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Altman Foundation

Annual Giving
$15.3M
Grant Range
$50K - $0.5M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $15.3 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not specified
  • Grant Range: $50,000 - $450,000
  • Geographic Focus: New York City exclusively

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1913 by department store magnate Benjamin Altman, the Altman Foundation has been a cornerstone of New York City philanthropy for over a century. With total assets of approximately $287 million and annual charitable disbursements of $15.3 million, the foundation has awarded over $370 million in grants throughout its history. The foundation's mission is "to enrich the quality of life in New York City through support for programs and institutions that advance opportunity and equity," with a strategic focus on helping individuals, families, and communities achieve their full potential through targeted investments in education, health, community strengthening, and cultural engagement.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation provides multi-year grants typically ranging from $50,000 to $450,000 over 1-3 years. Grants focus on systemic efforts rather than individual programs.

Education Grants (2025 Objectives):

  • Objective 1: Increasing high-quality learning time for disadvantaged children and youth
  • Objective 2: Expanding access to post-secondary educational opportunities

Priority Areas

  • Education: Technology education, tutoring initiatives, college access programs, professional development for educators
  • Health: Expanding healthcare access for underserved populations
  • Strengthening Communities: Building economic security for low-income individuals and families
  • Arts and Culture: Promoting youth development through arts engagement
  • Services to Non-Profits: Capacity building and organizational development

What They Don't Fund

  • Individual early childhood programs
  • Individual district schools
  • Charter schools
  • Public universities
  • Private colleges/universities
  • Programs outside New York City

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • Deborah T. Velazquez - President
  • Gary Stehr - Chief Financial Officer
  • Megan Crowley McAllister - Senior Program Officer

Board of Trustees:

  • Jane B. O'Connell - Chair
  • John W. Townsend - Vice President and Treasurer
  • Beverly F. Chase - Secretary
  • Additional trustees include James M. Burke, Wilfred A. Finnegan, William A. Goodloe, and Lisa Hinds

The foundation maintains Benjamin Altman's "extraordinary tradition of service" through strategic grantmaking focused on measurable outcomes and systemic change.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Altman Foundation Grant Portal at https://altman.fluxx.io/. The foundation currently accepts Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) primarily for their Health portfolio. Due to high application volume, "opportunities for new grants are limited."

Application Steps:

  1. Review foundation priorities and guidelines on website
  2. Register for Grant Portal account
  3. Submit Letter of Inquiry when opportunities are available
  4. Invited applicants submit full proposals

Technical Requirements:

  • Supported browsers: Google Chrome (preferred), Internet Explorer 11+, Safari, Firefox
  • Portal support available at info@altman.org

Decision Timeline

Specific decision timelines are not publicly available. The foundation notes that they maintain a substantial proposal pipeline, suggesting competitive review processes.

Success Rates

Success rate data is not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is stated, though the foundation notes limited opportunities for new grants.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and approach:

  • Systemic Focus: Prioritize initiatives that "expand or enhance multiple programs or schools" rather than single-site interventions
  • Measurable Outcomes: Demonstrate clear metrics for improving student social/emotional development, academic performance, digital literacy, or educational leadership effectiveness
  • Target Population: Focus on programs serving disadvantaged and underserved populations in NYC
  • Multi-Year Impact: Design programs that benefit from sustained, multi-year support
  • Organizational Capacity: Show strong organizational infrastructure to manage grants ranging from $50,000 to $450,000
  • Alignment with Objectives: Directly address the foundation's specific annual objectives, particularly in education

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation has limited capacity for new grants - ensure exceptional alignment with their specific priorities before applying
  • Focus on systemic, multi-site initiatives rather than single programs or institutions
  • Emphasize measurable outcomes and evidence-based approaches
  • Only NYC-based organizations and programs should apply
  • Multi-year funding is available for strong proposals ($50,000-$450,000 range)
  • Review website resources thoroughly before contacting the foundation
  • Consider Program-Related Investments (PRIs) for bridge financing needs

References

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