The Sondheimer Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) organization, located in Los Angeles, California. The foundation has been tax-exempt since January 2009 and operates as a family foundation focused on philanthropic grantmaking activities.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$1.1M
-5.1% YoY
Annual Giving
$600K
+6.4% YoY
Grant Count
20
-9.1% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$30K
+17.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Sondheimer Foundation reported a distributable amount of $693K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Grantmaking
Based on the most recent fiscal year data (2023), the foundation distributed $564,150 in total giving. The foundation maintains total assets of $1,117,146 as of 2023, with no outstanding liabilities.
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation is based in Los Angeles, California, with a primary address at 2346 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 8, Los Angeles, CA 90064-2125.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2023:
- Total Assets: $1,117,146
- Total Giving: $564,150
- Revenue: $543,000
- Expenses: $699,000
- Total Liabilities: $0
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $1,060,324 | $1,117,146 | $1,273,255 |
| Revenue | $693,802 | $542,992 | $490,266 |
| Expenses | $750,624 | $699,101 | $707,408 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $642,879 | $600,175 | $615,923 |
| Net Investment Income | $622,186 | $480,597 | $437,924 |
| Distributable Amount | $693,245 | $580,720 | $548,993 |
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
108 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Americares ($75,000), World Central Kitchen ($75,000), Aclu Foundation ($50,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| ACLU FOUNDATION NEW YORK, NY | CHARITABLE | $50,000 |
| AMERICARES STAMFORD, CT | CHARITABLE | $75,000 |
| CEDARS-SINAI LOS ANGELES, CA | MEDICAL | $35,000 |
| CENTER FOR REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS NEW YORK, NY | CHARITABLE | $50,000 |
| CENTER THEATRE GROUP LOS ANGELES, CA | CHARITABLE | $30,000 |
| CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES LOS ANGELES, CA | MEDICAL | $5,000 |
| GEFFEN PLAYHOUSE WESTWOOD VILLAGE, CA | CHARITABLE | $5,000 |
| INTERNATIONAL RESCUE COMMITTEE NEW YORK, NY | CHARITABLE | $30,000 |
| KCET COSTA MESA, CA | CHARITABLE | $5,000 |
| KCRW SANTA MONICA, CA | CHARITABLE | $5,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Officers and directors from IRS filings
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JANE RISSMAN | VICE PRESIDENT | 10 | $72,000 |
| RICHARD J SONDHEIMER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND TREASURY | 1 | — |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The Stephen Sondheim Foundation has announced inaugural grant recipients and established the Horowitz-Sondheim Clinic. Recent grants have been awarded to support mental health clinics and arts institutions, including grants to Steppenwolf Theater for a new play program and support to the Playwrights' Center.
Stephen Sondheim Foundation Announces Inaugural Round of Grant RecipientsContact Information
Telephone: 310-475-6861
Subject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a grant from The Sondheimer Foundation?
Based on the most recent fiscal year data (2023), the foundation distributed $564,150 in total giving. The foundation maintains total assets of $1,117,146 as of 2023, with no outstanding liabilities. The foundation has announced inaugural grant recipients and supports both mental health initiatives and arts organizations. Recent grantmaking has included support for theater organizations and new play development programs.
Where does The Sondheimer Foundation make grants?
The foundation is based in Los Angeles, California, with a primary address at 2346 Westwood Boulevard, Suite 8, Los Angeles, CA 90064-2125.
What size grants does The Sondheimer Foundation award?
In 2024, The Sondheimer Foundation awarded 20 grants totaling $600K — an average of about $30K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is The Sondheimer Foundation required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, The Sondheimer Foundation reported a distributable amount of $693K on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is The Sondheimer Foundation's EIN?
The Sondheimer Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 26-3060699. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Sondheimer 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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