The William G Pomeroy Foundation
The William G. Pomeroy Foundation is a private foundation based in Syracuse, New York. It supports community history through historical marker grants and works to improve the probability of finding donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients.
The William G Pomeroy Foundation at a glance
In short: The William G Pomeroy Foundation gave $4.2M across 203 grants in 2024 (avg $21K), mostly in New York. 58% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $4,211,109
- +21.0% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 203
- -10.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $20,744
- +34.7% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $1,950
- Total assets
- $114,901,391
- +18.8% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 58% first-time grantees (118 of 203, 2024)
- Primary geography
- New York (56% 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 William G Pomeroy Foundation
- How to Apply
-
The Foundation states that applications must be submitted online. Deadlines, restrictions, and limitations vary by program; applicants should consult the relevant program guidelines. For historical marker grants, the review and approval process also varies by program. Special-interest grant applications are reviewed by the trustees, with decisions typically made within six to eight weeks; applicants receive a response.
- Review Cycle
- Deadlines vary by program.
- Deadline
- Deadlines vary by program.
- Contact
Application contact: William G Pomeroy Foundation
Mailing address: 492 E Brighton Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: (315) 913-4060
Email: info@wgpfoundation.org
Website: https://www.wgpfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
6 open opportunities from The William G Pomeroy Foundation
Historical Transportation Marker Program Grant
The William G Pomeroy Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Hungry for History Marker Grant Program
The William G Pomeroy Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
New York State Historic Marker Grant Program
The William G Pomeroy Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The William G Pomeroy Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Central New York Community Foundation ($900K). Together the top 10 received $3.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,139 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,090 grants of 1,139 (96%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, 56% of grant dollars went to recipients in New York, 18% to Ohio, 9% to Florida, 7% to Massachusetts, and 2% to Tennessee. The Foundation’s website says its historical markers have been funded in 49 states and Washington, D.C. Its Legends & Lore program is offered in 14 states, while the New York State Historic Marker Grant Program serves communities in New York.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 203 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The William G Pomeroy Foundation open to new grantees?
58%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 118 of 203 grantees (58%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $11K; repeat grants $34K. How we count
Medians: $2K first-time, $4K repeat.
- 29% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 32% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 92% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Foundations have until the end of the next year to meet it. 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 $2.9M (2020) to $4.2M (2024). In 2024 it made 203 grants totaling $4.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Central New York Community Foundation Syracuse, NY | Donation | $900,000 |
| Fidelity Charitable Cincinnati, OH | Donation | $727,652 |
| Be the Match Foundation Webster, NY | Year End Gift | $400,000 |
| Gift of Life Marrow Registry Boca Raton, FL | Year End Gift | $400,000 |
| Dana Farber Cancer Institute Brookline, MA | Donor Selection Study | $300,000 |
| The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Rye Brook, NY | Year End Gift | $250,000 |
| Alzheimer's Association Central New York Chapter East Syracuse, NY | Sponsor the promise garden - walk to end alzheimer's and support of the mission of the alzheimer's association | $100,000 |
| American Association for State and Local History Nashville, TN | Donation | $100,000 |
| Museum Association of New York Troy, NY | 10 scholarship awards to the 2024 many conference, street traveling exhibition "voice and votes", sponsor 2025 annual conference | $76,080 |
| The Lafayette Trail Inc Baltimore, MD | 34 Lafayette Trail Markers | $66,300 |
Ready to take the next step with The William G Pomeroy 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 | $114,901,391 | $5,609,369 | $4,842,098 | $4,211,109 | 203 | $4,803,260 | $3,994,531 | $5,247,661 |
| 2023 | $96,709,252 | $2,187,293 | $4,343,015 | $3,480,916 | 226 | $4,307,854 | $2,173,132 | $4,309,707 |
| 2022 | $78,174,865 | $4,913,180 | $4,738,262 | $3,842,038 | 224 | $4,667,364 | $1,929,235 | $4,203,987 |
| 2021 | $102,359,072 | $3,654,074 | $3,862,351 | $3,188,221 | 225 | $3,817,045 | $3,075,559 | $4,752,202 |
| 2020 | $88,641,771 | $2,368,280 | $3,435,348 | $2,895,774 | 261 | — | $2,131,982 | $3,750,120 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The William G Pomeroy Foundation reported a distributable amount of $5.2M 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
The Foundation’s stated mission is to support the celebration and preservation of community history and to improve the probability of finding appropriate donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients. Its historical marker grants support cast-aluminum, roadside-style markers developed in partnership with the Foundation. The Foundation says it does not fund plaques, interpretive signs, or markers made from other materials through its general marker grant offering.
Supported organizations include historical, cultural, health, and community organizations. For example, the Central New York Community Foundation describes its mission as fostering a thriving and equitable Central New York region through community giving and stewardship of charitable resources. The Museum Association of New York says it inspires, connects, and strengthens New York’s cultural community. Crouse Health Foundation describes its role as supporting Crouse Hospital in patient care and community health.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the Foundation reported 203 grants totaling $4,211,109. Awards ranged from $50 to $900,000, with a median of $1,950. Among its largest grants were $900,000 to Central New York Community Foundation, $727,652 to Fidelity Charitable, $400,000 each to Be The Match Foundation and Gift of Life Marrow Registry, and $300,000 to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Other notable grants included $250,000 to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, $100,000 to the Alzheimer’s Association Central New York Chapter, and $100,000 to the American Association for State and Local History.
