The William H Donner Foundation Inc
The William H. Donner Foundation Inc. is a private foundation based in Tarrytown, New York. Established in 1962, it is a family foundation that invests in creative solutions to critical problems and supports initiatives at community, national, and international levels.
The William H Donner Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: The William H Donner Foundation Inc gave $10.4M across 288 grants in 2024 (avg $36K), top state California. 29% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $10,419,567
- -25.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 288
- -17.0% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $36,179
- -10.6% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $200,687,998
- -0.4% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 29% first-time grantees (75 of 257, 2024)
- Primary geography
- California (29% 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 H Donner Foundation Inc
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- Invitation Only
-
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Its granting is by invitation only; staff, members, and advisors engage with current partners and the wider charitable sector to identify opportunities.
- Contact
Mailing address: 520 White Plains Road 500, Tarrytown, NY 10591-5118
Phone: (914) 524-0404
Website: https://whdonner.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who The William H Donner Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Grassroots International Inc ($354K). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
1,404 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,146 grants of 1,404 (82%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
In 2024, the largest shares of grant dollars by recipient state went to California (29%), New York (13%), Virginia (8%), Massachusetts (8%), and the District of Columbia (6%).
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 288 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The William H Donner Foundation Inc open to new grantees?
29%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 75 of 257 grantees (29%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $43K; repeat grants $40K. How we count
Medians: $20K first-time, $22K repeat.
- 60% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2021 to 2024 (+17%). Method
- In 2024 it paid out 115% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2021–2024). 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 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $8.4M (2022) to $14.0M (2023). In 2024 it made 288 grants totaling $10.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Grassroots International Inc Jamaica Plain, MA | General Support | $354,100 |
| Humanity in Action Inc Brooklyn, NY | General Support | $250,000 |
| Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook Inc Farmington, CT | General Support | $250,000 |
| President and Fellows of Harvard College Boston, MA | General Support | $249,000 |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation Monterey, CA | General Support | $238,200 |
| Common Counsel Foundation Oakland, CA | Native Voices Rising | $204,100 |
| Preservation Hall Foundation Inc New Orleans, LA | General Support | $185,650 |
| Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation Bozeman, MT | General Support | $175,000 |
| NP2 Greenbrae, CA | General Support | $150,000 |
| Turtle Survival Alliance N Charleston, SC | General Support | $150,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The William H Donner Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The foundation states that it operates with income from its endowment and that its board oversees investments and the allocation of resources.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $200,687,998 | $6,118,383 | $15,048,262 | $10,419,567 | 288 | $11,612,056 | $3,262,753 | $10,055,055 |
| 2023 | $201,537,754 | $7,089,554 | $18,288,671 | $14,041,093 | 347 | $14,895,435 | $4,002,875 | $10,500,189 |
| 2022 | $212,281,903 | $21,761,180 | $13,007,537 | $8,398,214 | 378 | $9,242,238 | $18,126,964 | $10,971,169 |
| 2021 | $241,326,212 | $17,980,596 | $13,408,993 | $8,893,280 | 391 | — | $14,616,004 | $10,450,016 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The William H Donner Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $10.1M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation describes its approach as investing in creative solutions to critical problems and identifies environmental, social, and public policy as sectors in which it supports organizations.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate a range of work. Grassroots International describes its work as connecting people in the U.S. with global movements defending land, water, food, and human rights. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation says its mission is to inspire ocean conservation. Common Counsel Foundation describes its work as advancing equity and environmental health through grantmaking and philanthropic advising. Amazon Watch says it works to protect the rainforest and advance Indigenous peoples’ rights in the Amazon Basin.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 288 grants totaling $10,419,567. Grant amounts ranged from $2,500 to $354,100, with a median of $20,000.
The largest reported grant was $354,100 to Grassroots International for general support. Other large grants included $250,000 each to Humanity in Action and the Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook, both for general support; $249,000 to President and Fellows of Harvard College for general support; and $238,200 to Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation for general support. Common Counsel Foundation received $204,100 for Native Voices Rising, and Preservation Hall Foundation received $185,650 for general support.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing listed David W. Donner as trustee and president; Christopher Roosevelt as trustee and vice president; Suzanne L. Spencer as trustee and treasurer; and Kaila Spencer as trustee and secretary. It also listed Timothy J. Donner, William Edwards III, Donner Hanson, Ashley Lainhart, Eliza Winsor, and Athena Washburn as trustees, each as of October 19, 2024.
The foundation’s website lists Helen McLean as executive director, Don Barclay as director of finance and operations, Karine Parvin as program manager, and Ivi Chatzikyriakou as program associate.
The William H Donner Foundation Inc is led by David W. Donner, Trustee & President since 2024 (on filings since 2021); none of the 35 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
David W. Donner
Trustee & President
Trustee → Trustee & Vice President, 2023
Trustee & Vice President → Trustee & President, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Helen McLean
Executive Director
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Aaron Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alexa C. Donner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Alexander Donner Esq.
