The Howard Gilman Foundation Inc
The Howard Gilman Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation established in 1981 by Howard Gilman, a former paper company executive and philanthropist. Based in New York City, the Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the performing arts through strategic grantmaking and direct support to arts organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$630.1M
+6.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$27.8M
-31.9% YoY
Grant Count
392
-46.3% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$71K
+26.8% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation's mission is grounded in Howard Gilman's belief in the power of the arts to transform lives. The Foundation provides funding and support to New York City-based performing arts organizations that reflect the city's vibrant cultural community.
The Foundation's vision encompasses:
- A thriving and equitable performing arts ecosystem for New York City with reliable and ample philanthropic support
- Cultivation and celebration of all performance traditions, disciplines, and conversations
- Universal access to and affordability of the vibrant arts ecosystem
- Deep and authentic connections between arts organizations and their communities
Primary funding areas include support for performing arts organizations of varying structures, styles, and budget sizes, with particular commitment to geographically and culturally diverse organizations devoted to excellence in artistic achievement and audience experience.
Grantmaking
The Foundation awarded over 520 grants in 2023, totaling approximately $26.9 million. Recent notable grants include:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation exclusively funds New York City-based performing arts organizations.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of December 2024:
- Total Assets: $630 million
- Total Revenue: $35.6 million
- Total Expenses: $36 million
- Net Income: -$343,383
- Total Liabilities: $6.06 million
As of December 2023:
- Total Assets: $592.7 million
- Total Revenue: $25.8 million
- Total Expenses: $34.8 million
Staff: The Foundation employs approximately 7-9 staff members.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $630,112,052 | $592,743,063 | $556,112,726 |
| Revenue | $35,628,495 | $25,835,427 | $73,121,815 |
| Expenses | $35,971,878 | $34,794,757 | $35,383,080 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $30,398,064 | $43,395,396 | $23,143,005 |
| Net Investment Income | $36,138,968 | $24,767,559 | $71,854,727 |
| Distributable Amount | $29,981,192 | $27,408,046 | $27,761,013 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from The Howard Gilman Foundation Inc
CUNY Dance Initiative Residencies Grant
THE HOWARD GILMAN FOUNDATION INC
Amount
More than US $1,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
GO Queens Grant
THE HOWARD GILMAN FOUNDATION INC
Amount
US $10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Howard Gilman Foundation Grant - Current Grantees Renewed Funding
THE HOWARD GILMAN FOUNDATION INC
Amount
US $10,000 - US $30,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Laura Aden - President and CEO
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARY C FARRELL | CHAIR & TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| JOSEPH M SAMULSKI | VICE CHAIR & TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| MARVIN S ROSEN | TREASURER & TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
| DANIEL L KURTZ | SECRETARY & TRUSTEE | 2 | — |
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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