The Foundation’s website describes signature and partner historical-marker programs. Its program offerings include the National Register Signage Grant Program for public properties and historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program, and the New York State Historic Marker Grant Program. The New York State program covers significant people, places, things, or events from 1683 to 1925. General marker-grant eligibility includes 501(c)(3) organizations, nonprofit academic institutions, and local, state, and federal government entities. Individual program guidelines vary.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists William G. Pomeroy and Paula Miller as trustees, Laura Pomeroy-Gerber as a trustee, Deryn Pomeroy as director of strategic unit, and William H. Brower as executive director.
The William G Pomeroy Foundation is led by William H. Brower, Executive Director on the 2024 filing; 2 of 5 officers listed in 2024 are compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
William H. Brower
Executive Director
New on the 2024 filing
40 hrs/week
$61K (2024)
Deryn Pomeroy
Director of Strategic Unit
Director of Strategic Init → Director of Strategic Unit, 2023
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$67K (2020) → $4K (2024)
Paula Miller
Trustee
Executive Director → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2020
5 hrs/week
$88K (2020) → $0 (2024)
William G. Pomeroy
Trustee
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Laura Pomeroy-Gerber
Trustee
On filings since 2022
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: Carrie Berse (2022–2023) — Executive Director
- Former: Sandra Pomeroy (2020–2021) — Trustee
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.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $61K, to William H Brower (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The William G Pomeroy Foundation
How much does The William G Pomeroy Foundation give each year?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation gave $4.2M across 203 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $3.5M across 226 grants.
What is The William G Pomeroy Foundation's typical grant size?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $1,950, and its average grant was $20,744, across 203 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The William G Pomeroy Foundation that year got $11K on average.
Where does The William G Pomeroy Foundation give grants?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation gives mostly in New York: 56% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The next largest states were Ohio (18%) and Florida (9%). The most frequent recipient cities were Syracuse, NY (10 grants), Rochester, NY (4 grants), Albany, NY (3 grants) and Warsaw, NY (3 grants).
Does The William G Pomeroy Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 203 grants with a stated purpose on The William G Pomeroy Foundation's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "NYS Historic Marker" (46 grants), "National Register" (22 grants) and "Historical Transportation Marker" (20 grants).
Who are The William G Pomeroy Foundation's largest grantees?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Central New York Community Foundation ($900,000), Fidelity Charitable ($727,652) and Be the Match Foundation ($400,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 48% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The William G Pomeroy Foundation?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation reported $114.9M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $4.8M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.2M (roughly 5% of its investment assets). Falling short in one year is not a violation: foundations have until the end of the next year to meet the minimum.
What does The William G Pomeroy Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to support the celebration and preservation of community history and to improve the probability of finding appropriate donor matches or other life-saving treatments for blood cancer patients. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The William G Pomeroy Foundation?
The Foundation states that applications must be submitted online. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The William G Pomeroy Foundation's EIN?
The William G Pomeroy Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 20-6572301. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The William G Pomeroy Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
IBM International Foundation
Armonk, NY
The IBM International Foundation funds education and workforce programs that build 21st-century and technology job skills, including initiatives for underserved students and job seekers. Its 2024 grants ranged from $10,000 to $8.48 million, with a median of $100,000, and went to organizations across several U.S. states, especially Delaware and Massachusetts. It funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$357.7M
Grants
16
Total Given
$11.7M
JM McDonald Foundation Inc
Wilmington, DE
The JM McDonald Foundation supports organizations working in areas such as community, arts and culture, the environment, health, education, preservation, and recreation, primarily in upstate New York. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,000 to $75,000, with a median of $5,000. It accepts online applications and considers grants beyond preselected organizations.
Assets
$35.0M
Grants
203
Total Given
$1.7M
Robert David Lion Gardiner
Riverhead, NY
The foundation funds education and preservation of Long Island history, culture, and historical artifacts, with particular emphasis on Islip and Suffolk County. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,152 to $500,000, with a median of $10,000, and it supports organizations and projects in New York State. It accepts applications reviewed twice yearly, but applicants must contact the foundation first; proposals are not considered without prior discussion and a site visit.
Assets
$122.7M
Grants
85
Total Given
$4.3M
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Concord, NH
The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits and students in New Hampshire across areas including health, education, housing, the environment, arts and civic life. Its 2024 grants had a median of $25,000, while its Responsive Grants offer eligible nonprofits up to $10,000; applications are accepted through that program on a rolling basis.
Assets
$1.2B
Grants
949
Total Given
$59.7M
The JM Kaplan Fund Inc
New York, NY
The fund supports environment, heritage conservation, social justice, and cultural work, including early-stage projects through its J.M.K. Innovation Prize. Its 2024 grants ranged from $300 to $1.5 million, with a median of $6,000; it funds organizations in the United States and beyond. Regular grants are by invitation only, but the Innovation Prize accepts applications.
Assets
$143.6M
Grants
275
Total Given
$7.4M
Cloudsplitter Foundation
Saranac Lake, NY
Cloudsplitter Foundation supports charitable organizations and projects that improve the environment, local economies, and people’s lives, primarily in New York’s greater Adirondack/North Country region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $150 to $215,000, with a median award of $2,000; it directs applicants to submit requests through its website.
Assets
$32.6M
Grants
274
Total Given
$1.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The William G Pomeroy Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 12, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-g-pomeroy-foundation-morg_d89eb908d2cb4b5dafb62bc43e8b6ebd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_206572301_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The William G Pomeroy Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-g-pomeroy-foundation-morg_d89eb908d2cb4b5dafb62bc43e8b6ebd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-12. 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 William G Pomeroy 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 William G Pomeroy Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?