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Anita Winsor
Trustee
Secretary → Trustee & President, 2023
Trustee & President → Trustee, 2024
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brittany D. Roy
Trustee
President → Trustee, 2022
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Christopher Roosevelt
Trustee & Vice President
Trustee → Trustee & Secretary, 2023
Trustee & Secretary → Trustee & Vice President, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cristina Winsor
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Curtin Winsor Jr.
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Deborah Donner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Devon Winsor
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Dillon Roy
Trustee
Treasurer → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Hunter Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
John D. Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Joseph W. Donner III
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kaila Spencer
Trustee & Secretary
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2023
Trustee & Treasurer → Trustee & Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Monica Winsor
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Rebecca D. Winsor
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Robert D. Spencer
Trustee
Vice President → President, 2022
President → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shane Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sharon W. Lainhart
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Suzanne L. Spencer
Trustee & Treasurer
Trustee → Trustee & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Timothy E. Donner
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2021
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ava Donner
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Parker Spencer
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sophia Washburn
Trustee
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Stephanie Hanson
Trustee
Vice President → Trustee, 2023
On filings since 2022
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Ashley Lainhart
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Athena Washburn
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Donner Hanson
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Eliza Winsor
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Nicholas Roosevelt
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
William Edwards III
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
0.5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (1)
- Former: Joseph W. Donner Jr. (2022–2023) — Trustee
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "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 William H Donner Foundation Inc
How much does The William H Donner Foundation Inc give each year?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc gave $10.4M across 288 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $14.0M across 347 grants.
What is The William H Donner Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $20,000, and its average grant was $36,179, across 288 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The William H Donner Foundation Inc that year got $43K on average.
Where does The William H Donner Foundation Inc give grants?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc's top state is California, with 29% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (13%) and Virginia (8%). The most frequent recipient cities were New York, NY (24 grants), Washington, DC (24 grants), San Francisco, CA (16 grants) and Oakland, CA (14 grants).
Does The William H Donner Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Yes: 83% of The William H Donner Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (239 of 288) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The William H Donner Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Grassroots International Inc ($354,100), Humanity in Action Inc ($250,000) and Society for the Preservation of the Great American Songbook Inc ($250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 8% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is The William H Donner Foundation Inc?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc reported $200.7M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $11.6M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $10.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The William H Donner Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation describes its approach as investing in creative solutions to critical problems and identifies environmental, social, and public policy as sectors in which it supports organizations. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The William H Donner Foundation Inc?
The foundation makes contributions only to preselected charitable organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests for funds. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is The William H Donner Foundation Inc's EIN?
The William H Donner Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 23-1611346. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Does The William H Donner Foundation Inc 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 September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The William H Donner Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
McKesson Foundation Inc
Dallas, TX
The McKesson Foundation funds cancer support and care, healthcare workforce pathways, and emergency response, with grants mainly supporting organizations in the United States and Canada. Its 2025 grants had a median of $100,000, though amounts ranged from $10,000 to about $2.47 million. Its filing says it does not accept unsolicited requests, while its application page describes an online application process with stated submission windows.
Assets
$1.6M
Grants
76
Total Given
$16.6M
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation Inc
Princeton, NJ
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation supports health access and stronger health systems, with a focus on adult and pediatric cancers, blood disorders, brain health, and clinical-trial participation in the United States, Brazil, India, and ten Sub-Saharan African countries. In 2024, its median grant was about $134,000, though awards varied widely; it does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests, and advises prospective applicants to contact the Foundation about its process.
Assets
$83.3M
Grants
144
Total Given
$67.7M
Synchrony Foundation
Stamford, CT
In 2024, Synchrony Foundation supported charitable organizations across workforce development, education, financial assistance, and giving, with grants ranging from $150 to $2.6 million and a median of $10,000. Its largest shares of grant funding went to Connecticut, New York, and South Carolina, followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey; it does not accept unsolicited requests and funds preselected organizations only.
Assets
$72.3M
Grants
394
Total Given
$20.5M
Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco the Peninsula Marin & Sonoma
San Francisco, CA
The Federation funds Jewish life and identity, antisemitism response, crisis relief, human services, and justice and inclusion, with work in the Bay Area, Israel, and beyond. Its 2025 grants ranged from $5,050 to $2,405,915, with a median of $22,750. It frequently issues requests for proposals and welcomes inquiries about new Bay Area programs; no current organization grant opportunities were listed.
Assets
$2.0B
Grants
1,032
Total Given
$94.5M
Marin Community Foundation
Novato, CA
Marin Community Foundation funds work in affordable housing and homelessness, community resilience and power, as well as social services, education, arts and conservation, with a focus on marginalized Marin County residents and some broader U.S. and international grantmaking. Its 2025 grants had a median of $25,000, though amounts varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.3B
Grants
1,573
Total Given
$186.1M
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
More similar funders
More Funders in New York
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The William H Donner Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 15, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-h-donner-foundation-inc-morg_9bff1f7f7faa4987a4e9425c657e78f7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_231611346_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The William H Donner Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-william-h-donner-foundation-inc-morg_9bff1f7f7faa4987a4e9425c657e78f7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-15. 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 H Donner Foundation Inc'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 H Donner Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?