Bloomberg Philanthropies - Grant Information & Application Details

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $3.7 billion (2024)
Success Rate: Not publicly available (primarily invitation-only)
Decision Time: Varies by program; competitive programs typically 3-6 months
Grant Range: $25,000 - $100+ million (most grants: $25,000 - $1 million)
Geographic Focus: Global, with emphasis on cities and low- and middle-income countries

Contact Details

Website: www.bloomberg.org

Phone: 212-205-0100

Email: info@bloomberg.org

Address: Stuyvesant Fish House, East 78th Street, New York, NY

Application Portal (for competitive programs only): apply.bloomberg.org/submit

Overview

Bloomberg Philanthropies was founded in 2006 by Michael R. Bloomberg, former three-term mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg L.P. Led by CEO Patricia E. Harris, the organization encompasses all of Bloomberg's charitable giving, including foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies invested $3.7 billion globally, making Bloomberg the largest individual donor in America for the second consecutive year. Since its founding, the organization has given over $21 billion, making Bloomberg the third-largest cumulative donor over 25 years behind Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates. The organization directs its resources to five issue areas: environment, public health, arts, government innovation, and education, with the mission of ensuring better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. Bloomberg Philanthropies operates in 700 cities across 150 countries, reaching millions of people. In 2024, major commitments included $1 billion to Johns Hopkins University for free medical school tuition, $600 million to historically Black medical schools, and $250 million for healthcare-focused high schools.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Mayors Challenge - $1 million per winning city; $50,000 per finalist A competition designed to spark innovative, replicable ideas for improving cities. In 2025, 25 cities with the most inventive ideas will each receive $1 million and operational assistance, while 50 finalists will receive $50,000 and participate in an Ideas Camp. Application method: Competitive application process with specific deadlines announced on website.

Innovation Teams (i-teams) - Up to $500,000 per year for up to 3 years Small teams of experts in data analysis, design, and project management embedded in city halls to help mayors tackle their biggest priorities. The program has reached 83 cities across nine countries, benefiting over 65 million residents. In 2025, i-teams will launch in eight U.S. cities and up to 20 European cities. Application method: Competitive application process.

Asphalt Art Initiative - Up to $100,000 per project Grants for visual art interventions in public spaces in small and mid-sized U.S., Canadian, and Mexican cities (populations of 50,000+). The program assists cities using art and design to improve street safety, revitalize public spaces, and engage communities. Has supported 100 projects in North America and Europe. Application method: Annual competitive application, typically due in January.

Public Art Challenge - Up to $1 million per project Supports collaboration between cities and artists/arts organizations for temporary public art installations. Applications must be submitted by the mayor or chief executive of the host city. Application method: Competitive, when program is open.

Digital Accelerator for Arts Organizations - Grant amount varies Supports nonprofit cultural organizations in the U.S. and U.K. that have been in existence for at least 3 years with annual budgets of at least $500,000 (U.S.) or £500,000 (U.K.). Organizations receive a Bloomberg Tech Fellow and support during an accelerated 4-month planning phase. Application method: Competitive application when program is open.

Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use - Varies Grants to organizations in low- and middle-income countries to reduce tobacco use. The initiative has invested $1.6 billion since 2005 and spans more than 110 countries. An additional $420 million was committed in 2023 over four years. Application method: Competitive grant program jointly managed by Vital Strategies and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Data for Health Global Grants Program - Varies Targeted to ministries of health, statistical agencies, and other relevant agencies at the national, subnational, or municipal levels in low- and middle-income countries. Helps countries strengthen civil registration and vital statistics systems. Has partnered with 82 countries, supporting projects in 47+ countries. Application method: Rolling basis through online portal.

Strategic Partnership Grants - $10 million - $100+ million Large strategic grants to established partner organizations working in Bloomberg Philanthropies' five focus areas. Application method: Invitation only.

