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George Link Jr Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$2.1M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,800,000 - $2,400,000
  • Success Rate: N/A (Invitation-only)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: Not publicly disclosed
  • Geographic Focus: Northeastern United States (primarily Pennsylvania and New York)
  • Total Assets: $33 million

Contact Details

Address: PO Box 185, Pittsburgh, PA 15230-0185
Phone: 212-928-8188
Website: None identified
Email: Not publicly available

Overview

The George Link Jr Foundation Inc was established in 1981 following the death of George Link Jr., a distinguished New York attorney and judge who passed away in 1980. With approximately $33 million in total assets, the foundation distributes between $1.8 million and $2.4 million annually in charitable grants. The foundation was created through Mr. Link's will to "sponsor opportunities for higher education throughout the northeastern U.S.," though its grantmaking has expanded to include healthcare, religious institutions, arts and culture, and social services. Operating as a private foundation, it maintains a focused approach to philanthropy, primarily supporting institutions and organizations in Pennsylvania and New York. The foundation does not maintain a public website or published grant guidelines, reflecting its invitation-only approach to grantmaking.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not operate named grant programs but makes grants at the discretion of its trustees on an invitation-only basis.

Priority Areas

The foundation gives primarily for:

  • Higher and secondary education - Colleges, universities, and educational scholarships (including the George Link, Jr. Scholarship at Hamilton College)
  • Hospitals and medical research - Healthcare institutions and medical research programs
  • Culture and fine arts - Arts and cultural organizations
  • Roman Catholic organizations - Churches, schools, and religious missions
  • Children, youth, and social services - Programs serving young people and community needs

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly documented, but the foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications.

Governance and Leadership

Specific information about current trustees and officers is not publicly available in basic online profiles. The foundation was established through the will of George Link Jr., who served as:

  • State judge in Rockland County, New York for three terms during the 1920s
  • Counsel for the American Association of Advertising Agencies
  • Partner in the law firm of McKercher & Link
  • Graduate of New York University School of Law

According to recent tax filings, the foundation reports no compensation paid to officers, suggesting volunteer governance.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The George Link Jr Foundation operates on an invitation-only basis and does not accept unsolicited grant applications. Grants are awarded at the discretion of the foundation's trustees to organizations they identify through their own research and networks.

Organizations cannot apply directly for funding. Instead, grants are made to institutions and organizations selected by the foundation's leadership based on alignment with the foundation's mission and priorities.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable - the foundation does not accept applications. Grant decisions are made at trustee discretion throughout the year.

Success Rates

Not applicable for unsolicited applications, as the foundation does not accept them.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - the foundation operates by invitation only.

Application Success Factors

Since the George Link Jr Foundation does not accept unsolicited applications, traditional application success factors do not apply. However, based on the foundation's documented giving patterns:

  • Geographic alignment matters: The foundation has a stated focus on the northeastern United States, particularly Pennsylvania and New York
  • Mission alignment is critical: Organizations working in higher education, healthcare, Roman Catholic institutions, arts and culture, and youth services align with documented priorities
  • Established institutions appear to be preferred: The foundation's focus areas suggest support for established colleges, hospitals, and religious organizations rather than startup initiatives
  • Educational opportunity is a core value: The foundation's founding mission emphasized "opportunities for higher education," suggesting educational access and scholarship support remain central priorities

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process exists - This foundation operates exclusively on an invitation-only basis
  • Focus on northeastern U.S. - Geographic focus on Pennsylvania and New York, reflecting founder's connections
  • Education is foundational - The founder's will specifically emphasized higher education opportunities, and this remains a core priority
  • Substantial assets with consistent giving - $33M in assets with $1.8M-$2.4M in annual distributions indicates stability and capacity
  • Diverse but traditional focus areas - Healthcare, education, Catholic institutions, arts, and youth services reflect traditional philanthropic priorities
  • No public-facing infrastructure - Absence of website or published guidelines suggests a private, relationship-based approach to grantmaking
  • Trustee discretion drives decisions - Without formal programs or application processes, trustee relationships and networks likely determine grant recipients

References

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