The Reginald F Lewis Foundation Inc
The Reginald F Lewis Foundation Inc is a private foundation based in New York, NY, designated as a 501(c)(3) organization. Founded in 1987 by pioneering financier and entrepreneur Reginald F. Lewis, the foundation operates as one of the largest African-American private foundations in the world. The foundation is committed to economic and social justice, particularly for African-American youth, and works to redress the consequences and legacy of institutional discrimination by investing in youth and expanding opportunity.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$24.1M
+3.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$614K
-2.1% YoY
Grant Count
61
+27.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$10K
-22.9% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to be a force for economic and social justice in the United States and beyond, particularly for African-American youth. The foundation is inspired by the vision of its founder, Reginald F. Lewis, who demonstrated a strategic perspective on addressing challenges and potential for progress among economically, socially, and politically oppressed communities.
Primary focus areas include:
- Education
- Arts and culture
- Children and youth
- Libraries and public libraries
- Information and communications
- Community development
- Human services
- Philanthropy and voluntarism
Grantmaking
The foundation has distributed significant resources throughout its history. As of December 2019, the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation had given away $30 million in grants since inception.
Review Cycle
.
Ready to take the next step with The Reginald F Lewis Foundation Inc?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation supports projects across numerous cities and states in the United States, including:
- New York
- Maryland
- California
- Los Angeles
- Washington, D.C.
- And additional locations across the country
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total assets: $24,140,280
- Total revenues: $1,828,355
- Total expenses: $1,063,847
- Investment income and dividends: $489,610
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total assets: $23.4 million
- Total revenues: $926,000
- Total expenses: $1.32 million
- Total liabilities: $0
Staffing:
- 1 employee (as of 2024)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $24,140,280 | $23,375,772 | $23,773,636 |
| Revenue | $1,828,355 | $926,148 | $2,670,360 |
| Expenses | $1,063,847 | $1,324,012 | $2,692,772 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $877,518 | $1,124,568 | $2,404,562 |
| Net Investment Income | $1,633,571 | $740,496 | $2,421,691 |
| Distributable Amount | $1,426,197 | $1,346,751 | $1,592,601 |
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
198 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
- Loida N. Lewis – Chair and Director
- Beverly A. Cooper – Vice President, Secretary, and Director
- Anthony S. Fugett – Director
- Christina Lewis Halpern – Treasurer and Director
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| LOIDA N LEWIS | CHAIR AND DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| BEVERLY A COOPER | VP SEC. & DIRECTOR | 37.5 | $175,000 |
| ANTHONY S FUGETT | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
| CHRISTINA LEWIS HALPERN | DIRECTOR | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
In December 2022, the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation announced a milestone $5 million grant to the Barack Obama Foundation. The grant funds youth programs including My Brother's Keeper and Girls Opportunity, as well as the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
Reginald F. Lewis Foundation Makes $5 Million Commitment to Obama FoundationThe foundation continues its commitment to educational and cultural initiatives, with ongoing support for institutions focused on youth development, arts and culture, and community advancement.
Reginald F. Lewis Foundation Makes $5 Million Commitment to Obama FoundationRelated Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
Launa Beuhler Foundation for
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$2K
Grants
4
Total Given
$20K
Uw E J Madden Mem Open Hearts Club 10-214880
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$307K
Hindy's Foundation
BROOKLYN, NY
Assets
$142K
Grants
8
Total Given
$225K
Jeanne & Thomas Hardy Family Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$3K
Grants
3
Total Given
$3K
Ramsleg Foundation
BRIGHTWATERS, NY
Assets
$543
Grants
1
Total Given
$500
Druckenmiller Foundation
NEW YORK, NY
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
58
Total Given
$135.7M
Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with The Reginald F Lewis Foundation Inc on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities