The Mark W Blackman & Deborah
THE MARK W BLACKMAN & DEBORAH is a private foundation based in Darien, Connecticut. It reported 16 grants totaling $255,250 in 2025, supporting charitable organizations in Connecticut and other states.
Key facts about The Mark W Blackman & Deborah
In short: The Mark W Blackman & Deborah gave $255K across 16 grants in 2025 (avg $16K), top state Connecticut. 19% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- EIN
- 82-4393686
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025
- Annual giving (2025)
- $255,250
- Grants made (2025)
- 16
- Average grant
- $15,953
- Median grant
- $11,250
- New grantees (estimate)
- 19% first-time grantees (3 of 16, 2025)
- Total assets
- $2,124,988
- Primary geography
- Connecticut (42% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to apply
- The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Full details ↓
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology). Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$2.1M
+10.9% YoY
Annual Giving
$255K
+2.1% YoY
Grant Count
16
-11.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$16K
+14.9% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Mark W Blackman & Deborah reported a distributable amount of $146K for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Is The Mark W Blackman & Deborah open to new grantees?
19%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 3 of 16 grantees (19%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $7K; repeat grants $18K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $13K repeat.
- 81% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 86% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 175% 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.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grantees included organizations working in areas such as access to food and basic needs, environmental protection, criminal justice, and legal advocacy. These descriptions are based on the grantees’ own statements: Person to Person says it supports families and individuals moving toward stability with food, clothing, housing, and economic opportunity; Connecticut Foodshare describes its mission as responding equitably to hunger; Save the Sound says it works to protect and improve the Long Island Sound region’s land, air, and water; and Prison Policy Initiative says it challenges over-criminalization and mass incarceration through research, advocacy, and organizing.
Grantmaking
In 2025, the foundation reported 16 grants totaling $255,250. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $50,000, with a median grant of $11,250.
Ready to take the next step with The Mark W Blackman & Deborah?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2025, grant dollars were distributed among recipients in Connecticut (42%), New York (27%), Virginia (10%), the District of Columbia (8%), and Maryland (5%). The listed grants also included recipients in Alabama and Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 16 itemized grants.
Cities
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $50K (2020) to $255K (2025). In 2025 it made 16 grants totaling $255K.
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Brennan Center for Justice ($50K). Together the top 10 received $205K.
Grant Size Distribution
62 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 60 grants of 62 (97%).
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Brennan Center for Justice New York, NY | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $50,000 |
| ACLU Foundation of Connecticut Hartford, CT | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $35,000 |
| Nature Conservancy Arlington, VA | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $25,000 |
| Person to Person Darien, CT | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $25,000 |
| Doctors Without Bordersusa Hagerstown, MD | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $12,500 |
| Equal Justice Initiative Montgomery, AL | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $12,500 |
| Planned Parenthood Hartford, CT | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $12,500 |
| NAACP Legal Defense Fund New York, NY | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $12,500 |
| Connecticut Foodshare Wallingford, CT | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $10,000 |
| Norwalk Community College Foundatio Norwalk, CT | Fulfillment of Charitable Purpose | $10,000 |
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $2,124,988 | $674,051 | $256,987 | $255,250 |
| 2024 | $1,915,612 | $244,003 | $252,900 | $250,000 |
| 2023 | $1,979,029 | $65,183 | $234,955 | $232,500 |
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $2,124,988 | $1,915,612 | $1,979,029 |
| Revenue | $674,051 | $244,003 | $65,183 |
| Expenses | $256,987 | $252,900 | $234,955 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $255,250 | $250,000 | $232,500 |
| Net Investment Income | $69,583 | $59,250 | $63,442 |
| Distributable Amount | $145,748 | $123,681 | $111,348 |
Data update history
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 4, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS May 9, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS May 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS May 12, 2025)
- Added Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS May 13, 2026)
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mark W Blackman as trustee.
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah is led by Mark W. Blackman, Trustee on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mark W. Blackman
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
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.
Contact
Mailing address: 99 Long Neck Point Rd, Darien, CT 06820
Phone: (203) 655-5108
Frequently asked questions about The Mark W Blackman & Deborah
How much does The Mark W Blackman & Deborah give each year?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah gave $255K across 16 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $250K across 18 grants.
What is The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's typical grant size?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's median grant in 2025 was $11,250, and its average grant was $15,953, across 16 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Mark W Blackman & Deborah that year got $7K on average.
