The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation
The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation is a private family foundation based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established in 1986, it operates as a grantmaking organization supporting nonprofit work across multiple sectors.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
—
-100.0% YoY
Revenue
$1.9M
+1001.0% YoY
Qualifying Distributions
$35K
-85.7% YoY
Expenses
$87K
-68.3% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation reported a distributable amount of $196K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation provides giving for arts groups, with support also directed toward education, conservation, and social services.
Grantmaking
Grant Range
of $10,000
Average Grant
approximately $11,200
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation focuses its grantmaking in the New Orleans area and broader Louisiana region.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Assets:
- 2023: $3.5 million
- 2022: $3.6 million
Revenue:
- 2023: $176,000
Expenses:
- 2023: $276,000
Giving Rate: Approximately 6.7% of assets (2023)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | — | $3,452,367 | $3,552,546 |
| Revenue | $1,935,870 | $175,836 | $210,255 |
| Expenses | $87,483 | $276,015 | $298,504 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $34,848 | $244,467 | $265,347 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,909,238 | $146,166 | $179,360 |
| Distributable Amount | $195,519 | $225,080 | $227,488 |
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
72 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for 2024.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Key personnel include:
- Stuart Benjamin – President
- Ned Benjamin – Secretary
- Arthur Wisdom – Trustee
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| NED BENJAMIN | SECRETARY | — | — |
| ARTHUR WISDOM | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| STUART BENJAMIN | PRESIDENT | — | — |
| ADELAIDE BENJAMIN | TRUSTEE | — | — |
| ANDREW WISDOM | TREASURER | — | — |
| MATTHEW WISDOM | TRUSTEE | — | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The foundation has been active in emergency response efforts. In partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation donated personal protective equipment to support medical staff, first responders, and the homeless population during public health emergencies.
Carl M. Freeman Foundation Awards 13 Grants to Local Nonprofits \u2013 WGMDThe foundation has also provided grant support to organizations focused on economic development and entrepreneurship in the New Orleans area.
Carl M. Freeman Foundation Awards 13 Grants to Local Nonprofits \u2013 WGMDFrequently Asked Questions
What does The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation fund?
The foundation provides giving for arts groups, with support also directed toward education, conservation, and social services.
How do I apply for a grant from The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation?
**Grant Activity:** • The foundation accepts applications • Recent grant activity shows 14 grants awarded in 2023 with a median grant size of $10,000 • In 2022, the foundation awarded 23 grants with a median grant size of $5,000 • Grant range: $4,000 to $41,000 • Average grant size: approximately $11,200 **Annual Giving:** • 2023: $231,000 in total giving • 2022: $258,000 in total giving
Where does The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation make grants?
The foundation focuses its grantmaking in the New Orleans area and broader Louisiana region.
How much is The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation reported a distributable amount of $196K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation's EIN?
The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 72-6123208. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Mary Freeman Wisdom Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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