The New York Times Communities Fund
The New York Times Communities Fund is a 501(c)(3) public foundation based in New York City that supports nonprofits working to improve people's circumstances and enrich their lives through education. Originally established in 1911 as The Neediest Cases Fund by Adolph Ochs Sulzberger, then publisher of The New York Times, the organization has evolved into a major philanthropic vehicle supported by the newspaper's readers. The Fund has raised more than $354 million since its inception and currently impacts the lives of 1.5+ million people annually.
Financial Overview
From 2025 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$72.9M
+7.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$8.4M
+5.7% YoY
Grant Count
18
+12.5% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$466K
-6.1% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The Fund was originated to raise money to provide assistance to individuals and families in distress. Its mission centers on supporting local, national, and global nonprofits that help people improve their circumstances and lead more enriching lives through the power of education.
Primary focus areas include:
- Educational access and literacy support
- Vocational training and workforce development
- Assistance to low-income individuals and families
- Support for children, families, and elders in distress
- Programs addressing poverty and social isolation
Grantmaking
The Fund operates through an annual campaign model, with partner organizations selected by the Board of Directors to receive funding. For the 2025-26 campaign, the Fund is working with seven nonprofit partners to provide direct educational support aimed at lifting people out of poverty.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Fund primarily serves the New York metropolitan area, with particular emphasis on New York City and its five boroughs. However, the organization also supports local, national, and global nonprofits.
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
2024 Financial Data:
- Total Revenue: $9.56 million
- Total Expenses: $8.3 million
- Total Assets: $67.9 million
- Total Liabilities: $8.38 million
- Number of Employees: 0
Tax Status:
- 501(c)(3) public foundation
- Tax-exempt since December 1942
- EIN: 13-6066063
- Donations are tax-deductible
Rating: The organization holds a Three-Star rating with an 87% score based on accountability and finance metrics.
| Metric | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $72,889,166 | $67,944,916 | $58,700,182 |
| Revenue | $11,554,537 | $9,560,790 | $6,200,784 |
| Expenses | $8,697,265 | $8,297,931 | $8,503,281 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $3,758,762 | $1,611,185 | $-367,134 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
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 2025
Grant Size Distribution
76 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
From 2025 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIANE BRAYTON | DIRECTOR/SENIOR VP & SECRETARY | 0.3 | — |
| EILEEN MURPHY | DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT | 0.3 | — |
| HANNAH YANG | DIRECTOR/CHAIR | 0.3 | — |
| JAMES DRYFOOS | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| LARRY GILSON | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| MARCIA PARKER | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| NICOLAS KRISTOF | DIRECTOR | 0.3 | — |
| AMANDA SCHWARZENBART | ASSISTANT SECRETARY | 0.3 | — |
| BRIAN RIDEOUT | ASSISTANT SECRETARY | 0.3 | — |
| ELIZABETH HOLLAND | VICE PRESIDENT, PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION | 0.3 | — |
| MEHAL NAIK | ASSISTANT TREASURER | 0.3 | — |
| MICHAEL BROWN | ASSISTANT SECRETARY | 0.3 | — |
| PAMELA SUKHNANDAN | DEPUTY PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR | 0.3 | — |
| R ANTHONY BENTEN | SENIOR VP, FINANCE & TREASURER | 0.3 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Fund operates on an annual campaign cycle. Donations received after January 16 support the annual campaign, which begins in the fall. The organization is currently preparing for its 115th annual campaign beginning in fall 2026.
The New York Times Communities Fund Returns for 114th Annual Campaign | TheRecent beneficiary organizations have included First Book, Per Scholas (named for the third consecutive year), and OneGoal, among others selected for the annual holiday giving campaign.
First Book Selected for 2025 New York Times Communities FundSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
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Ramsleg Foundation
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Druckenmiller Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.8B
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$135.7M
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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