Priority Areas

Environment

Climate action and emissions reduction in cities
Beyond Carbon initiative ($1 billion committed, with additional $500 million in 2023)
C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group support
Ocean protection through Bloomberg Ocean Initiative (coral reefs, sustainable fishing)
Coal plant closures through Beyond Coal campaign (390 U.S. coal plants retired since 2011)
American Sustainable Cities ($200 million to 25 U.S. cities for emissions reductions)

Public Health

Tobacco control in low- and middle-income countries
Maternal health in Sub-Saharan Africa
Drowning prevention ($60 million through 2027)
Opioid prevention
Vision initiatives
Lead poisoning prevention
COVID-19 recovery for arts organizations

Arts

Strengthening local arts organizations through digital capacity building
Public art that transforms urban spaces
Bloomberg Arts Internship (2,250+ paid internships for public school students in seven cities)
Bloomberg Connects app (1,100+ cultural institutions)
Support for arts organizations post-COVID recovery

Government Innovation

Data-driven decision making in city governments
What Works Cities Certification
Local Infrastructure Hub (helped win $4.6 billion in federal funding for 2,400+ localities)
Financial Empowerment Centers
Supporting mayors with innovative solutions to urban challenges

Education

Financial aid for medical and graduate students
American Talent Initiative (138 colleges enrolled 18,000+ additional lower-income students)
CollegePoint program (70,000+ students provided free college advising)
Healthcare-focused high schools
College access and completion for high-achieving, lower-income students

What They Don't Fund

Unsolicited grant proposals (works through invitation and targeted competitions only)
Direct grants to individuals
Projects outside the five focus areas (environment, public health, arts, government innovation, education)
Permanent public art installations (Asphalt Art Initiative focuses on temporary interventions)
100% project costs for Public Art Challenge projects
Projects in countries not meeting income criteria for specific programs (e.g., Data for Health focuses on low- and middle-income countries)

Governance and Leadership

Michael R. Bloomberg - Founder Former three-term mayor of New York City (2002-2013) and founder of Bloomberg L.P. Bloomberg joined The Giving Pledge and has stated, "I've never understood people who wait until they die to give away their wealth. Why deny yourself the satisfaction?" His philosophy: "If you want to fully enjoy life—give." Bloomberg brings a data-driven approach to philanthropy, stating that the key to the overarching strategy is "using data to first identify problems, then target solutions and measure progress."

Patricia E. Harris - Chief Executive Officer Harris is the first and only CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies, overseeing all programs focused on arts, education, environment, government innovation, and public health. She is the first woman in New York City history to serve as First Deputy Mayor, a role she held from 2006-2013 under Mayor Bloomberg after serving as Deputy Mayor from 2002-2005. Harris oversees the organization's $3.7 billion in annual investments reaching millions across 700 cities and 150 countries.

Leadership Team:

Allison Jaffin - Chief Operating Officer
Tarara Deane-Krantz - Chief of Staff
Jemma Read - Global Head of Corporate Philanthropy
Rachel Nagler - Head of Global Communications
Antha N. Williams - Lead Environment Program
James Anderson - Lead Government Innovation
Verna Eggleston - Lead Women's Economic Development
Garnesha Ezediaro - Lead Greenwood Initiative

Bloomberg Philanthropies employs 413 staff members.

On Their Approach: Harris and the team emphasize a data-driven, partnership-based approach. They are "completely attuned to and in many ways sympathetic to the notion that funders who demand a lot of documentation from arts grantees are maybe not doing anyone a favor" and focus on metrics that "really matter." The organization is known for flexibility to respond to new challenges, working closely with city leaders, and breaking down complicated issues through strong partnerships across fields and industries.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

For Most Grants: Invitation Only Bloomberg Philanthropies does not accept unsolicited grant proposals for the majority of its funding. The organization works with existing partners on all of its key initiatives and cultivates its own relationships with large nonprofits and NGOs. According to the foundation, they are "always open to new ideas from new sources," but formal unsolicited applications are not accepted.

For Competitive Programs: Online Applications Opportunity exists through approximately 100 specific competitions and contests across Bloomberg Philanthropies' programs. When these programs are open, applications are submitted through the online portal at apply.bloomberg.org/submit.