Where does The Mark W Blackman & Deborah give grants?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's top state is Connecticut, with 42% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (27%) and Virginia (10%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (3 grants), Hartford, CT (2 grants), Darien, CT (2 grants) and Washington, DC (2 grants).
Who are The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's largest grantees?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's largest 2025 grantees include Brennan Center for Justice ($50,000), ACLU Foundation of Connecticut ($35,000) and Nature Conservancy ($25,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 43% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Mark W Blackman & Deborah?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah reported $2.1M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $255K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $146K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Mark W Blackman & Deborah fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2025 grantees included organizations working in areas such as access to food and basic needs, environmental protection, criminal justice, and legal advocacy. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Mark W Blackman & Deborah?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's EIN?
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 82-4393686. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Does The Mark W Blackman & Deborah accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Here's the math on researching The Mark W Blackman & Deborah by hand.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Mark W Blackman & Deborah's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
Viking Global Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Assets
$7.1M
Grants
423
Total Given
$3.6M
Americares Foundation Inc
Stamford, CT
Americares funds health care organizations and programs focused on disaster preparedness and recovery, access to medicines and medical supplies, and community health services. In 2025, its grants ranged from $5,073 to $3.86 million, with a median of about $58,700; it works in the United States and internationally, reaching an average of 80 countries each year. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$372.5M
Grants
635
Total Given
$113.3M
American Savings Foundation Inc
New Britain, CT
American Savings Foundation supports education, human services, and arts and culture, especially programs serving children, youth, and families in Connecticut, with a focus on New Britain and Waterbury. Its 2024 grants ranged from $234 to $150,000, with a median of $1,750; Community Grants are capped at $5,000. It provides application forms for Program and Community Grants, but the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$107.0M
Grants
613
Total Given
$3.4M
Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
Hartford, CT
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation funds nonprofits addressing community needs, with priorities including racial equity, economic and social mobility, wellbeing, neighborhoods, civic engagement, and arts and culture. Its 2024 itemized grants had a median of about $21,600, and it primarily serves 29 Greater Hartford towns. It accepts applications through specific requests for proposals and grant cycles; eligibility varies by opportunity.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
613
Total Given
$52.0M
Eversource Energy Foundation Inc
Hartford, CT
The Eversource Energy Foundation funds U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on basic needs, education, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and economic or workforce development. It gives in Eversource’s service territory in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire; its 2024 median grant was $2,000, though awards ranged from $250 to $700,000.
Assets
$12.5M
Grants
606
Total Given
$6.2M
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
New Haven, CT
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven funds nonprofits working in areas including civic vitality, arts and culture, health, and education, with competitive grants for organizations serving its 20-town region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,154 to $2.8 million, with a median of $15,000; it accepts applications through specific grant programs, while most donor-advised and designated fund distributions are not open to applications.
Assets
$627.4M
Grants
505
Total Given
$23.4M
Fairfield County's Community Foundation Inc
Norwalk, CT
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation funds equity-focused work including education and youth development, economic opportunity, women and girls’ health, housing, civic engagement, and nonprofit capacity, primarily benefiting Fairfield County residents. Its 2025 grants had a median of $24,080 and ranged from $5,194 to $2 million; it accepts applications for some programs, including rolling capacity-building and small-grant opportunities, while Strategic Partner Grants are invitation-only.
Assets
$291.4M
Grants
448
Total Given
$25.7M
Ion Bank Foundation Inc
Naugatuck, CT
Assets
$15.3M
Grants
419
Total Given
$1.0M
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Yale supports education, research, scholarship, preservation, public service, and community organizations, including through sponsored research and fellowships. Its 2025 grants ranged from $3,000 to $14.3 million, with a median of about $136,000; recipients were based mainly in Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. The profile does not state whether Yale accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$58.9B
Grants
364
Total Given
$168.2M
Knights of Columbus Charitable Fund Inc
New Haven, CT
The fund supports Catholic organizations and other charities whose missions align with Catholic teachings, primarily through donor-advised grants; 2024 awards had a median of $16,250, though amounts varied widely. Its grants went to organizations across the United States, with the largest shares in Washington, DC, Ohio, Connecticut, Virginia, and California. It does not accept unsolicited grant applications.
Assets
$127.1M
Grants
358
Total Given
$77.1M
More Funders in Connecticut
The Mark W Blackman & Deborah down — hundreds of funders to go?