Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation Grant

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

The Elizabeth M.
Elizabeth M. Pfriem was the daughter of a Polish immigrant coal miner moves with her family at the end of World War II from the dying coal mines of Scranton, Pa., to the prospect of a better life in the prosperous city of Bridgeport. When you talk about business impact and philanthropic influence in Bridgeport, Mrs. Pfriem’s legacy is to be admired with the likes of P.T. Barnum and industrialist Frank D’Addario. She went about her business quietly yet her impact was wide and loud that benefited school kids, neighborhoods, social service organizations, medical facilities and the Barnum Festival for which she served as ringmaster, the only woman to occupy that role in its 70-year history.
The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation is dedicated to improving the human condition by supporting public charities that provide education, health services, food security, and safe, affordable housing, primarily focusing on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area. The foundation's mission centers on facilitating provisions that help vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need. It supports organizations that align with its goals of enhancing education, healthcare, food access, and housing safety. The foundation is committed to sustainable, high-impact programs that address community needs, particularly in Bridgeport.
Foundation Grants
Grants are made by invitation only to 501(c)(3) public charities that demonstrate fiscal responsibility, strong leadership, and innovative programs poised for growth. The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation considers organizations that fit our funding criteria and align with our mission statement. The Foundation reviews Letters of Inquiry on an ongoing basis. Applications received after the deadline date will be considered for the following year.

Eligibility

Funding Criteria:
501(c)(3) public charities or the international equivalentFiscal responsibility and strong organization leadership/governanceOrganizations or programs that are innovative and poised for growth where Foundation resources have the potential for significant impactOpportunities to encourage philanthropy by leveraging Foundation resources to stimulate additional funding to these programsAlthough we identify qualified organizations throughout the United States, our main focus is organizations that serve the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area.

Ineligibility

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation Does Not Fund:Organizations that discriminate on the basis of religion, gender, race, ethnicity, political beliefs, or disabilitiesLobbying or political activitiesMajor research projectsAny commercial business purposeAny litigation that is underway, contemplated, or completedEndowments, building campaigns, special events or annual fundsDirect grants to individuals