The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation is a private foundation based in Rockville, Maryland. It made 58 grants totaling $2,815,684 in filing year 2024, with the largest shares of grant dollars going to recipients in Iowa and the District of Columbia.
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation at a glance
In short: The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation gave $2.8M across 58 grants in 2024 (avg $49K), mostly in Iowa. 26% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,815,684
- -27.2% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 58
- +3.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $48,546
- -29.8% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $43,603,388
- -1.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 26% first-time grantees (15 of 58, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Iowa (69% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests for funds and makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations.
- Contact
Mailing address: 2000 Tower Oaks Blvd - Suite 900, Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: (301) 984-7000
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Maharishi International University ($889K). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
283 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 244 grants of 283 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 69% of grant dollars went to recipients in Iowa, 12% to recipients in the District of Columbia, 6% to recipients in New York, and 3% each to recipients in Maryland and West Virginia.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 58 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation open to new grantees?
26%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 15 of 58 grantees (26%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $12K; repeat grants $61K. How we count
Medians: $8K first-time, $10K repeat.
- 74% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+18%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 141% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $1.7M (2020) to $3.9M (2023). In 2024 it made 58 grants totaling $2.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Maharishi International University Fairfield, IA | Unrestricted Funds | $889,340 |
| Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation Fairfield, IA | Unrestricted Funds | $677,128 |
| Africa College Fund Fairfield, IA | Unrestricted Funds | $262,500 |
| David Lynch Foundation New York, NY | Unrestricted Funds | $122,525 |
| Mganl Mother Divine Program Washington, DC | Unrestricted Funds | $98,162 |
| Maharishi Purusha Program Romney, WV | Unrestricted Funds | $71,080 |
| Maharishi Foundation International Maharishi Vedic City, IA | Unrestricted Funds | $67,500 |
| United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Washington, DC | Unrestricted Funds | $66,666 |
| The Barack Obama Foundation Chicago, IL | Unrestricted Funds | $50,000 |
| Natural Resource Defense Council Washington, DC | Unrestricted Funds | $35,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $43,603,388 | $2,674,578 | $3,514,606 | $2,815,684 | 58 | $3,312,148 | $1,745,302 | $2,353,386 |
| 2023 | $44,443,416 | $2,743,580 | $4,517,588 | $3,870,223 | 56 | $4,371,086 | $1,323,624 | $2,337,298 |
| 2022 | $46,478,934 | $1,973,866 | $3,139,376 | $2,455,256 | 52 | $3,005,818 | $1,060,367 | $2,472,128 |
| 2021 | $47,786,937 | $3,092,454 | $2,953,766 | $2,385,346 | 61 | $2,809,011 | $2,336,461 | $2,546,928 |
| 2020 | $47,703,575 | $1,706,745 | $2,198,421 | $1,693,161 | 56 | — | $1,071,852 | $2,427,731 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.4M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. Its 2024 grants included support for educational and charitable programs, Maharishi Vedic Science initiatives, education and entrepreneurship opportunities for disadvantaged youth, services for people affected by intimate partner violence, and cancer research collaboration.
These descriptions reflect grantees’ stated missions. Maharishi International University describes its work as supporting its educational and charitable programs. Africa College Fund describes its mission as providing education and entrepreneurship opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The Greater Washington Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Abuse says it supports victims of intimate partner violence, educates the community, and works to prevent future violence. Friends of Cancer Research describes its work as bringing healthcare-sector partners together to advance science, policy, and regulation.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation made 58 grants totaling $2,815,684. Grants ranged from $200 to $889,340, and the median grant was $10,000. The largest awards were $889,340 to Maharishi International University, $677,128 to Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation, and $262,500 to Africa College Fund. Each was listed for unrestricted funds.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Jeffrey S. Abramson was listed as a part-time trustee on the 2024 filing.
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation is led by Jeffrey S. Abramson, Trustee-Part on every filing since 2020 — the only officer listed, and uncompensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jeffrey S. Abramson
Trustee-Part
On filings since 2020
7 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Michelle Floh (2020–2022) — Chief Executive Officer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation
How much does The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation give each year?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation gave $2.8M across 58 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.9M across 56 grants.
What is The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's typical grant size?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $10,000, and its average grant was $48,546, across 58 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation that year got $12K on average.
Where does The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation give grants?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation gives mostly in Iowa: 69% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were District of Columbia (12%) and New York (6%). The most frequent recipient cities were Washington, DC (17 grants), New York, NY (8 grants), Fairfield, IA (6 grants) and Arlington, VA (3 grants).
Does The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (58 of 58) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's largest grantees?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Maharishi International University ($889,340), Brahmananda Saraswati Foundation ($677,128) and Africa College Fund ($262,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 65% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation reported $43.6M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.4M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation fund?
No mission statement for the foundation is provided. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation?
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 Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's EIN?
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-4116761. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(6)
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 15, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 15, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS November 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Live grants for the work The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation funds
Philanthropy, Voluntarism & Grantmaking Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders with grantees in common, and similar funders in Maryland
Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Mountain View, CA
Silicon Valley Community Foundation funds work in areas such as housing, economic security, education, health, the environment, arts and culture, and civic engagement, with Community Action Grants supporting local, community-led organizations in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Its 2024 grants had a median of $51,716, though amounts varied widely; applications depend on the program, and SVCF states that it does not accept unsolicited proposals for advised funds.
Assets
$12.3B
Grants
3,576
Total Given
$3.2B
Annie E Casey Foundation Inc
Baltimore, MD
The Annie E. Casey Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits and other partners working to improve outcomes for children and young people, including family strengthening, child welfare, education, employment, community development and juvenile justice. In 2024, grants ranged from $50 to $1,185,000, with a median of $40,000. Grants are by invitation only; it does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.3B
Grants
1,462
Total Given
$93.1M
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg
Owings Mills, MD
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation funds direct services, programs, general operations, and capital projects in housing, health, jobs, education, and aging for low-income and vulnerable people. Its 2024 grants had a median of $50,000; its Small Grants Program offers up to $50,000 over two years, with funding focused on Baltimore, Hawaiʻi, Israel, and Northeastern Pennsylvania. It awards grants by invitation only and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.8B
Grants
872
Total Given
$127.8M
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD
Johns Hopkins University funds a broad range of education, research, health, and community-related work, with 2025 grants ranging from $5,500 to nearly $95 million and a median of $100,000; many of the largest awards were sub-awards. Its grants went to organizations across the U.S., with the largest shares in California and Maryland, and the profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$25.3B
Grants
813
Total Given
$594.1M
The Keith Campbell Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Keith Campbell Foundation funds nonprofits working for equitable, livable communities, especially on watershed health, clean water, agriculture, and related community needs, with a focus on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays and California’s San Francisco Bay watershed. Giving varies widely: 2024 grants ranged from $40 to $1.5 million, with a median of $5,000. It accepts unsolicited requests, with two application cycles per year.
Assets
$420.2M
Grants
688
Total Given
$27.9M
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Bethesda, MD
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation funds cystic fibrosis research, drug development, specialized care, and related training and clinical programs. In 2024, its grants had a median of about $150,000, with awards ranging from $2,800 to nearly $12.9 million; it supports work nationwide. Applications are submitted through specific funding opportunities, but the profile does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$5.0B
Grants
624
Total Given
$189.6M
More similar funders
More Funders in Maryland
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 22, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-rona-and-jeffrey-abramson-foundation-morg_a42a450cab384820a9abb21ced361391
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_454116761_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-rona-and-jeffrey-abramson-foundation-morg_a42a450cab384820a9abb21ced361391},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-22. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
The Rona and Jeffrey Abramson Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?