| Children's Museum of Manhattan New York, NY | General Support | $1,666,667 |
| Jewish Communal Fund New York, NY | General Support | $1,605,499 |
Ready to take the next step with The Gottesman 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $502,409,826 | $279,865,509 | $1,214,075,922 | $94,726,986 | 98 | $96,503,016 | $166,728,153 | $59,820,127 |
| 2024 | $1,436,620,157 | $252,896,422 | $87,190,398 | $83,769,729 | 99 | $85,711,080 | $126,867,492 | $76,707,159 |
| 2023 | $1,270,914,132 | $1,044,524,963 | $37,781,637 | $36,797,527 | 91 | $37,596,287 | $14,970,338 | $39,143,637 |
| 2022 | $264,170,808 | $-2,596,565 | $27,073,697 | $24,897,117 | 99 | $25,779,427 | $1,582,971 | $22,569,985 |
| 2021 | $293,841,072 | $48,339,244 | $27,195,015 | $26,065,800 | 95 | — | $45,744,136 | $22,771,686 |
| 2020 | $272,687,059 | $28,182,500 | $27,434,839 | $26,153,992 | 107 | — | $20,939,943 | $19,277,590 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Gottesman Fund reported a distributable amount of $59.8M 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 available statements do not set out a mission for the fund itself. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations in several fields. For example, NLI USA says it builds U.S. support for the National Library of Israel and works to expand the impact of its collections, cultural programs, and educational resources. The Foundation for Jewish Camp describes Jewish summer camp as a community that strengthens Jewish identity and develops Jewish leadership. Yeshiva University says it provides education, training, research, and clinical programs.
Other 2025 recipients include the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, which describes its work as supporting early childhood development, and Mount Sinai Health System, whose stated mission includes patient care, education, research, and outreach. The Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nation’s Capital says it provides Jewish and secular learning. These are the grantees’ descriptions of their own work, not stated missions of the fund.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the fund reported 98 grants totaling $94,726,986. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $27,938,620, and the median grant was $150,000. The largest listed grants included $27,938,620 to Montefiore Health System Albert Einstein College of Medicine, $15,000,000 to NLI USA Inc, $12,273,000 to PEF Israel Endowment Fund, and $6,000,000 to the American Museum of Natural History. Each was listed for general support.
Other notable grants included $5,400,000 to The Shefa School; $3,000,000 each to Foundation for Jewish Camp and Yeshiva University; $2,000,000 to The New York Public Library; and $1,666,667 to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan. The fund also reported $1,300,000 to Mount Sinai Health System and $1,200,000 to Milton Gottesman Jewish Day School of the Nations Capital, both for general support.
The fund’s filing states that during the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025, three new private foundations were created by the next generation. Distributions were made to those foundations, and required expenditure responsibility was fulfilled.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Ruth L. Gottesman as co-president, William L. Gottesman as co-president, Alice R. Gottesman as chairperson, and Robert W. Gottesman as treasurer.
The Gottesman Fund is led by Ruth L. Gottesman, Co-President on every filing since 2020; none of the 4 officers listed in 2025 report compensation.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Ruth L. Gottesman
Co-President
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William L. Gottesman
Co-President
Treasurer → Co-President, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alice R. Gottesman
Chairperson
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert W. Gottesman
Treasurer
Co-President → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2020
3 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: David S. Gottesman (2020–2022) — President Emeritus
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "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 Gottesman Fund
How much does The Gottesman Fund give each year?
The Gottesman Fund gave $94.7M across 98 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $83.8M across 99 grants.
What is The Gottesman Fund's typical grant size?
The Gottesman Fund's median grant in 2025 was $150,000, and its average grant was $966,602, across 98 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Gottesman Fund that year got $1.5M on average.
Where does The Gottesman Fund give grants?
The Gottesman Fund gives mostly in New York: 93% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (52 grants), Washington, DC (4 grants), Brooklyn, NY (4 grants) and Los Angeles, CA (4 grants).
Does The Gottesman Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Gottesman Fund's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (98 of 98) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Gottesman Fund's largest grantees?
The Gottesman Fund's largest 2025 grantees include Montefiore Health System Albert Einstein College of Medicine ($27,938,620), NLI USA Inc ($15,000,000) and PEF Israel Endowment Fund ($12,273,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 58% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Gottesman Fund?
The Gottesman Fund reported $502.4M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $96.5M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $59.8M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Gottesman Fund fund?
The available statements do not set out a mission for the fund itself. Its 2025 grants show support for organizations in several fields. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Gottesman Fund?
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 Gottesman Fund's EIN?
The Gottesman Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 52-6061469. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Gottesman 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
(2)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS July 14, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Gottesman Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in New York
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 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 Gottesman Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-gottesman-fund-morg_4593f7e776524056a3704713fa44b278
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_526061469_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Gottesman Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-gottesman-fund-morg_4593f7e776524056a3704713fa44b278},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. 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 Gottesman 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 Gottesman Fund down — hundreds of funders to go?