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The David Rockefeller Fund Inc

Annual Giving
$4.5M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.0M

The David Rockefeller Fund Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $4.5 million (approx.)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: $500 - $10,000 (typical)
  • Geographic Focus: United States (24 states)

Contact Details

Overview

The David Rockefeller Fund Inc, established in 1989 by David and Peggy Rockefeller, is a private family foundation with approximately $65.4 million in assets. The foundation is dedicated to advancing more just, creative, and flourishing communities by investing in catalytic ideas, people, efforts, and institutions. With annual charitable disbursements of approximately $4.5 million, the fund focuses on three primary areas: ecological regeneration, justice system transformation, and art for social impact. The foundation prides itself on its willingness to tackle difficult social issues that other funders often avoid, maintaining a nimble and collaborative approach to philanthropy that honors the Rockefeller family's charitable legacy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The fund provides grants to U.S.-based, tax-exempt non-profit organizations in three core program areas:

  • Arts Program: $500 - $10,000 - Cultivating and showcasing innovative art for social change, with emphasis on work that centers marginalized communities and advances social justice
  • Climate Program: Grant amounts vary - Supporting bold, science-based U.S. leadership on climate solutions, particularly focusing on communities of color most affected by the climate crisis
  • Justice Program: Grant amounts vary - Transforming U.S. detention and incarceration policy through support for grassroots organizing and decarceration policies
  • Community Program: Grant amounts vary - Supporting local non-profits in Mt. Desert Island (Maine), Tarrytown (NY), and Livingston (NY)

Priority Areas

  • Early-stage ideas and innovative approaches
  • Projects that can leverage additional funding through collaboration
  • Initiatives with potential to achieve scale or sustainability
  • Organizations mobilizing communities directly impacted by issues (60% of grantees)
  • Arts organizations advancing social justice and civic engagement
  • Climate justice organizing efforts
  • Criminal justice reform and decarceration initiatives

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation focuses exclusively on U.S.-based, tax-exempt non-profit organizations and does not appear to fund international projects or for-profit entities.

Governance and Leadership

  • CEO: Lourdes Rodriguez (compensation: $234,000)
  • Secretary/COO: Lexi Fisher (compensation: $176,392)
  • Board Chair: Camilla Rockefeller

The foundation involves multiple generations of the Rockefeller family in philanthropic work, providing a learning environment for family members to engage in grant-making.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The foundation appears to work primarily through invitation and pre-existing relationships, identifying potential grantees through their network and strategic priorities.

Getting on Their Radar

Based on available information, organizations interested in funding should:

  • Contact the fund through their web form at http://drfund.org/contact/ to introduce their work
  • Demonstrate clear alignment with one of the three program areas
  • Show how their work directly impacts affected communities
  • Present innovative, early-stage ideas with potential for scale

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

The foundation supports over 80 local non-profit organizations annually, though specific application numbers and success rates are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly stated

Application Success Factors

According to the foundation's stated philosophy, successful partnerships are characterized by:

  • Treating the foundation as "equal partners" rather than simply funders
  • Willingness to tackle difficult social issues that other funders avoid
  • Quick responsiveness and collaborative approach
  • Focus on addressing root causes of problems
  • Work that tests bold ideas and reaches new audiences
  • Clear potential to leverage additional funding
  • Direct mobilization of impacted communities

The foundation values organizations that can utilize their network and advocacy support beyond just financial resources.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The David Rockefeller Fund operates primarily as an invitation-only funder without a public application process
  • Focus areas are highly specific: arts for social change, climate justice, and criminal justice reform
  • The foundation values innovative, early-stage ideas over established programs
  • Geographic scope includes 24 states, with 40% of grantees doing statewide work
  • Typical grants range from $500 to $10,000, making this a source for seed funding rather than major support
  • Strong emphasis on organizations directly serving and mobilizing impacted communities
  • Building a relationship through their contact form is likely the first step to potential funding

References

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