Current Competitive Programs Include:

Mayors Challenge (announced periodically)
Innovation Teams (i-teams) - applications when expansion announced
Asphalt Art Initiative - typically annual applications due in January
Public Art Challenge - when program is open
Digital Accelerator - when program cycle opens
Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use - rolling applications
Data for Health Global Grants Program - rolling applications

Pre-Application Requirements:

Check eligibility criteria specific to each program
Most programs require city government or organizational partnership
Specific budget thresholds for some programs (e.g., $500,000+ for Digital Accelerator)
Geographic restrictions apply to specific programs

Decision Timeline

Timelines vary significantly by program:

Competitive Programs: Typically 3-6 months from application deadline to announcement

Mayors Challenge: Multi-stage process with finalists announced, then winners
Asphalt Art Initiative: Applications typically in January, winners announced in spring
Digital Accelerator: Accelerated phase is months 1-4 following acceptance

Invitation-Only Grants: Timelines are not publicly disclosed as these are negotiated directly with partners

Notification Methods:

Email notification for competitive programs
Public announcements on bloomberg.org and through press releases
Winners typically featured on program-specific websites

Success Rates

Success rates are not publicly available for most Bloomberg Philanthropies programs due to the invitation-only nature of the majority of their grantmaking.

For competitive programs:

Mayors Challenge: 25 winners from hundreds of applications (highly competitive)
Asphalt Art Initiative: 10-26 cities selected annually from eligible cities
Success rates vary widely depending on the program and quality of applications

The organization notes that most grants fall in the $25,000 to $1 million range, though strategic grants can reach $10 million to over $100 million.

Reapplication Policy

For Competitive Programs: Cities and organizations that are not selected are typically welcome to apply in subsequent rounds if they remain eligible.

For Existing Grantees: Bloomberg Philanthropies tends to provide ongoing support for existing grantee partners, with many long-term strategic partnerships spanning multiple years or decades.

No specific waiting periods are published for reapplication to competitive programs.

Application Success Factors

Data-Driven Approach is Essential

Bloomberg Philanthropies places high emphasis on data and measurable outcomes. As Bloomberg himself stated, the key approach is "using data to first identify problems, then target solutions and measure progress." Successful applications demonstrate:

Clear baseline data and metrics
Evidence-based solutions
Plans for measuring impact
Ability to track and report outcomes

Innovation and Replicability

The organization seeks solutions that can be scaled or replicated in other cities or contexts. The Mayors Challenge specifically looks for "innovative, replicable ideas for improving cities." Projects should:

Address challenges that are overlooked or underfunded
Offer innovative approaches to significant problems
Have potential for replication in other cities or contexts
Break down complicated issues into actionable solutions

Partnership and Collaboration

Bloomberg Philanthropies values strong partnerships across fields and industries. Successful projects often involve:

Multi-stakeholder collaboration (government, nonprofits, community groups)
Cross-sector partnerships
Engagement with community members (e.g., Asphalt Art projects have engaged nearly 5,000 residents)
Commitment from city leadership

Focus on Cities and Urban Solutions

With Bloomberg's background as mayor, the organization has a strong focus on city-level interventions. They work closely with mayors and city leaders, particularly in areas like:

Municipal government innovation
Urban climate action
City-based public health interventions
Arts and culture in urban settings

Track Record and Organizational Capacity

For programs accepting applications:

Many require organizations to have been operating for at least 3 years
Budget minimums demonstrate organizational capacity (e.g., $500,000+ annual budget)
Experience managing similar-scale projects is valued

Recent Funded Projects as Examples

2024 Education Grants:

$1 billion to Johns Hopkins University for free medical school tuition for students from families earning less than $300,000
$600 million to four historically Black medical schools to bolster endowments
$250 million over five years for 10 healthcare-focused high schools

City Innovation:

$200 million for American Sustainable Cities initiative supporting 25 U.S. cities with emissions reductions
Local Infrastructure Hub helped 2,400+ localities win $4.6 billion in federal funding

Public Health:

$150 million investment in health partnerships (July 2024)
$60 million for drowning prevention through 2027
Maternal health expansion in Tanzania, Malawi, and Nigeria

Arts:

Asphalt Art Initiative: 50% drop in crashes involving pedestrians/cyclists in project areas, 27% increase in drivers yielding
Bloomberg Arts Internship expanded to Detroit and New Orleans in 2024

Common Success Factors

Projects that succeed typically demonstrate:

