The Lenfest Foundation Inc is a private independent foundation established in 2000 in Pennsylvania, headquartered in Wayne, PA. The foundation was created by H. F. Lenfest, a media entrepreneur and philanthropist, following the sale of Lenfest Communications to Comcast in 2000 for $6.7 billion. The foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to philanthropic giving in education, arts, and environmental causes.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Revenue
$663
-98.7% YoY
Qualifying Distributions
$21K
-99.4% YoY
Expenses
$21K
-99.4% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's giving focuses primarily on:
- Rural education scholarship programs developed by the foundation
- Major project support initiated by the foundation's founders and approved by its Board of Directors
- Education
- Arts
- Environment
- Human services
The foundation maintains a selective grantmaking approach, concentrating on initiatives aligned with the founders' vision rather than accepting broad unsolicited applications.
Grantmaking
The foundation operates on a preselected grantmaking model, making contributions only to charitable organizations that have been preselected by the foundation. The foundation does not accept unsolicited applications for funds.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation operates with a Pennsylvania base, with particular emphasis on the Greater Philadelphia region and rural education initiatives.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
According to the most recent available tax filings:
- Total Assets (2024): $0
- Total Assets (2021): $18,526,474
- Total Expenses (2024): $20,800
- Revenue (2024): $663
Note: The foundation filed a final return as of 2024 and is no longer listed on the IRS's most recent list of tax-exempt organizations.
A related entity, Lenfest Scholars Foundation Inc. (EIN 47-1810540), maintains separate operations with assets of $61,592,355 and total giving of $1,979,219 as of the most recent filing.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $228,583 | $3,753,705 |
| Revenue | $663 | $50,794 | $720,486 |
| Expenses | $20,838 | $3,601,856 | $14,131,768 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $20,768 | $3,558,182 | $14,027,164 |
| Net Investment Income | — | $5,045 | $30,210 |
| Distributable Amount | $10,514 | $85,810 | $647,711 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 0 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
155 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board Members:
- Dr. Keith L. Leaphart (Board Chair)
- Marguerite Lenfest (President)
- Joseph F. Huber (Vice Chair/Treasurer)
- Diane Myer (Secretary)
- Jeffrey A. Beachell (Director)
- Roger Lehecka (Director)
- Mozelle Thompson (Director)
- Wes Somerville (Executive Director)
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DR KEITH L LEAPHART | BOARD CHAIR | 1 | — |
| JOSEPH F HUBER | VICE CHAIR/TREASURER | 1 | — |
| MARGUERITE LENFEST | PRESIDENT | 3 | — |
| DIANE MYER | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| JEFFREY A BEACHELL | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| ROGER LEHECKA | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| MOZELLE THOMPSON | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| WES SOMERVILLE | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 35 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has supported various educational initiatives in the Philadelphia region, including academic support programs through Chester County Futures and scholarship programs for underrepresented youth. The foundation partnered with the Philadelphia Foundation to launch the Lenfest Immensitas Scholars Program, which provides support for youth aging out of foster care.
Lenfest Foundation Donates $100,000 to Aid Academic Support Programs \u2014\The founders, Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest, have committed to The Giving Pledge, pledging to give away at least half of their wealth to philanthropy.
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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