Alignment with one or more of the five focus areas
Strong leadership commitment (particularly city leadership for municipal grants)
Community engagement and co-design
Practical, implementable solutions
Value for money and efficient use of resources
Flexibility and willingness to adapt based on data

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Understand the invitation-only model: Bloomberg Philanthropies primarily works through cultivated partnerships rather than open applications. For new organizations, focus on the competitive programs (Mayors Challenge, Asphalt Art, Digital Accelerator, etc.) rather than general grant applications.
Emphasize data and measurable impact: Bloomberg's approach is fundamentally data-driven. Applications must demonstrate clear baseline data, evidence-based interventions, and robust plans for measuring outcomes. This is not optional—it's central to their funding philosophy.
Think about scale and replication: Bloomberg Philanthropies favors solutions that can be replicated across cities or scaled to reach more people. Even if your project is local, articulate how lessons learned could benefit others.
Build city partnerships for municipal programs: For programs like Mayors Challenge, Asphalt Art Initiative, and i-teams, you need strong city government partnership. Applications submitted without genuine mayor or city leadership support are unlikely to succeed.
Focus on the five priority areas only: Don't try to stretch your project to fit if it doesn't genuinely align with environment, public health, arts, government innovation, or education. Bloomberg Philanthropies is highly focused and doesn't fund outside these areas.
Demonstrate innovation within proven frameworks: The organization values both innovation and evidence. Show how your approach is innovative while being grounded in what works. They fund solutions to problems that are overlooked or underfunded, not just incremental improvements to well-funded areas.
Be ready for partnership and engagement: Bloomberg Philanthropies provides more than money—they offer technical assistance, peer learning, and operational support. Show that your organization is ready to engage actively with the funder and learn from other grantees.

References

Bloomberg Philanthropies Official Website. (2025). All Programs. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/all-programs/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. (2024-2025). Annual Report 2024-2025. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/annualreport/
Inside Philanthropy. Bloomberg Philanthropies Grantmaker Profile. Retrieved from https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant/grants-b/bloomberg-philanthropies
Wikipedia. (2025). Bloomberg Philanthropies. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloomberg_Philanthropies
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Approach. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/approach/
Candid (Foundation Directory). The Bloomberg Family Foundation Inc. Retrieved from https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=BLOO422
Chronicle of Philanthropy. (2025, March). Michael Bloomberg Tops List of America's Biggest Donors for the Second Year in a Row. Retrieved from https://www.philanthropy.com/article/michael-bloomberg-tops-list-of-americas-biggest-donors-for-the-second-year-in-a-row
The Giving Pledge. Michael R. Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://givingpledge.org/pledger?pledgerId=172
TIME. (2025). TIME100 Philanthropy: Michael Bloomberg. Retrieved from https://time.com/collections/time100-philanthropy-2025/7286082/michael-bloomberg-titan/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Mayors Challenge. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/government-innovation/spurring-innovation-in-cities/mayors-challenge/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Asphalt Art Initiative. Retrieved from https://asphaltart.bloomberg.org/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Digital Accelerator. Retrieved from https://digitalaccelerator.bloomberg.org/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Innovation Teams. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/government-innovation/spurring-innovation-in-cities/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Patricia E. Harris. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/team/patricia-e-harris/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Data for Health. Retrieved from https://dataforhealth.bloomberg.org/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Bloomberg Initiative to Reduce Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/public-health/reducing-tobacco-use/bloomberg-initiative-to-reduce-tobacco-use/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. American Talent Initiative. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.org/education/expanding-college-access-and-success/american-talent-initiative/
Bloomberg Philanthropies. Beyond Carbon. Retrieved from https://www.beyondcarbon.org/
CNBC. (2025, March). America's top donor Michael Bloomberg gifted $3.7 billion last year. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/07/billionaire-michael-bloomberg-dont-wait-too-long-to-give-wealth-away.html
Inside Philanthropy. (2019, November). The Bloomberg Philanthropy Files: What Can We Learn From $8 Billion in Giving? Retrieved from https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/home/2019-11-25-the-bloomberg-philanthropy-files-what-we-can-learn-from-his-8-billion-in-giving

All sources accessed November 2024.